A WEST Somerset visitor attraction has discovered it has a golden touch when it comes to keeping customers happy.

Carhampton-based Golden Retriever Experience was founded by Nicolas Grant-St James and his daughter Lauren St James, who is also a singer-songwriter.

They offer a unique opportunity for families to have a personal encounter with a pack of 34 trained golden retrievers.

The summer season started last weekend and they were expecting to be busier than ever since the business was set up in 2017.

Mr Grant-St James said the Golden Retriever Experience was built on the life-long love and dedication the family felt for ‘countless golden retriever pets’.

He said: “It is this ‘goldie love’ that we want to share with the world, especially those who are not fortunate enough to own a dog themselves, by inviting people to join our incredible pack for some much-needed doggy cuddles.

“Our dogs are impeccably trained and endlessly affectionate, and we are positive that you will walk away having had one of the best experiences of your life, and wishing you were taking your favourite dog home with you.

“Golden retrievers are famous for being one of the most gentle and intelligent breeds.

“That is why we entrust them to resolve your fear of dogs within our specially-controlled environment.”

Mr Grant-St James and Ms St James bought their first golden retriever Bella in 2006 and two years later had their first litter of puppies and subsequently became accredited breeders with The Kennel Club.

They started selling their pedigree puppies until 2016, although believe they probably kept more than they sold.

Mr Grant-St James said having learned so much about golden retrievers and dog behaviour through raising their ‘goldies’, they decided to launch ‘The Dog Whisperer UK’ to teach owners how to use dog psychology to understand their pets and how to train them.

As their lives became more and more dog-related, they found themselves living in the ‘paradise’ of Exmoor National Park with a large pack of golden retrievers.

Numerous friends suggested they should open their ‘Disneyland for Dogs’ to the public, and so the Golden Retriever Experience was formed, enabling dog-lovers to share in their ‘puppy love’.

Visitors to West Somerset, and local residents alike, can now book slots to spend hours petting and playing with the golden retriever pack.

The business specialises in the therapeutic needs of children and adults with all forms of learning, social, and behavioural disabilities, including autism and other associated conditions.

It also supports special education needs and disabilities (SEND) services.

Mr Grant-St James said: “We have experience working with the blind, elderly patients, children and adults with Down’s syndrome, and patients recovering from brain injury.”

More information about the Golden Retriever Experience can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or calling 01643 821820.