There’s something about autumn on the farm that we absolutely love.
The fields start to change colour, there’s a definite chill in the air, the wellies are firmly back out and life on the farm starts moving into a different rhythm.
And if you’re looking for things to do with the kids in the Scottish Borders this autumn, October is a brilliant time to come and experience it for yourself.
At Jacksons at Jedburgh, we’re not a theme park or a polished visitor attraction. We’re a real, working family farm, and your visit changes with the seasons.
That means autumn looks and feels different to spring or summer – and that’s very much part of the fun.
Looking for Halloween Events in the Scottish Borders?
We know that once October arrives, lots of families start searching for Halloween events in the Scottish Borders, pumpkin picking and spooky days out.
We’re doing things a little differently.
We aren’t running a dedicated Halloween event at Jacksons at Jedburgh in 2026, and you won’t find a pumpkin-picking patch or a big programme of Halloween activities here.
Instead, we’re sticking to what we do best: giving families the chance to step into real farm life, get outside together and enjoy everything that comes with visiting the countryside in autumn.
So if you want something to do during the October holidays that feels a little calmer than the usual Halloween madness, pull on the wellies and come to the farm.
An Autumn Day Out With the Kids
One of our favourite things about the farm is that you don’t need to rush around trying to fit everything into a timetable.
Come through the gates, grab your animal food and head off to explore.
You can meet the animals, wander around the farm, let the kids play and spend some proper time outdoors together.
Depending on what’s happening on the farm when you visit, you might meet our:
- Highland cows
- Sheep
- Goats
- Pigs
- Chickens and ducks
- Salers cattle
And, because this is a working farm rather than a staged attraction, there’s always something happening somewhere.
Feed the Animals
For children, one of the highlights is usually getting their bag of animal food and deciding who deserves it most.
Spoiler: the goats will probably have their own opinion on that.
Animal food is included with your farm ticket, so you can get up close, meet some of the farm’s residents and learn a little more about them as you make your way around.
It’s simple, hands-on fun – and exactly the sort of thing that seems to create the memories children talk about long after the visit.
Run, Play and Get Muddy
We’ve always believed that children don’t need endless organised entertainment to have a brilliant day.
Sometimes they just need space.
Space to run, climb, explore, ask questions and get a bit muddy.
Our outdoor play area is deliberately rustic and farm-inspired, and there’s plenty of countryside around you to enjoy while everyone slows down for a few hours.
It’s one of the reasons families come back to Jacksons again and again.
If you’re searching for a family day out in the Scottish Borders, particularly during the October holidays, this is a chance to swap screens and soft play for fresh air, farm animals and proper outdoor time.
Meet Our Highland Cows
Of course, we can’t talk about a visit to Jacksons without mentioning the stars of the show.
Our Highland cows.
You can see Highland cows as part of a visit to the farm, but if you have a serious Highland coo fan in the family, you can also make your trip extra special by booking one of our Highland Cow Experiences.
The guided experience takes you out into the farm by tractor and trailer before you get the chance to meet our Highland cows up close.
There will almost certainly be photos.
Lots of photos.
Our Highland Cow Experiences are popular, particularly during school holidays and weekends, so we recommend booking ahead if this is something you really want to include in your day.
Take an Autumn Walk Around the Farm
Autumn is also a lovely time simply to be outside.
Wrap up, bring sensible footwear and take your time exploring the farm walk.
The Scottish Borders countryside is beautiful throughout the year, but there’s something particularly special about it as summer disappears and autumn properly takes hold.
You don’t need to rush.
Stop and watch the animals, let the kids investigate whatever has caught their attention and enjoy being somewhere that moves at a completely different pace from normal day-to-day life.
That slower pace is a big part of what Jacksons is all about.
What If the Weather Is Very Scottish?
We’re in the Scottish Borders.
We’re not going to promise sunshine.
Autumn farm visits are best approached with layers, waterproofs and footwear you don’t mind getting muddy.
For the kids, that’s normally half the fun anyway.
Check the forecast before you arrive, dress for the weather and embrace it.
A pair of wellies goes a long way.
Make a Day of Your Visit to Jedburgh
If you’re visiting the Scottish Borders for the October holidays or spending a few days in the area, Jacksons is just outside Jedburgh and makes an easy addition to a wider day exploring the Borders.
We’re less than two miles from the A68 and around an hour from both Edinburgh and Newcastle, so we regularly welcome families travelling from further afield as well as those who live locally.
Whether you come specifically to see the Highland cows or simply want somewhere for everyone to spend a few relaxed hours together, we’d love to welcome you.
Plan Your Autumn Farm Visit
If your October plans involve fresh air, animals and getting everyone away from a screen for a few hours, come and spend some time with us.
Jacksons at Jedburgh is open seven days a week from April to October, 10am–5pm.
Walk-ins are welcome, although we recommend booking in advance during busy periods such as weekends and school holidays.
And if you want to add a Highland Cow Experience to your day, we definitely recommend securing your space ahead of time.
Ready for an autumn adventure?
Grab the wellies, bring the family and come and experience autumn on a real working farm in the Scottish Borders.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jacksons at Jedburgh running a Halloween event in 2026?
No. We aren’t running a dedicated Halloween event at the farm in 2026. You can still visit throughout October for a traditional farm day out, meet the animals, explore the farm and enjoy the Scottish Borders countryside.
Is there pumpkin picking at Jacksons at Jedburgh?
No, we don’t currently offer pumpkin picking. Jacksons at Jedburgh is a working family farm where visitors can meet and feed animals, enjoy outdoor play, explore the farm and book experiences including our Highland Cow Experience.
Is Jacksons at Jedburgh open during the October school holidays?
The farm is open seven days a week from April to October, from 10am until 5pm. We recommend checking availability and booking ahead for busy school-holiday dates.
What can children do at Jacksons at Jedburgh?
Children can meet and feed farm animals, enjoy the outdoor play area, explore the farm walk and experience life on a real working farm. There are also bookable Highland Cow Experiences for families who want to get even closer to our Highland cows.
What should we wear for an autumn farm visit?
We recommend comfortable clothes suitable for the weather and sensible footwear. During autumn, waterproofs and wellies are always a good idea. Remember, this is a working farm, so a little mud is part of the experience.
Do we need to book Jacksons at Jedburgh in advance?
Walk-ins are welcome, but advance booking is recommended during busy periods. Highland Cow Experiences have limited spaces, so we recommend booking those ahead of your visit.
Where is Jacksons at Jedburgh?
You’ll find us at Kersheugh, near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. We’re less than two miles from the A68 and approximately an hour from Edinburgh and Newcastle.
