Unforgettable Animal Encounters in the South of Scotland

We really do have the best neighbours in the South of Scotland! Here, you can come and meet animals on working farms, spot wildlife, and even head out into the hills accompanied by a furry friend. Whether you are planning a weekend family adventure, seeking out authentic rural Scottish charm, it’s the perfect addition to your break.

There’s some truly iconic four-legged inhabitants you have to see when you visit Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders. Belted Galloway Cows – sometimes nicknamed Oreo Coos – roam the fields, and the famous Highland cattle are known to appreciate a treat or grooming session in the right setting. But beyond, there’s working farms, stables, conservation projects and so much more that offer amazing chances to get close to and even interact with animals.

From Highland Cows to Belted Galloways, Red Kites, Border Collies, as well as goats, sheep, horses, ponies, and alpacas, our locals are just waiting to say hello! Here is your definitive guide to the top animal attractions in the region.

Kitchen Coos & Ewes

Location: Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway

Get up close and personal with Scottish icons at Kitchen Coos & Ewes. This working farm near Newton Stewart gives visitors a fantastic tractor-and-trailer tour into the fields to meet majestic Highland Cows and friendly sheep. Join owners Neale and Janet for fascinating insights into farming heritage, feed the animals by hand, and enjoy a true taste of rural Galloway life.

There’s even special experiences for those wanting to spend some extra time with the resident hairy coos: Enjoy some home-made coo-shaped shortbread after the tour, or sign up to a Hands-on Coo-Tour. You’ll get to groom and brush the gentle creatures – they might even be up for a cuddle!

Neth Hill Border Collies

Location: Heriot, Scottish Borders

Ever wondered what exactly a working dog does and how? Join renowned sheep dog trialist and trainer Julie. Together with her band of Border Collies, she will give you an insight into the intelligence and agility required of these expert sheep dogs on her hill farm in the Scottish Borders.

Julie takes the time to showcase the different stages of training involved to go from puppy to fully trained sheep dog. It is an educational and mesmerising experience that highlights the vital bond between farmer and working dog in the Scottish countryside.

Beirhope Alpacas

Location: Hownam near Kelso, Scottish Borders

Nestled in the rolling hills near Kelso, Beirhope offers an unforgettable trekking and walking experience alongside a friendly herd of alpacas. Families can enjoy guided walks through stunning the landscapes of the Cheviot Hills, learning about the unique personalities, care, and wool of these gentle South American camelids. Not quite ready for a full stroll? Opt for a Meet-a-Paca experience to feed the herd in their pen.

Even more special, the Beirhope team hosts sunset strolls on select occasions. Expect fresh air, stunning views across the hills, followed by s’mores and chats by the fire when you return to the farm. It is a deeply rewarding day out, far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life – the perfect stress buster!

The Bairnkine Farm Tour

Location: Jedburgh, Scottish Borders

Step onto a working organic farm in the Scottish Borders. Farmers Lucy and Matt Tile have been farming near Jedburgh for over 20 years, slowly building their offering of farm tours and classes alongside farm operations. It’s an authentic look at day-to-day operations, meeting the friendly livestock including sheep and cattle, and learning about the rich agricultural traditions of the region.

Beyond farm life, the Bairnkine Farm Tour also shows how their approach has positive impacts for birdlife and other local wildlife like buzzards and badgers, their tree-planting, and what truly organic farming looks like. Those wanting to dive further into farm to table stories can even sign up for an oatcake making class, with oats grown right on the farm!

Ernespie Farm

Location: Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway

Looking for a farm where the kids can run wild? You’d like to meet animals alongside great food and activities to keep you busy all day? Ernespie Farm is the place for you! Located near Castle Douglas, it’s the destination for combining adventure play with fun farm animal encounters.

