Looking to Meet Highland Cows Near Edinburgh?
If you’re visiting Edinburgh this summer, there’s a good chance seeing a Highland cow is somewhere on your Scotland bucket list.
The good news?
You don’t need to drive all the way to the Highlands.
Just over an hour from Edinburgh, you’ll find Jacksons at Jedburgh – a real working family farm in the beautiful Scottish Borders, where you can meet Highland cows up close, explore the farm and enjoy an authentic Scottish countryside experience.
Whether you’re escaping the Edinburgh Festival crowds for the day, looking for a memorable family adventure or simply hoping to see Scotland’s most iconic animals, we’d love to welcome you.
Meet Scotland’s Most Famous Cows
Our Highland cows have become one of the farm’s biggest attractions.
Visitors travel from across the UK and around the world to meet them, photograph them and learn more about this remarkable Scottish breed.
If you’re lucky, you’ll meet:
🐄 Ben – our impressive Highland bull and proud dad to this year’s calves. Listen carefully… his deep rumbling call sounds more like a lion than a cow!
🐄 Bonnie – our bottle-reared Highland cow and one of the farm’s best-loved characters.
Alongside the Highland herd, you’ll also meet our cheeky goats, growing piglets, sheep, chickens and ducks, making Jacksons a fantastic family day out.
Experience Highland Cows Up Close
For the ultimate visit, book one of our Highland Cow Experiences.
Your guided experience includes:
🚜 A scenic tractor and trailer ride around the farm.
🐄 Time spent meeting the Highland cows in their natural surroundings.
📸 Plenty of opportunities for photographs.
🌿 Stories about the breed, farming and life on a working Scottish farm.
Afterwards, you’re free to enjoy everything else the farm has to offer, from meeting the animals to climbing on the old tractor and exploring the outdoor play areas.
Related reading:
- Highland Cow Experience
- The Ultimate Highland Cow Experience
- Why Highland Cows Have Captured Hearts Around the World
An Easy Day Trip from Edinburgh
Jacksons is located just over an hour from Edinburgh, making it an ideal day trip during your stay.
Many visitors combine their visit with exploring the historic town of Jedburgh, browsing independent shops and cafés before heading back to the city.
If you’re visiting during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it’s the perfect opportunity to swap busy streets for rolling countryside, fresh air and a much slower pace for the day.
How to Get Here from Edinburgh
By Car
Jacksons at Jedburgh is approximately one hour from Edinburgh via the A68.
Travelling from Edinburgh
Drive south on the A68 towards Jedburgh.
After passing through Jedburgh, leave the town and take the first left signposted Mossburnford & Dolphinston.
Continue for approximately two miles before following signs for Jacksons at Jedburgh.
Free parking is available.
By Bus
Travelling without a car? Borders Buses offer regular services between Edinburgh and Jedburgh, making it easy to enjoy a day out in the Scottish Borders.
We recommend using the Borders Buses journey planner to find the best route and times for your visit. From Jedburgh, it’s just a short taxi ride or walk to the farm.
By Train
Take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank.
From Tweedbank, catch the 68 bus to Jedburgh before completing the final part of your journey by taxi or on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I meet Highland cows near Edinburgh?
Jacksons at Jedburgh is just over an hour from Edinburgh and offers both general farm admission and dedicated Highland Cow Experiences.
How far is Jacksons from Edinburgh?
Approximately one hour by car via the A68.
Can I meet Highland cows without booking an experience?
Yes. You can see our Highland cows during your farm visit by walking the self-guided Highland Way. For an even closer encounter, we recommend booking a Highland Cow Experience.
Is Jacksons suitable for children?
Absolutely. Alongside the Highland cows you’ll find piglets, goats, sheep, ducks and chickens, plus outdoor play areas and plenty of space to explore.
Can I visit during the Edinburgh Festival?
Yes. Many visitors choose Jacksons as a peaceful day trip away from the Festival crowds before returning to Edinburgh later the same day.
Detailed directions travelling by car:
Travelling from the NORTH (from Jedburgh, Kelso, Hawick, Edinburgh etc): Travel through Jedburgh and out the other side of the town on the A68. Just after you leave the 20mph zone, take your first left (it is signposted ‘Mossburnford and Dolphinston’) once on this road you will travel for a couple of miles before you see sign for Jacksons at Jedburgh on your right hand side. Turn down there and you will end up in the farm yard at the bottom of the hill.
Travelling from the SOUTH (from Otterburn, over the Carter Bar, Newcastle etc): Travel on the A68 towards Jedburgh nearly all the way to the town. As you come into the 40mph zone await the signpost to your right for ‘Mossburnford and Dolphinston’. Turn right and travel this road for a couple of miles before you see sign for Jacksons at Jedburgh on your right hand side. Turn down there and you will end up in the farm yard at the bottom of the hill.
Plan Your Highland Cow Adventure
If you’re searching for Highland cows near Edinburgh, we’d love to welcome you to the farm.
Whether you choose a relaxing walk along the Highland Way or book one of our unforgettable Highland Cow Experiences, you’ll leave with plenty of photographs, a few stories to tell and, quite possibly, a new favourite Scottish animal.
👉 Book your visit today.
