Everyone thinks summer is the obvious time for family days out in the Scottish Borders.
We’re not entirely sure they’re right.
Don’t get us wrong. We love summer at Jacksons. The farm is busy, the days are long and there’s always plenty going on.
But then September arrives.
The pace changes a little. The countryside begins to turn, there’s more space to wander and everything feels just that bit calmer.
If you’re looking for September days out in the Scottish Borders, this might actually be one of the loveliest times to visit.
We think of it as our secret season.
So, here are a few reasons why we think an autumn day on the farm is pretty hard to beat.
A Little More Space to Breathe
September has a different feel from the school summer holidays.
There are fewer people rushing from one thing to the next, which means you can take your time.
Let the kids stop and watch the animals for as long as they like.
Wander around the farm.
Have another coffee.
Sit for a while if the sun makes an appearance.
Nobody is keeping score.
One of the things we love most about welcoming families to Jacksons is seeing people slow down once they’re here.
Our family days out in the Scottish Borders aren’t about packing as many activities as possible into a few hours.
They’re about getting outside, meeting the animals and enjoying being together without too much of a timetable.
September seems particularly good for that.
The Highland Cows Are Looking Rather Magnificent
To be fair, we could be biased.
But Highland cows and autumn countryside are a pretty good combination.
By September, the calves we’ve watched arrive and grow through spring and summer are getting bigger and developing personalities of their own.
And if you spend a little time watching the fold, you’ll soon realise the grown-ups have very definite personalities too.
Take 979, for example.
She’s very firmly at the top of the pecking order and the rest of the Highland cows know it.
They generally know not to get too close — and if somebody forgets, 979 is more than capable of reminding them exactly where they should go!
That’s one of our favourite things about spending time with the cows.
From a distance you see the shaggy coats and magnificent horns.
Stay for a while and you start noticing the relationships, personalities and little dramas happening within the fold.
You can see the Highland cows as part of your farm visit, or get properly acquainted on our Highland Cow Experience, which includes a trailer ride through the farm and the chance to meet the fold up close.
Just make sure your phone is charged.
Even if you don’t think you’ll take photos, trust us, you will.
It’s a Lovely Time for Younger Children
Once the schools go back, weekdays are a great time to visit with toddlers and preschool children.
There’s room to explore without feeling hurried, plenty of animals to meet and lots of fresh air for little legs.
Our play area is deliberately rustic and down to earth, because we’ve discovered over the years that children don’t necessarily need complicated entertainment.
Give them animals, tractors, space to explore and something they’re allowed to get a little muddy in, and they tend to manage quite well.
And if you’re looking for a September day out with grandparents, even better.
There’s no pressure to race around the farm.
Different generations can enjoy it together at whatever pace suits them.
And if you’ve already visited us this year, remember that your farm admission includes return visits on foot for the rest of the season.
September is the perfect excuse to come back and see how much has changed since your last visit.
September on a Working Farm
Of course, while things may feel a little quieter for visitors, that doesn’t mean the farm itself has stopped.
Far from it.
Jacksons is a real working family farm, and September brings its own jobs, rhythms and changes.
Depending on when you visit, you might see signs of harvest, animals moving between fields or simply the gradual shift from summer into autumn.
That’s part of what makes visiting a working farm different.
Things change.
The farm you see in September isn’t quite the farm you’d have seen in May, and that’s exactly as it should be.
What Can You Do at Jacksons in September?
A quieter farm doesn’t mean there’s less to do.
Come for a general farm visit and you can:
- Meet and feed the animals around our visitor paddocks
- Follow the self-guided Highland Way to see the Highland cows
- Let little ones loose in our rustic outdoor play area
- Climb aboard the old tractor
- Bring a picnic and stay for a while
- Browse the farm shop
- Stop for coffee, cake or ice cream
Or book a Highland Cow Experience and head out across the farm by tractor and trailer to spend some proper time with the fold.
There’s no need to try to cram everything into an hour.
Come, explore and take the day at your own pace.
Coffee, Cake and Fresh Air
We’re not suggesting you should plan an entire family day out around cake.
Although we’re not judging you if you do.
After wandering around the farm, feeding animals and getting a good dose of Scottish Borders fresh air, stopping for something to eat or a hot drink is all part of the experience.
And there’s something particularly nice about wrapping your hands around a warm cup of coffee after an autumn wander.
September weather in Scotland does, admittedly, like to keep us guessing.
So bring sensible shoes, an extra layer and possibly sunglasses and waterproofs.
Often you’ll need both the sunglasses and the waterproofs on the same day.
Could September Be Our Secret Season?
Summer holidays might get most of the attention when we’re planning family days out in Scotland, but we think September deserves a bit more love.
The farm is calmer.
The landscape is changing.
The Highland cows are still waiting to meet you.
And there’s space to slow down and enjoy being outdoors together.
No complicated itinerary needed.
Just bring the family, dress for whatever the Scottish weather has decided to do that day and come and spend some time with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is September a good time to visit Jacksons at Jedburgh?
We certainly think so!
September tends to be a little quieter than the school summer holidays, with plenty of space to explore the farm at your own pace.
It’s a lovely time to enjoy the changing countryside, meet the animals and make the most of an autumn day outdoors.
Is Jacksons at Jedburgh suitable for toddlers and preschool children?
Yes.
Once the schools go back, September can be an especially good time to visit with younger children.
There’s outdoor play, animals to meet and feed, and plenty of room for little legs to explore without needing to rush from one activity to another.
Jacksons also has baby-changing facilities.
Can we see Highland cows when we visit in September?
Yes.
Our Highland cows can be seen on the farm, and you can get even closer by booking a Highland Cow Experience.
The experience includes a scenic trailer ride before meeting the fold, followed by time to explore the rest of the farm.
What should we wear for an autumn farm visit?
We’re a real working farm, so comfortable footwear and clothes suitable for being outdoors are always a good idea.
And this is Scotland in September, so layers and a waterproof are rarely a bad idea!
Do we need to book before visiting Jacksons at Jedburgh?
Walk-ins are welcome, although we recommend pre-booking Highland Cow Experiences as spaces can fill up.
Check our booking page for current farm opening days, times and availability before travelling.
Ready to Visit?
If you’re looking for an autumn day out in Scotland or something a little different to do in the Scottish Borders this September, we’d love to welcome you to Jacksons at Jedburgh.
Book your farm visit and come and discover our secret season for yourself.
