Today my partner and I traded the noise of everyday life for the quiet charm of Burntwood’s Alpacas and Animal Farm. Just driving into the countryside already felt like a gentle exhale, as though the air itself was lighter, cleaner, and eager to remind us of the simplicity we often overlook.

The farm greeted us with open fields and curious eyes—alpacas standing tall with their quirky, almost human-like stares, sheep grazing lazily without a care, goats nudging one another playfully. Each animal seemed to carry its own story, its own rhythm, and we couldn’t help but laugh at their little personalities. The alpacas, especially, felt like the stars of the day—calm, fluffy, and photogenic, as if they knew we came for them.

Walking through the farm was like stepping into a slower version of life. There were no deadlines, no phones buzzing with urgency, just the soft crunch of our shoes on the ground, the occasional rustle of leaves, and the warmth of the sun sitting gently on our shoulders. We found ourselves smiling more easily, laughing louder, and talking about everything and nothing all at once.

What struck me most was how healing the ordinary can feel. Feeding animals, watching children squeal in delight, seeing families gather—it all reminded me that joy doesn’t always need to be manufactured; it’s often waiting in these simple encounters with nature. Standing there, hand in hand with my partner, I realised that these are the memories that last longer than any busy day or checklist completed.

Burntwood’s farm gave us more than just an afternoon with alpacas—it gave us perspective. That happiness can be found in muddy fields, in the curious eyes of animals, in the quiet companionship of someone you love. It reminded me that life doesn’t always need to be extraordinary to feel meaningful; sometimes, it’s enough to just be present.

Lesson of the day:

The farm taught me that peace is not about escaping life, but returning to what’s essential—laughter, love, and the quiet company of nature.