If you’re looking for a genuine countryside outing where the kids can roam, the animals are real and the views are glorious, Jacksons at Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders is a standout. Tucked just off the A68 near Jedburgh, this family-run farm invites visitors into working fields and pastures rather than a large commercialised farm outing for families.
First impressions
From the moment you arrive you can feel the authenticity: you’re at a real farm. The family who live here and run the farm have been farming for decades and now open their gates for farm-visits, seasonal events and “highland cow experience” tours. The entrance and reception area are welcoming, with clear signage, parking close by and decent facilities (including baby changing, toilets and accessible parking).
Reception and car park at Jacksons at Jedburgh
The reception area doubles as the farm shop and coffee stop – so make sure to have a little browse and grab a hot drink if it is a cold day!
Farm and coffee shop
What to do
Meet the animals. One of the main draws is the opportunity to get up close to some of Scotland’s iconic animals: highland cows, Saler and Aberdeen Angus cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and more. The “Highland Cow Experience” is especially memorable but is a separate experience to the farm day standard experience — visitors hop on a trailer for a tour into the field to meet the cattle in their natural environment.
Meet the animals at Jacksons at Jedburgh
Walk & explore. The farm isn’t just animals behind fences — there’s a self-guided walk where children (and adults) can explore fields, spot the farm’s scenery (there’s even an old Roman fort site on the farm!) and enjoy fresh air and open space. One highlight for our kids was the scavenger hunt – a simple paper list of tick-boxes of things to try to spot on the farm… which once complete was rewarded with a sticker.
Exploring and scavenger hunt
Play & relax. There’s a play area for younger children, picnic spots for all the family and a café and refreshments area to pause and soak it all in. The rustic, relaxed vibe makes it easy to dip in for a couple of hours or linger all afternoon.
Play area at Jacksons at Jedburgh
Highlights & favourite moments
- Feeding and interacting with the animals seem to be big hits: my kids all buzzed for this part of the experience and would have fed all three bags of feed we were given to the first goats we saw if I had let them.
- The views are impressive — the farm is set in the rolling countryside of the Borders, which adds a scenic layer to a kids-farm outing.
- There is a yellow tractor vehicle (out of service) at the bottom of the long farm road that you enter straight from the gate to start the walk. My kids loved being able to climb inside and pretend to be driving a real tractor.
The yellow tractor
Practical details & tips
- Opening: April to October, 10 am to 5 pm daily.
- Ticketing: Generally pre-booking recommended for specific experiences (like the trailer tour) though walk-ins are welcomed. Keep an eye on their website because they sometimes do discounts on tickets (we managed to get a family ticket for half price during the October school break).
- Accessibility: The farm has accessible parking (a disabled bay), level access and accessible toilets. Full wheelchair access may be partial because the car park is gravelled and the farm is a real working farm and therefore expect farm tracks which can get mushy and wet in the wet weather.
- Bring outdoor gear: Even though there are paths and play areas, this is a real farm—wellies or sturdy shoes are a good idea, especially after rain. We found the wind to be very chilly on the day we visited and my kids, who usually never wear coats, worse a coat on top of their jumper and also worse gloves for most of the visit.
- Time to spare: To make the most of your visit (feeding animals + walk + play + refreshments) plan for 2–3 hours minimum.
- Best for younger children through to older: The mix of animals, open space, play zone and relaxed pace means it works for varied ages.
- Parking & arrival: The car park is close to the entrance which is convenient given you may have younger children or buggies. If you can, bring a baby carrier instead of a buggy because the farm roads could be mushy with mud but are also grassy and on a hill which would make a pushchair quite difficult.
- Photo opportunities: Don’t forget your camera — highland cows in the field, kids feeding goats, the panorama of the Borders landscape all make for lovely shots.
Why it stands out
Jacksons at Jedburgh isn’t simply a “petting farm” — it’s a working family farm that opens up its real life to visitors, offering authenticity and space rather than contrived rides or themed zones. That authenticity shows in everything from the animal programme to the setting and the way the family run things.
Jacksons at Jedburgh offers a relaxing, joy-filled, countryside day where kids can connect with animals, play freely, and families can enjoy fresh air and farm life without the gauntlet of rides or queues. Whether you’re local to the Borders or travelling from further afield, it’s a strong pick for a memorable farm visit. Next time you’re planning a family outing in the Scottish Borders, give it a go.
My feedback
Check out my Google Maps review from Jacksons at Jedburgh for more or different photos, and additional information in a short review format.
Check out my Facebook album from Jacksons at Jedburgh.
I try to use some different pictures in each place I write reviews.
Read my Scottish Borders bucketlist for a huge list of ideas for things to do in the Scottish Borders with kids.
Or read my Scottish Borders with autistic children guide.
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