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

The shaggy Highland cows are the main event here, but the visit gives you much more than a quick photo stop. At Jacksons At Jedburgh, you can feed goats, see sheep, pigs, poultry, and lambs, then walk uphill to an old Roman fort site for broad views over the area. The mix of animals and open-air play gives families a good reason to stay for a couple of hours.

I especially like the chance to see the cows in roomy farm paddocks rather than behind a small enclosure. I also like the den-building equipment and picnic space, which give children something to do between animal encounters. The main thing to consider is the weather: this is a real farm, with mud and outdoor paths, and the experience can be canceled in poor conditions.

Key points to know before you go

• Highland cows are the star attraction: You may see adult cows, calves, and, during some experiences, a larger group in the fields.
• Several farm animals are included: Feed goats and meet sheep, pigs, poultry, lambs, and other animals in public-facing paddocks.
• The visit is mostly self-led: You can set your own pace, with staff available to explain farm life and animal care.
• The Roman fort walk adds a second layer: A short farm walk leads to an old fort location with wide local views.
• Children have room to play: Den-making equipment and a small play area help turn a simple farm visit into a longer outing.
• Allow about two hours: The stated visit lasts around two hours, though the wider activity range is about one to three hours.

Highland cows, calves, and a proper working farm

Jacksons At Jedburgh is a working family farm just outside Jedburgh, not a polished indoor attraction. That distinction matters. You are coming to see animals in a farm setting, so the experience feels hands-on and informal, but you should also expect uneven ground, outdoor conditions, and the occasional muddy patch.

The Highland cows draw most people here. Their long hair, wide horns, and calm manner make them easy to admire, especially for children who have only seen them in photographs. You may have time to take pictures and get close to the animals, while some versions of the cow encounter include a trailer ride out to a field where around 20 to 30 cows and calves may be gathered.

The cows are not the only reason to come. The public paddocks include sheep, goats, poultry, and pigs. The goats are often the most comical part of the visit, especially when food is involved. A small goat may follow you around the field, while the sheep can be more cautious and the pigs offer a very different view of farm life.

I like this range of animal personalities. You are not simply looking at one breed in one enclosure. You get a quick lesson in how different farm animals behave, from noisy and pushy goats to more reserved sheep and food-focused Highland cattle.

What happens at Jacksons At Jedburgh

Your visit begins at Kersheugh, Jedburgh, at the Jacksons At Jedburgh farm entrance. The activity ends back at the same point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location or find your way across unfamiliar roads.

The core visit is self-led. You can move through the farm paddocks, meet the animals, and decide how long to stay at each area. This works well for families with children of different ages. One child may want to feed the goats, while another may prefer to watch the pigs or spend time building a den.

The farm staff add useful context. Fenwick has led cow encounters and can talk about day-to-day farm work and caring for Highland cattle. Beth has also guided visitors and helped keep the visit organized. The tone is informal rather than lecture-heavy, so you can ask questions without feeling as if you are attending a formal class.

Some accounts of the experience include a tractor trailer ride to the Highland cow field. Others describe a one-hour Highland cow encounter, while the general farm visit is listed at about two hours. I would check exactly which version you are booking, since the self-led farm visit and the more focused cow experience are not necessarily the same product.

If your main goal is touching and feeding the Highland cows, confirm that a dedicated cow session is included. If you mainly want a family farm outing with cows as the highlight, the self-led option should give you a broader visit.

Feeding goats and meeting the smaller animals

Animal feeding is one of the most useful features for families. It gives children a clear activity and helps them pay attention to animal behavior rather than simply moving from pen to pen.

Goats tend to make the biggest impression. They are lively, cheeky, and keen on food. That can be funny, but young children may need help managing the excitement. Stay alert around any animal feeding point and follow the farm team’s instructions.

You can also see lambs, sheep, pigs, and poultry. During the spring lambing period, there may be newborn animals, which adds a special seasonal touch. At the same time, this is why the farm advises against the activity for pregnant women during lambing time.

The animals are described as well cared for and healthy-looking, which is important when choosing a farm attraction. The setting lets you see ordinary farm work and animal care as part of daily life, rather than presenting animals as props for photographs.

The Highland cow encounter and trailer ride

The focused cow experience appears to be the most personal option. A tractor trailer can take you out to the field, where a group of roughly 20 to 30 Highland cows may be grazing or wandering. Calves can be present, and the encounter may allow close views and gentle contact.

That field setting is a major advantage. You are not seeing the cows in a tiny display area. You are seeing them in a more natural farm setting, with room to move and behave as cows normally do. The tradeoff is that outdoor conditions are part of the deal. Damp weather can make the field muddy, and the experience may be canceled if conditions are poor.

For anyone who loves Highland cattle, this is likely the strongest reason to book. You have time for photographs, you can learn about the breed, and you may get close to calves. Staff such as Fenwick can explain the animals and make the session more engaging, especially for children who want to know why Highland cattle look and behave as they do.

Do not assume every booking includes a trailer ride or a cow-handling session. The supplied description of the main visit calls it self-led, while several accounts describe a separate one-hour cow experience. Read the exact activity name and inclusions before paying.

Den building and the old Roman fort site

The farm gives children more than animal pens. A walk leads uphill to the location of an old Roman fort, where den-building equipment is available. This creates a welcome change of pace after feeding animals.

