When people think about visiting a farm in summer in Scotland, they often picture spring.
Lambs in the fields. New life everywhere. Busy days during lambing season.
And whilst spring is certainly a special time on the farm, it’s not the only time worth visiting.
In fact, if we’re honest, summer is one of our favourite times of year.
The pace slows down a little. The days are longer. The fields are greener. And there’s more time to simply enjoy being outdoors together.
If you’re looking for things to do in the Scottish Borders this summer, here’s what a summer day on the farm really looks like.
Is It Still Worth Visiting After Lambing?
Absolutely.
It’s probably the question we’re asked most often at this time of year.
The lambs may have grown up and headed out into the fields, but the farm is still full of life.
Summer brings its own highlights.
Piglets exploring their pens. Goats causing mischief. Chickens wandering around reception. A coffee outdoors in the sun.
And, of course, our Highland cows, who seem to be stealing the show this year.
In many ways, summer feels more relaxed than spring.
There are fewer crowds, more space to explore, and more opportunities to simply enjoy being outdoors together.
Meet the Highland Cows
If you’ve been following us on social media recently, you’ll know the Highland cows have become something of a local celebrity.
Visitors travel from all over Scotland (and often much further) to meet them.
It’s easy to see why.
With their shaggy coats, enormous horns and surprisingly gentle personalities, Highland cows have a way of making people stop and smile.
Some visitors spend half their visit taking photos.
Others just stand and watch them.
Many end up doing both.
If you’d like to get even closer, our Highland Cow Experience gives visitors the chance to enjoy a trailer ride through the farm before meeting the cows and calves up close.
The Best Part? The Slower Pace
One of the things visitors often tell us they love most about Jacksons isn’t actually an activity at all.
It’s the feeling.
There’s no timetable to follow. No rides to queue for. No pressure to rush from one thing to the next.
Just fresh Borders air, animals, open space and plenty of opportunities to slow down for a while.
We’ve added benches around the farm walks and fields because sometimes the best part of a family day out is simply sitting down with a coffee and taking in the view.
The Play Area We Deliberately Didn’t Turn Into a Playpark
You’ll find a small play area on the farm.
There’s sand to dig in. Tractor tyres to climb through. Toy vehicles to drive. A tree swing.
Plenty of room to let imaginations run wild.
When we created it, we didn’t want to build a traditional playpark.
We wanted to create something that captured the magic of childhood.
The sort of place where children invent their own games and make their own adventures.
Honestly, we’ve seen children spend longer playing on the old tractor at the bottom field than they do in some shiny playparks.
A Real Farm Experience
Jacksons isn’t a farm-themed attraction.
It’s a real working family farm. That means every visit is a little different.
The goats might decide they’re helping. The chickens may wander exactly where they’re not supposed to. Fenwick might be moving sheep.
The weather may, or most likely will, change three times in an hour! It’s all part of the experience.
And it’s often those little unexpected moments that visitors remember most.
Somewhere for Grown-Ups Too
We talk a lot about what children enjoy, but summer visits aren’t just for them.
Parents get a chance to slow down. Grandparents can enjoy spending time with the grandchildren.
Everyone can spend a few hours outdoors without staring at a screen.
There’s something surprisingly refreshing about that.
Somewhere to Meet Friends This Summer
Let’s be honest.
The summer holidays are wonderful… for about three days.
Then suddenly you’re trying to think of things to do, places to go and ways to keep everyone entertained without spending a fortune or filling your house with crumbs and chaos.
One of the things we love seeing during the summer holidays is families meeting up with friends at the farm.
The children disappear off to play. The grown-ups get a chance to catch up over a coffee. Nobody has to tidy the house afterwards.
Whether it’s a planned playdate, grandparents treating the grandchildren, or simply an excuse to get everyone outdoors for a few hours, the farm makes a great place to spend time together.
And because your ticket includes a season pass, there’s no pressure to cram everything into one visit.
Come back next week and do it all again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is summer a good time to visit a farm?
Yes. Summer offers a slower pace, longer days, beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities to meet animals and enjoy the outdoors.
Are there still animals to see after lambing season?
Absolutely. Visitors can meet Highland cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks and, depending on the time of year, piglets and other young animals.
What can children do on the farm?
Children can meet animals, explore the farm, play in the outdoor play area, climb on tractors and enjoy the freedom that comes with a proper day outdoors.
Is the farm suitable for grandparents too?
Definitely. Many families visit across multiple generations, with plenty of places to sit, relax and enjoy the surroundings.
How far is Jacksons at Jedburgh from Edinburgh?
We’re just over an hour from Edinburgh & Newcastle, making the farm a great day trip if you’re looking to explore the Scottish Borders.
Can we do the farm visit as part of a bigger day trip?
Absolutely – there’s no set time needed! Pop by anytime during the day, and if you are looking for other places to visit in the Borders check out this great article from Visit Scotland.
Plan Your Summer Visit
Whether you’re visiting for the Highland cows, the piglets, the play area, or simply a slower pace for a few hours, we’d love to welcome you.
Bring the kids. Bring the grandparents. Bring a picnic.
And don’t forget your wellies.
Book your summer visit today.
