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

Highland cows make excellent hosts. At Jacksons At Jedburgh, you can wander through a working family farm, feed goats and other animals, then spend time with Highland cattle in their paddocks. I especially like the mix of close animal contact and open-air time, plus the walk to an old Roman fort with broad views across the surrounding countryside.

I also like that the visit is not tightly scripted. You can take a self-led route at your own pace, pause for photos, and let children burn off energy with den-making equipment and a small play area. The main drawback is the weather: this is a farm, so muddy ground and damp conditions are part of the deal, and poor weather can lead to cancellation.

Key Points at a Glance

• Highland cows and calves: Get close to the cattle, with some experiences including a trailer ride to a field of roughly 20 to 30 cows.
• Working family farm: Meet sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, lambs, and Highland cattle in public-facing paddocks.
• Roman fort walk: Follow a safe route uphill for views across the local area and a simple outdoor adventure for children.
• Flexible visit length: Allow about two hours for the farm, though the broader experience is advertised at roughly one to three hours.
• Family-friendly extras: Den-building equipment, a play area, picnic space, animal feeding, and seasonal refreshments add value beyond the cattle.
• Strong customer rating: The experience is rated 4.9 out of 5, with 98 percent of people recommending it.

Why Highland Cows Are Only Part of the Fun

If you come only for the shaggy Highland cattle, you will not be disappointed. The farm keeps the animals in a setting where you can watch them at close range, and some sessions allow you to pet calves and give the cows a gentle neck scratch. The sight of young Highland cattle wandering freely is the main draw.

Yet the farm works better as a full morning or afternoon than as a quick photo stop. You can move between the paddocks, meet the goats, feed animals, and see sheep, pigs, and poultry. Each species has a different character. The goats are lively and cheeky, the sheep can be wary, and the pigs provide their own earthy farmyard entertainment.

One especially memorable detail is the small pygmy goat that followed people around looking for food. That kind of unscripted moment gives the visit its charm. You are not simply looking at animals behind a fence. You are seeing ordinary farm behavior, with staff nearby to explain what you are seeing and how the animals are cared for.

The cattle experience varies by booking or visit format. One session included a tractor trailer ride to a field containing about 20 to 30 Highland cows, including calves. Another visit was described as a one-hour Highland cow experience. The general farm admission includes access to the public-facing paddocks, while the exact format of any guided cow encounter should be checked when booking.

Arriving at Jacksons At Jedburgh

The farm is at Kersheugh, Jedburgh TD8 6QT, in the Scottish Borders. The activity begins and ends at the farm, which keeps the day simple. You do not need to manage several meeting points or arrange a separate return transfer.

Once you arrive, the visit is largely self-led. Staff are available to greet you, explain the farm, and point you in the right direction. Beth is praised for looking after people during one visit, while Fenwick is remembered for making the cattle experience funny and informative. That personal contact matters on a working farm, where a short explanation can help you understand why animals behave as they do.

The setting is practical rather than polished in a theme-park way. That is part of the appeal. You are visiting a real family farm with public areas, not a staged attraction designed to remove every trace of mud and weather. Wear footwear that can handle wet ground, especially after rain, and bring layers for Scotland’s changeable conditions.

The advertised opening dates for 2026 are seasonal:

• April 22 to June 29: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• June 30 to August 16: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• August 17 to October 6: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

That middle summer period gives you the most flexibility. Outside it, the farm is open mainly from Friday to Sunday, so check your date carefully before setting out.

Meeting Sheep, Goats, Pigs, and Poultry

The self-led farm route is the backbone of the visit. Public-facing paddocks currently include sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, and Highland cows. You can move through the area at an easy pace, stopping when an animal catches your attention.

For younger children, this variety is useful. A child who loses interest in cows may become fascinated by a goat. Another may prefer watching poultry or feeding the smaller animals. The farm does not depend on one single attraction, so the visit can work for a mixed-age family.

Animal feeding is one of the most popular parts of the experience, but you should follow the farm’s instructions about what and how to feed. Goats in particular can be energetic around food. Adults should stay close to small children, not because the setting is presented as dangerous, but because farm animals are strong, unpredictable, and easily excited by treats.

The chance to see newborn lambs and calves adds a seasonal touch. The farm notes that the experience is not recommended for pregnant women during lambing time. That is an important practical point, and it also signals that the attraction follows the real farming calendar rather than offering the same display all year.

Getting Close to the Highland Cows

The cattle are the emotional center of the day. Their long coats and wide horns make them photogenic, but the best part is observing their calm, natural behavior. You may see them wandering, feeding, or gathering around the field rather than performing for a crowd.

Some visits include a trailer ride out to the cattle field. This makes the experience feel more like a farm outing than a standard animal encounter. You can ride out, see the cows in their own field, and then get close enough to pet calves when conditions and staff guidance allow.

Do not expect every cow to come over on command. One useful description of the cattle is that they care mostly about food. That is normal farm-animal behavior, and it is worth remembering when you plan your photographs. Patience will serve you better than trying to force an interaction.

The farm staff add real value here. Fenwick is noted for explaining life on a farm and the care involved in keeping Highland cows. That context gives the encounter more weight. You leave with more than a collection of cow photographs. You have a clearer idea of how the animals fit into daily farm work.

The group limit is 80 people. That is not a tiny private tour, but it does place a ceiling on numbers. The experience may feel busier during popular summer periods, and the cattle field itself remains a working animal area rather than a private photo set.