At Ernespie Farm’s Animal Barn, goats, pigs and sheep are in residence. During springtime there’s even opportunities to bottle-feed some of the lambs. After a tour, you can head outside and hop on a tractor ride or go for woodland walks to meet the resident bees making the honey that’s for sale in the shop. With a farmhouse kitchen, shop and ice cream barn on site, there’s plenty opportunities to taste all that is produced on site or to take home some treats.

Once you’ve had your fill of cuddly and tasty experiences, it’s time to hit the soft play and the outdoor adventure play area: race each other with peddle karts and whizz along on the zipline. Here, the fun never stops!

Eat, Sleep, Ride

Location: Lamberton, Scottish Borders

Time in nature is proven to have positive effects on body and mind. But did you know the same goes for interactions with horses? At Eat, Sleep, Ride, the team specialises in a unique blend of equestrian experiences, nature-based tourism, and inclusive community programmes.

Families might enjoy the summer pony days, while more experienced horse riders can arrange hacks and beach rides along the stunning Berwickshire Coast. On site, you’ll also meet resident chickens, have the opportunity to relax in the garden, or stay overnight in a yurt.

For something completely different, there are fully catered retreat packages that combine fully ground-based horse and nature experiences, or beginner-friendly off-grid horse-riding activities. It’s a customisable, restorative break focused on meaningful connections within yourself and with nature.

Red Kite Centre

Location: Laurieston, Dumfries & Galloway

The landscapes of the South of Scotland are a haven for wildlife but locals are particularly proud of our resident birds of prey. Ospreys, Golden Eagles and Red Kites call the region their home but what’s the best way of spotting them? For Red Kites, the Red Kite Centre is the ideal place to go!

Located in the heart of Galloway at Bellymack Hill Farm near Laurieston, the centre offers viewing opportunities of these majestic animals. From Tuesday to Sunday each week, at 2pm sharp, feed is put out with groups of birds swooping in for their share. Visitors can observe from the viewing platform or hide, and there is even a cafe on site with indoor and outdoor seating.

Make sure to also check out the interpretation displays to learn more about the centre’s story. Once widespread and common, Red Kites are now one of Britain’s rarest and most beautiful birds of prey. But thanks to conservation efforts they have been brought back to the region’s skies.

Jacksons at Jedburgh

Location: Jedburgh, Scottish Borders

Looking for some down-to-earth farm experiences that will suit even the youngest explorers? Jacksons at Jedburgh is a brilliant family-run mixed livestock farm offering a wide variety of activities. The weekly Farm Toddlers sessions are a perfect for young ones to start learning about animals and the changing seasons. Alternatively, springtime offers lamb feeding slots, autumn sees special Halloween themed family events, and of course there’s a year-round offering, too.

During a day visit to Jackson’s at Jedburgh, you get to meet the resident pigs, chickens, sheep and goats along the farm walks. With feed included with every entry, you can even get up close to some of the animals! Owners Jasmin and Fenwick also offer meetings with their herd of Highland Cows: Choose from a guided tractor trailer tour or explorations on foot. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the farm and surrounding countryside.

Balmangan Farm Tours

Location: Borgue, Dumfries & Galloway

Have you met the region’s unofficial mascot yet? Belted Galloway cows are true icons of southern Scotland. With their distinct black coat and broad white stripe around their middle, they’re easy to spot. But if you’re looking to get up close, a tour at Balmangan Farm is a must!

The 330-acre family-run farm on the Solway coast is home to the classic Highland and Belted Galloway cattle, alongside Tamworth pigs. With tours scheduled to coincide with animal feeding times, there will be plenty of opportunities to snap pictures. But beyond meeting the animals, visitors can also learn about rewilding and biodiversity restoration initiatives across the farm. Committed to nature recovery, the owners are taking active steps to provide habitats on the farm for wildlife to thrive.

Plan Your Next Adventure in the South of Scotland

Whether you want to cuddle an alpaca, meet clever farm dogs, or watch majestic birds of prey soar above ancient forests, the South of Scotland welcomes you with open arms. Start planning your next trip or check out the below blogs for even more ideas.

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