The Alpaca Clothing Co

About

The Alpaca Clothing Co, a family run business set in the Lake District began breeding Alpacas in 1995. This was at a time when Alpacas in the UK were virtually unheard of as a farm animal, with only 250 in country. I began with three pregnant female alpacas purchased from a good friend Pat Bentley who at the time was trying to promote alpacas as a viable farm animal. My husband and I decided we would like to start a new Alpaca business to do all things alpaca. We built the Alpaca Centre store and stocked it with beautiful alpaca clothing and with Pat’s support, expertise and in-depth knowledge about the animal we became a national help line for people as they became interested in breeding alpacas themselves.

Alpaca has many advantages over other natural fibres. It is very silky soft against the skin and doesn’t irritate. It is hypoallergenic, it doesn’t pill, it is the second strongest to silk and will last for many years. We have had customers visit the centre who purchased an alpaca sweater 20 years ago and still wear it today.

Come and visit us and browse our unique handpicked collection of both ladies and men's alpaca jumpers, cardigans, coats, accessories, slippers, socks and a selection of handmade children's wear. You can also find gifts for all the family ranging from beautiful alpaca teddy bears, leather purses and wallets, hand painted ocarinas and many more unique gift ideas. We also offer a luxurious home ware range of blankets and throws and exquisite fur rugs.

We not only have our own exclusive range of alpaca goods, but other top brands too. We have an extensive premium clothing range from trouser specialist Brax Feel Good, silky soft pima cotton tops from Artisan Route, Leather handbags form Nova and an exquisite collection of sculptures and fused glass dishes from Harmonies In Wood.

Our tearoom serves the ‘The best coffee in the Lakes’ as quoted from our customers, alongside tea, hot chocolate and cold drinks. Add a fresh scone or a delicious slice of cake to your drink too. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Onsite we have a small herd of alpacas, which you are more than welcome to view free of charge.

Due to popular demand we now offer a mail order service and a catalogue which you can request by telephoning or simply visit our website and fill in the contact form.

Grounds are also home to our other family business, G&S Specialist Timber, expert hardwood timber merchants, specialising in quality hardwood dowels, moulding, doors, skirting, tools, machinery and more. They have also just welcomed The Little Greene Company offering a vast range of premium paint and wallpaper.

Located between Penrith and Ullswater, we are easily reached, minutes from the M6, Junction 40. Follow the brown tourist signs for The Alpaca Centre. We have a large free car park.

I am sure anyone new to wearing alpaca will love it, just like we do!



Tearoom

After all that shopping you can make use of our charming tearoom serving fresh coffee (said to be the best in the Lakes!), Lakeland tea, hot chocolate and a selection of cold drinks. Treat yourself to a scone or slice of homemade cake.

Grounds are also home to G&S Timber Crafts which supplies timber and wood turning blanks for the wood turner, furniture and cabinet maker.