The fort site is also the best place for views across the local area. It is not presented as a restored monument with a formal museum or detailed archaeological interpretation. Think of it as a historic location on the farm, paired with an outdoor walk and a good viewpoint.

The den-making equipment is a smart touch. It gives older children an active task and helps families stay longer without needing to invent their own entertainment. Younger children may need help with construction, while adults can enjoy the setting and the views.

Because the route includes an uphill walk, you should be ready for a farm path rather than a smooth urban trail. The information says most people can take part, but it does not provide a detailed accessibility grade. If someone in your group has limited mobility, contact the farm before booking and ask about the specific route and ground conditions.

How long to stay and what the price means

The price is listed at $16.67 per person. For a short visit focused only on taking a few cow photographs, that may feel high. The value improves when you use the whole farm.

You can feed several types of animals, visit the Highland cows, walk to the Roman fort site, use the den-building equipment, and spend time in the play area. Seasonal refreshments are included, and there is room for a picnic. With those extras, the visit works better as a two-hour family outing than as a quick stop.

The stated duration is about one to three hours, with the main farm visit described as two hours. Plan on roughly two hours if you want to see the animals without rushing and allow time for the fort walk. You may stay less if the weather turns wet, or longer if children settle into den building and the animal areas.

A group can include up to 80 people. That is a reasonable maximum for a farm attraction, but it also means the atmosphere may feel busier at popular times. The self-led format helps spread people around the site, while a dedicated cow session may have a more set structure.

Best timing, opening dates, and weather

The listed opening period runs from April 22 through October 6, 2026. From April 22 to June 29, the farm is open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From June 30 to August 16, it opens Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From August 17 to October 6, it returns to Friday through Sunday hours.

This seasonal schedule matters if you are building a wider Jedburgh or Scottish Borders itinerary. A weekday visit in early summer may not be possible, while the school holiday period offers more opening days.

The farm requires good weather, so keep an eye on the forecast. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful, but you should still bring outdoor clothing and shoes that can handle mud. The farm is more enjoyable when you treat it as countryside time, not an indoor attraction with a roof over every activity.

The experience is booked, on average, about 74 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially during the summer school holiday period.

Who will enjoy this farm visit most

This is a strong choice for families with children, grandparents, and mixed-age groups. The reported age range has included a baby of 11 months through adults in their 50s, which fits the flexible layout. Younger children can see animals up close, while older children have the fort walk and den building.

It also suits adults who specifically want Highland cows. The cow encounter can be a memorable gift for someone who loves the breed, especially if you choose the version with the field visit and trailer ride.

I would be more cautious if you dislike mud, need a fully accessible route, or want a tightly scripted guided tour. The main visit is self-led, and the farm setting means conditions can change. You should also note the pregnancy warning during lambing time.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. Since the available information does not give full details on every path, surface, or animal area, ask in advance if you need specific access arrangements.

Practical advice for a smoother visit

Wear sturdy outdoor shoes and clothing that can cope with damp ground. You will get more from the farm if you are comfortable walking between the paddocks and the fort site.

Allow time for a picnic. The farm has space for one, and the visit is better when you do not need to rush off after the animals. Seasonal refreshments are also included, though the available information does not specify the exact menu or dates.

Keep your plan flexible. The self-led layout lets you spend more time with the animals your group likes best, while the weather and farm activity can affect how long you stay outside.

If Highland cows are your priority, check the booking details carefully for the dedicated one-hour cow experience. The broader farm visit includes the cows among other animals, while the focused version may add the trailer journey and closer time in the field.

Should you book Jacksons At Jedburgh?

I would book this if you want a relaxed, hands-on farm outing near Jedburgh, especially with children or a Highland cow fan in your group. The combination of cows, goats, lambs, pigs, poultry, a Roman fort site, den building, and picnic space gives the $16.67 price fair value when you stay for the full visit.

Book with realistic expectations. This is a working farm, not a polished indoor attraction. You may find mud, changing weather, and a self-led pace. If that sounds appealing, Jacksons At Jedburgh offers a friendly and useful way to spend part of a day in the Scottish Borders.

FAQ

Where is Jacksons At Jedburgh located?

It is at Kersheugh, Jedburgh TD8 6QT, UK, just outside Jedburgh.

How long does the farm experience last?

The visit is described as about two hours, while the overall activity duration is approximately one to three hours.

What animals can I see?

The farm currently has sheep, goats, poultry, pigs, and Highland cows in its public-facing paddocks. You may also see lambs and Highland cow calves.

Can I feed the animals?

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

Are Highland cows included?

Yes. Highland cows are part of the farm visit. A separate one-hour cow experience may include a trailer ride to a field with around 20 to 30 cows and calves, so check the exact booking details for that option.

Is the visit guided?

The main farm visit is self-led. Farm staff can provide information, and specific cow experiences may include guidance from staff such as Fenwick or Beth.

Can children build dens?

Yes. Den-building equipment is available near the old Roman fort location.

Is there a place for a picnic?

Yes. The farm has plenty of room for a picnic, and seasonal refreshments are included.

When is the farm open in 2026?

From April 22 to June 29, it is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From June 30 to August 16, it is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From August 17 to October 6, it is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can be offered another date or a full refund.