Farm Attraction – Highland Cows, Animal Feeding, Wholesome fun!

The main draw is simple and hard to fake: you get close to Highland cows and calves in a real farm setting near Jedburgh, not in a polished petting zoo. You can feed goats, see sheep, pigs, and poultry, then walk uphill to the site of an old Roman fort for broad views across the Borders.

I like the freedom to set your own pace, and I like the mix of animal contact, outdoor play, and a short history stop. The farm feels especially well suited to families, with den-making gear, a play area, picnic space, and seasonal refreshments. The main drawback is weather: this is an outdoor farm visit, and muddy ground or rain can change the feel of the day.

Key points to know before you go

• Highland cows are the star: Depending on the session, you may ride in a tractor trailer to a field of around 20 to 30 cows, including calves.
• You can feed several kinds of animals: Sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, and Highland cows occupy public-facing paddocks.
• The Roman fort walk adds more than animal viewing: A short uphill walk leads to old fort remains and fine views over the local area.
• Children have room to play: Den-building equipment, a play area, and picnic space help stretch the visit beyond a quick farm stop.
• Plan for changing conditions: The activity runs only in certain seasonal periods and may be moved or refunded if poor weather cancels it.
• The setting suits mixed-age groups: Babies, children, adults, and older visitors can all find something to do, though lambing season is not recommended for pregnant women.

Meeting Highland cows at Jacksons At Jedburgh

Jacksons At Jedburgh is a working family farm at Kersheugh, just outside Jedburgh. The experience begins and ends at the farm, with no separate town meeting point or complicated transfer to arrange.

You start with a self-led route through the public-facing paddocks. That format is useful because you are not forced through every stop at one fixed speed. If your children want to linger with the goats, you can do that. If you would rather spend more time with the Highland cows, you can make them the main event.

The farm currently has sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, and Highland cows. Each animal area offers a different kind of encounter. The goats are active and food-focused, while the sheep may be more cautious. The pigs and poultry give younger children more variety, especially if they are not yet ready to stand close to a large cow.

The cows are the reason most people choose this outing. Highland cattle are famous for their long coats and sweeping horns, but the appeal here is seeing them as working farm animals in open fields. In some sessions, a tractor ride takes you out to a group of roughly 20 to 30 cows. You may see calves with the herd, learn how the animals are cared for, and get close enough to pet them when conditions and animal behavior allow.

That last point matters. This is not a guaranteed photo line where every animal must come forward on cue. The setting is more natural, and the cows may wander, feed, or ignore you. That can be part of the charm, but it also means you should arrive ready for a farm visit rather than a staged animal show.

Feeding goats, meeting calves, and seeing farm life

Animal feeding gives the visit a hands-on element. The goats are often the most eager participants, and one small pygmy goat has been known to follow people around the field in search of food. That sort of encounter can be a highlight for children, though it also means you should expect lively animals and a little pushing around the feed.

The farm experience also offers chances to see young animals, including newborn calves and lambs during the appropriate season. Being close to them can be memorable, but farm animals are not toys. Follow staff instructions, keep food under control, and give animals room when asked.

The human side of the farm adds value, too. Fenwick, one of the farm hosts, explains what daily life with Highland cattle involves and brings humor to the conversation. Beth has also led the experience and is noted for keeping groups organized and looked after. You are not simply walking between pens with a signboard. You have the chance to ask about animal care and farming routines from people who work with the animals every day.

The activity can last around one to three hours, with the core farm visit listed at about two hours. Your pace will make a difference. A family moving slowly between animals, playing in the den area, and stopping for refreshments can use much of the available time. Someone focused mainly on the cattle may find the central visit shorter.

The Roman fort walk and views from the hill

The farm includes a walk to the location of an old Roman fort. This gives the outing a useful change of pace. After animal feeding and close encounters, you can stretch your legs and see the surrounding area from higher ground.

The fort stop is not presented as a full archaeological tour, so you should not expect reconstructed walls or a long guided history talk. Its value is the combination of old Roman remains, open countryside, and a walk away from the busiest farm areas.

The route also leads to den-making equipment. Children can build and play while adults enjoy the setting. This is a smart feature for families because not every child wants to spend two hours watching cattle, and younger children often need something active to do between animal stops.

Bring shoes you can get dirty. The farm has been described as enjoyable even in damp weather, but wet conditions can make fields and paths muddy. The experience needs good weather, and the operator may cancel if conditions are poor. You will receive a different date or a full refund if that happens.

Why the family facilities matter

The farm is designed to hold attention across a wide age range. A group that includes an 11-month-old child, older children, and adults can divide the day between animals, play, walking, and food without needing to leave the property.

The den-building equipment is more than a spare distraction. It gives children a project with a clear purpose, and it lets them enjoy the farm in their own way. The play area serves a similar role. Picnic space also means you can turn a one-hour animal stop into a relaxed half-day outing.

