Lamb Feeding or Highland Cow Experience – What’s the Difference?
Not sure whether to book lamb feeding or a Highland cow experience in Scotland? Here’s what to expect and how to choose the right one for your visit.
If you’ve been looking at visiting the farm, there’s a good chance you’ve asked yourself this question…
Should we come for lamb feeding, or wait for the Highland cow experience?
And honestly? It’s a great problem to have – because both are pretty special in their own way.
But they are different.
So if you’re trying to decide what’s right for your family (or whether to come now or later), here’s a simple, honest guide to help you choose. When choosing between lamb feeding and a Highland cow experience in Scotland, the best option simply depends on whether you’re looking for a lively, hands-on visit or a slower, scenic farm experience.
The Lamb Feeding Experience
Lambing season is one of the busiest, and most exciting, times on the farm.
When you visit for a lamb feeding experience, you’re stepping right into the middle of it.
You’ll take a trailer ride out to the field to see what’s happening on the farm, then you’ll return to meet some lambs up close, and get the chance to bottle feed them – which is usually the moment that steals the show. (They’re much faster than people expect…)
It’s hands-on, a little bit chaotic, and full of energy – especially during the Easter holidays when everything feels like it’s in full swing.
For kids, it’s hard to beat. There’s something about feeding a lamb that they don’t forget in a hurry.
And for adults? It’s just as enjoyable – even if you pretend you’re only there for the kids.
The one thing to keep in mind is that lambing is completely seasonal. It only runs for a short window through spring, so if you’re thinking about it, it really is a case of now or next year.
The Highland Cow Experience
The Highland cow experience is a slightly different pace – but no less memorable.
Instead of the buzz of lambing season, this is a calmer, more relaxed experience out in the fields. You’ll still head out on a trailer ride (with some of the best views in the Borders), but the focus here is on spending time with the cows themselves.
And they’re every bit as impressive as you’d hope.
Up close, they’re huge, but incredibly gentle, and there’s something about being in that space with them that feels quite special.
It’s less about rushing around and more about taking it all in. A bit slower, a bit quieter, and perfect if you’re looking for something that feels more like an escape.
Unlike lambing, this experience runs for much longer, and it’s also a popular choice for gift vouchers, especially if you’re planning ahead.
So… Which One Should You Choose?
It really comes down to what kind of day you’re looking for.
If you want something lively, hands-on, and full of energy (especially with younger kids) lamb feeding is hard to beat. It’s interactive, memorable, and very much tied to the season.
If you’d prefer something a little more relaxed, scenic, and immersive, the Highland cow experience might be more your pace.
A lot of families actually end up doing both – just at different times of the year!
And that’s probably the simplest way to think about it:
Lambing is a moment in time.
The cows are an experience you can plan ahead for.
Whether you choose lamb feeding or a Highland cow experience, both offer a memorable way to experience real farm life in the Scottish Borders.
Can You Still Visit for Lamb Feeding?
Yes – and this is the bit worth knowing!
Lamb feeding experiences started on the 1st April, and there are still some spaces available, but as you’d expect, they do fill up quickly – particularly over the Easter holidays.
So if you’re thinking about it, it’s definitely one to book sooner rather than later.
Planning Ahead for the Highland Cows
If lambing doesn’t quite fit your plans, or you’re thinking about a future visit, the Highland cow experience is a great one to have in the diary.
Bookings are open, and gift vouchers are available if you’re buying for someone else (or dropping a hint…).
A Real Farm Experience
Whichever you choose, the one thing that stays the same is the setting.
This isn’t a polished attraction or a petting zoo; it’s a real, working farm in the Scottish Borders. And that’s exactly what makes it special.
It’s about getting outdoors, experiencing something a bit different, and spending time together – whether that’s feeding lambs at full speed or standing quietly in a field with a Highland cow.
Ready to Book?
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Lamb Feeding Experiences – running now with limited availability
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Highland Cow Experiences – booking for upcoming dates + gift vouchers available
If you’re planning a day out, there are plenty of other things to explore in the area too – the Scottish Borders has become a real destination for families looking to get outdoors and experience something different. Check out thinks to do here!
Looking to see where we are to plan your day. Find us on Google Maps here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between lamb feeding and a Highland cow experience?
Lamb feeding is a hands-on, seasonal experience where you’ll bottle feed young lambs and get involved in the busy lambing period. The Highland cow experience is a slower, more relaxed visit where you’ll head out into the fields to meet the cows up close and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
2. Is lamb feeding suitable for young children?
Yes, lamb feeding is one of the most popular experiences for families with young children. It’s interactive, engaging, and gives kids the chance to bottle feed lambs in a safe, real farm environment.
3. Are Highland cows safe to be around?
Highland cows are known for their calm and gentle nature. During the experience, you’ll be guided and shown how to interact with them safely, making it suitable for both adults and children.
4. When is the best time to visit for lamb feeding in Scotland?
Lamb feeding experiences run during spring, typically from April onwards. It’s a short seasonal window, so it’s best to book early, especially during busy periods like the Easter holidays.
5. Can you do both the lamb feeding and Highland cow experience?
Yes – many visitors choose to experience both at different times of the year. Lamb feeding is a seasonal spring activity, while Highland cow experiences run across a longer period and can be booked in advance.
6. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended as spaces are limited, particularly during peak times like Easter and weekends.
7. Is this a real farm or a visitor attraction?
This is a real, working farm in the Scottish Borders. That means every visit is slightly different, giving you a more authentic and memorable experience compared to a traditional attraction.