Walking to the Old Roman Fort

After the animal paddocks, you can walk up to the location of an old Roman fort on the farm. The route provides a change of pace, taking you away from the immediate animal activity and into the open countryside.

The main reward is the view across the surrounding area. You do not need to be a history expert to enjoy it. The fort location gives children a destination for the walk, while adults get a chance to pause and take in the setting.

Den-making equipment is available near this area. This is a smart addition for families because it turns a simple walk into an activity. Children can build, explore, and use their imagination instead of being asked to admire scenery for an hour.

The route is described as safe for walking, but the information does not give a precise distance, surface, or level of steepness. I would treat it as an outdoor farm walk rather than assume it is fully smooth or step-free. If someone in your group has limited mobility, contact the farm before booking for current route details.

Picnic Time, Seasonal Treats, and Family Space

The farm gives you room to make the visit last. Picnic space is available, and seasonal refreshments are included in the experience description. Several hours can pass comfortably if you combine the animals, the fort walk, den building, and food.

The picnic option also helps with the value. At $16.67 per person, the admission is modest for an activity that can fill much of a morning or afternoon. A family of four would pay about $66.68 before any extra purchases, which is still reasonable if everyone takes part and you use the farm’s different areas.

The visit is not best suited to anyone seeking a polished indoor attraction with constant entertainment. Your enjoyment depends on interest in animals, outdoor space, and an unhurried pace. In wet conditions, the picnic and play areas may feel less appealing, though the farm can still offer an enjoyable day if you arrive prepared.

A small play area adds another useful break for children. It means the day is not limited to feeding animals, and parents can plan a slower visit without needing to keep everyone moving from one paddock to the next.

How Long Should You Allow?

The stated duration is about one to three hours, while the farm visit itself is described as taking around two hours. I would plan for two hours at a minimum if you want to see the animals, spend time with the Highland cows, and walk toward the Roman fort.

Families with young children may need longer because of feeding, play, and den building. A keen cow fan might also want extra time for photographs and calf encounters. If the weather is good, a picnic can turn the visit into a relaxed half-day outing.

The attraction is self-led, so you are not forced to leave as soon as a formal talk ends. That flexibility is one of its strongest features. On the other hand, self-led visits require you to manage your own pace and expectations. The farm does not promise a fixed sequence of animal encounters.

Is the $16.67 Price Good Value?

Yes, for the right kind of day. The price covers a working farm visit with several animal species, access to the Highland cow area, the fort walk, den-making equipment, and seasonal refreshments. It also gives you a family activity that can last considerably longer than a brief animal photo stop.

The value is strongest when your group uses the full site. If you arrive, take a few pictures of the cows, and leave after 30 minutes, the price feels less impressive. If you feed the animals, walk to the fort, use the children’s areas, and stay for a picnic, it becomes a fair deal.

The 4.9 out of 5 rating from 101 ratings and the 98 percent recommendation rate support that assessment. The most praised elements are consistent: friendly staff, healthy-looking animals, close contact with Highland cows, useful explanations, and plenty for children to do.

Book well ahead if your date matters. The experience is booked an average of 74 days in advance, which suggests that popular summer weekends may fill early.

Who Will Enjoy This Farm Visit Most?

I would recommend Jacksons At Jedburgh to families with children, couples who love farm animals, and anyone who wants a slower outdoor activity in the Scottish Borders. It also suits a wide age range. One family group included everyone from an 11-month-old child to a 55-year-old adult.

It is particularly good for people who want photographs of Highland cows but also value a real farm setting. The staff contact adds something for first-time farm visitors, while the range of animals keeps the day interesting for children.

You should think twice if you dislike mud, outdoor conditions, or flexible plans. The attraction depends on good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part, but the farm route and paddocks may not suit every mobility need.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The activity can also be canceled if minimum numbers are not met.

Should You Book Jacksons At Jedburgh?

Book it if you want close contact with Highland cows in a genuine farm setting, especially if you are traveling with children. The combination of animals, outdoor space, a Roman fort walk, den building, and picnic room gives the visit more substance than a quick cattle encounter.

I would choose a dry day, reserve well ahead, wear sturdy shoes, and allow two to three hours. If your main aim is a polished, tightly timed tour, this may feel too informal. If you like friendly staff, muddy boots, happy children, and animals that behave like animals, the $16.67 price is easy to justify.

FAQ

Where is Jacksons At Jedburgh?

Jacksons At Jedburgh is at Kersheugh, Jedburgh TD8 6QT, UK.

How long does the farm experience last?

The experience lasts approximately one to three hours. The farm visit itself is listed as taking about two hours.

What animals can I see?

You can currently see Highland cows, sheep, goats, poultry, and pigs in the public-facing paddocks.

Can I feed the animals?

Animal feeding is included as part of the farm visit. Follow the staff’s instructions when feeding the animals.

Can I pet the Highland cows?

Some visits allow you to get close to and pet calves. The exact cattle interaction can depend on the experience format and farm conditions.

Is there a tractor ride?

Some Highland cow experiences include a tractor trailer ride to a field containing around 20 to 30 cows. Check the details of your selected booking.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes. The farm is described as suitable for all ages and includes den-making equipment, a play area, animal feeding, and picnic space.

Can I visit the old Roman fort?

Yes. You can walk to the location of an old Roman fort on the farm, where there are views across the local area.

Is the farm open every day?

No. From April 22 to June 29, 2026, it is open Friday through Sunday. From June 30 to August 16, it is open Wednesday through Sunday. From August 17 to October 6, it is open Friday through Sunday. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The experience requires good weather and may also be canceled if minimum numbers are not met.