Seasonal refreshments are included, though the available selection will depend on the time of year. A picnic remains a sensible plan, especially if you are visiting with children or driving a long distance. One group considered the setting worth a five-hour drive and specifically recommended bringing a picnic.

Clean facilities are available on site. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women during lambing time, so check the seasonal timing before booking if that applies to anyone in your group.

Price, timing, and what you get for $16.67

At about $16.67 per person, this is good value if you use the farm as a proper outing rather than a quick stop for photographs. Your admission covers the animal areas, the farm route, access to the fort walk, and the family play features. Seasonal refreshments and den-making equipment add to the overall offering.

The value becomes stronger for families who want several activities in one place. You can meet animals, feed them, take a walk, play outdoors, and have a picnic without paying separate admission at each stage.

The price is less compelling if you want a tightly guided cattle encounter and plan to leave after a short visit. The standard format is self-led, so some of the enjoyment depends on how much time you spend exploring. If you specifically want a tractor ride or a more structured Highland cow session, confirm the exact option at booking, since the farm experience described in the available details includes more than one format.

Opening dates vary by season:

• From April 22 to June 29, 2026, it runs Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• From June 30 to August 16, 2026, it runs Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• From August 17 to October 6, 2026, it returns to Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

That seasonal schedule matters if you are building a Scotland road trip. Do not assume it operates daily. Check the date carefully before setting off.

The maximum group size is 80 people. That is large enough for a busy day, but the open farm setting and self-led format can make the visit feel less rigid than a coach tour.

How to make the most of your visit

I would allow close to two hours, with extra time if you plan to picnic or let children build a den. Start by checking the animal paddocks, then choose whether to spend longer with the Highland cows or head toward the Roman fort walk.

Wear waterproof footwear and clothes you do not mind getting muddy. Even on a dry day, a working farm has uneven ground, animal areas, and open fields. Bring a picnic if you want to stay longer, and keep your phone ready for photographs, especially around the cows and calves.

If your main aim is to see Highland cows, ask at the start how the cattle portion works that day. Some experiences include a tractor trailer ride to the field, while the general farm visit is self-led. Knowing the plan helps you set expectations and avoid rushing through the other animals.

The farm is especially good for children who like active outdoor visits. It also works for adults who want to learn about cattle and farming without committing to a full-day agricultural tour. The Roman fort walk gives the outing extra interest for anyone who wants more than animal feeding.

Who should book this farm experience?

I would choose this for families, animal lovers, and anyone touring the Scottish Borders who wants a low-key outdoor stop. It suits mixed-age groups because the farm combines close animal encounters with walking, play, and picnic space.

It is also a strong choice if you have a particular fondness for Highland cattle. The chance to see calves, touch them when permitted, and watch a herd in a field feels more personal than viewing cows from a roadside pull-off.

I would think twice if you need a fully guided, weatherproof activity or dislike mud and uneven paths. The farm depends on outdoor conditions, and the self-led structure means you are responsible for shaping the visit. It is relaxed rather than highly programmed.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made later are not accepted for a refund. If the farm cancels because of weather or because too few people book, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book Jacksons At Jedburgh?

Book it if you want real farm contact, Highland cows, and flexible family time near Jedburgh. The strongest parts are the friendly farm hosts, the variety of animals, the chance to see calves, and the extra space for den building and picnics.

Choose a scheduled date carefully, bring suitable shoes, and allow more than the bare minimum hour if you want the farm to feel like a full outing. For the price, it offers more than a quick animal viewing stop, especially for families. Just remember that weather and animal behavior shape the day, which is precisely why the experience feels like a working farm rather than a polished attraction.

FAQ

Where is the Highland cow farm experience held?

It is held at Jacksons At Jedburgh, Kersheugh, Jedburgh TD8 6QT, United Kingdom.

How long does the activity last?

The overall visit can take about one to three hours. The listed farm visit is approximately two hours.

What animals can I see?

The farm currently has Highland cows, sheep, goats, poultry, and pigs in public-facing paddocks.

Can I feed the farm animals?

Yes. Animal feeding is included, with goats among the animals you can feed.

Is a tractor ride included?

Some Highland cow sessions include a tractor trailer ride to a field with around 20 to 30 cows. The general farm visit is self-led, so confirm the specific format you are booking.

Is the activity suitable for children?

Yes. It is designed as a family activity and includes den-making equipment, a play area, picnic space, and animals suitable for a range of ages.

Does the farm operate every day?

No. From April 22 to June 29, 2026, it operates Friday through Sunday. From June 30 to August 16, it operates Wednesday through Sunday. From August 17 to October 6, it operates Friday through Sunday, with hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity may be canceled because it requires good weather. If that happens, you will be offered another date or a full refund.