October has a habit of sneaking up on us.
One minute, we’re talking about summer holidays and long days. The next, the leaves are changing, the boots are back out and we’re wondering whether putting the heating on really counts as admitting defeat.
Here at Jacksons at Jedburgh, October also means something else.
It’s the final month of our general farm visit season.
Our regular farm visits finish on 31 October, so if meeting our Highland cows, saying hello to the goats and spending some time on a real working Scottish farm has been on your list this year, now is the time to get that visit in.
And actually?
We think October is a pretty lovely time to come.
Looking for something to do during the October holidays?
The October holidays arrive at slightly different times depending on where you live, but they all bring the same question sooner or later:
“What are we going to do today?”
If you’re looking for something to do in the Scottish Borders that involves fresh air, animals and something a little different from the usual indoor attractions, an October farm visit could be just the thing.
We’re based near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders, making us an easy addition to an autumn day out in this beautiful part of Scotland.
And while we’re definitely not going to promise you crisp blue skies and perfectly golden autumn sunshine, we can promise you a proper farm.
This is Scotland in October, after all.
Sensible footwear is your friend.
Meet the Highland cows before winter
For many of our visitors, the Highland cows are the stars of the show.
We understand!
Those horns. That hair. Those faces.
Highland cattle somehow manage to look simultaneously magnificent and as though they haven’t seen a hairbrush since 1987.
You can usually spot our Highland cows out in the fields as part of a general farm visit, including from our self-guided Highland Way.
But if getting properly up close to the coos is the reason you’re coming, our Highland Cow Experience is the one to book.
You’ll head out across the farm by tractor and trailer before meeting the fold during a guided experience, learning a little more about the cattle, life on the farm and some of the personalities you’re meeting along the way.
And yes, you’ll probably take a few photographs. Or 47.
We don’t judge.
Autumn on a working farm
One of the things we love about welcoming visitors to Jacksons is giving people a glimpse of real farm life.
A farm doesn’t stop changing when summer ends.
The days get shorter, the landscape changes and the jobs that need doing around the farm start changing with the season too.
That means an October visit feels different from one in the middle of summer, just as September brought its own reasons to visit.
Jacksons isn’t a polished visitor attraction designed to look exactly the same every time you arrive.
It’s a working family farm.
What’s happening around you is part of what is genuinely happening here at that point in the farming year.
We may be biased, but we think that’s part of the magic.
An autumn day out for children AND adults
We talk quite a lot about family days out, particularly around the school holidays, but there’s something we should probably make clear.
You absolutely do not need to bring a child as an excuse to visit Highland cows.
We welcome couples, friends, families and animal lovers of all ages.
Some people come because the children are desperate to meet the animals.
Some come because they’re desperate to meet the animals and the children are a convenient cover story.
Again, we don’t judge.
Whether you’re visiting the Scottish Borders for a few days, live relatively nearby or simply fancy doing something different this autumn, October gives you one final opportunity to enjoy a general farm visit before the season ends.
What if the October weather isn’t perfect?
We’d love to tell you every October visit comes with sunshine, dry ground and just enough of an autumn breeze to make everyone’s hair look fabulous in photographs.
But we’re farmers, not magicians.
Weather is part of life on a Scottish farm, so come prepared for the conditions and dress accordingly.
Layers are good.
Waterproofs are even better.
And footwear you don’t mind getting muddy is always sensible.
In our experience, the animals are considerably less bothered by a bit of Scottish weather than humans are.
And there is something rather satisfying about heading home after an autumn farm visit with rosy cheeks, muddy boots and a camera roll containing far too many photographs of Highland cows.
Got a Season Pass? You’ve still got time
If you’ve got a 2026 Season Pass, don’t forget it’s valid right through until 31 October.
There’s no need to book another general farm visit.
Just pop along.
And if your season pass has mysteriously disappeared at some point between spring and now…
Honestly, who hasn’t lost something over the course of six months?
Don’t worry.
Just bring along your original booking confirmation from earlier in the year and show it to the team at reception.
Consider this your reminder to get the wellies back out and squeeze in one more visit before the season ends.
Last chance for a general farm visit in 2026
General farm visits at Jacksons at Jedburgh finish on 31 October 2026.
After that, we’re not disappearing for the winter.
There will still be opportunities to visit the farm through specific pre-booked winter experiences, and we’ll be sharing much more about those very soon.
But if it’s one of our usual general farm visits you’re after, October is your final opportunity this year.
So, if Jacksons has been sitting on your we really must do that list, perhaps this is your sign.
Because “we’ll do it sometime” has a remarkable habit of turning into next year.
Can’t make it before 31 October?
You can still give yourself – or somebody else – something to look forward to.
Our Highland Cow Experience gift vouchers are available by post or instant email and are valid for 24 months.
They make a rather good present for:
Highland cow lovers
Animal lovers
Families
Couples
That person who is impossible to buy for
Anyone who would choose meeting a Highland cow over receiving another pair of socks
And with Christmas edging closer, we’re just putting that thought out there…
Frequently Asked Questions
When do general farm visits at Jacksons at Jedburgh finish for 2026?
General farm visits finish on 31 October 2026.
After this date, visits during the winter period will be through specific pre-booked experiences rather than our usual general farm visits.
Is Jacksons at Jedburgh open during the October holidays?
Yes.
October is the final month of our general farm visiting season, making it a great option if you’re looking for something different to do during the October holidays.
As school holiday dates vary by area, check current availability when planning your visit.
Can you visit Highland cows in the Scottish Borders?
Yes.
You can usually see our Highland cows in the fields as part of a general farm visit, including from our self-guided Highland Way.
If you’d like to meet the fold during a closer guided encounter, book our dedicated Highland Cow Experience.
What’s the difference between a general farm visit and a Highland Cow Experience?
A general farm visit lets you explore Jacksons at your own pace, meet and feed the farm animals and usually see our Highland cows out in the fields.
The Highland Cow Experience is a separate guided experience that includes a tractor and trailer ride across the farm and the opportunity to meet the Highland fold up close.
Is a farm visit suitable for adults without children?
Absolutely.
Our visitors include couples, groups of friends, families and animal lovers of all ages.
You definitely don’t need children with you to justify wanting to meet a Highland cow.
What should I wear for an October farm visit?
Dress for the weather and remember that Jacksons is a real working farm.
Comfortable outdoor clothing and sensible footwear are recommended, particularly during autumn when conditions can be wet or muddy.
Layers, waterproofs and wellies are never a bad idea.
Do Season Pass holders need to book?
No.
If you have a valid 2026 Season Pass, you can simply pop along during the general farm visiting season up to 31 October.
If you’ve misplaced your pass, bring the booking confirmation from when you originally purchased it and show it at reception.
Can I visit Jacksons at Jedburgh during winter?
General farm visits finish at the end of October, but that doesn’t mean the farm closes completely.
Selected pre-booked experiences will continue during the winter period.
Keep an eye on the Jacksons website, emails and social channels for the latest winter experience information.
Can I buy a Highland Cow Experience as a gift?
Yes.
Highland Cow Experience gift vouchers are available by post or instant email and are valid for 24 months.
They’re a great option for Highland cow lovers, animal lovers, families, couples and anyone who’s rather difficult to buy for.
