Hilly Ridge Alpacas in Wattisham has branched into motorhomes, offering people the chance to start their holiday in a field of alpacas.

Ipswich Star: Alpaca My Motorhome is run from Hilly Ridge Alpaca Farm in Wattisham.Alpaca My Motorhome is run from Hilly Ridge Alpaca Farm in Wattisham. (Image: Alpaca My Motorhome)

Joanne Bridge, 56, affectionately known to her family as 'Nanny Paca', has launched Alpaca My Motorhome to provide "something a little bit different".

She has two six-berth motorhomes available to book out, each named after a different alpaca - Gary and Hurricane.

Ipswich Star: Two six-berth motorhomes are available to book, each named after a different alpaca.Two six-berth motorhomes are available to book, each named after a different alpaca. (Image: Alpaca My Motorhome)

"Gary is one of our naughtiest alpacas," said Ms Bridge.

"He's like a mischievous child, so there's no doubt that's the one that's more likely to give me some trouble."

Both of the motorhomes include an alpaca cuddly toy and a journal, which Ms Bridge hopes will come to document their adventures.

"We're mingling both the alpaca farm and my knowledge of motorhomes," she said.

Ipswich Star: Jo Bridge runs Hilly Ridge Alpacas in Wattisham.Jo Bridge runs Hilly Ridge Alpacas in Wattisham. (Image: Alpaca My Motorhome)

"It's more than just a vehicle, it's about starting your whole holiday experience here."

As a small business, she promises to always be on the end of the phone to provide a tailored experience for every holiday.

"We're booking for spring and summer now and would love to fill the alpaca journals with a variety of exciting adventures."

Ipswich Star: Alpaca My Motorhomes has two vehicles, named Gary and Hurricane.Alpaca My Motorhomes has two vehicles, named Gary and Hurricane. (Image: Alpaca My Motorhome)

Branching out into motorhomes is not the only way in which Hilly Ridge Alpacas has diversified their business.

During lockdown, Ms Bridge started 'Paca Pop-Ins', which saw the alpacas breaking into the boardroom to join company briefings as surprise Zoom meeting guests.

Ipswich Star: During lockdown, Ms Bridge held 'Paca Pop-ins' for Zoom meetings.During lockdown, Ms Bridge held 'Paca Pop-ins' for Zoom meetings. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

The special video calls were Ms Bridge's idea to help the business bring in money while the farm was closed to members of the public.

"Covid was hard and we tried desperately to stay afloat," she said.

"In the end, we found our purpose by lifting the mood and bringing the alpacas to the people."

Ipswich Star: The 'Paca Pop-ins' helped the farm to stay afloat during lockdown.The 'Paca Pop-ins' helped the farm to stay afloat during lockdown. (Image: Jo Bridge)

They also visited Ipswich care home Sherrington House as a special Christmas treat in 2019.

Two of their cuddly alpacas, dressed in bells and antlers, happily ate out of the hands of residents and staff while touring the home.

Ipswich Star: The alpacas visited Sherrington House Residential Home as a special Christmas treat in 2019.The alpacas visited Sherrington House Residential Home as a special Christmas treat in 2019. (Image: Neil Didsbury, Newsquest)

Ms Bridge hopes the motorhomes will be as successful as her previous ventures.