Highland Cow Gifts, Overnight Stays & Highland Cattle Afternoon Tea Exeriences!

We have three Highland cattle here at the Ginger Cow… hence our name, ‘The Ginger Cow Company’!

Dave, Wonky and Roo (short for Rufus), are permanent residents here at the Ginger Cow and spend their days happily munching away in one of our fields.

We offer two different options to meet the boys to come and meet the boys and learn all about them – perfect for the Highland Cow lover and a great alternative gift idea!

The first option is our ‘Highland Cattle Afternoon Tea Experiences’, which are day visits, and in 2025 they have the added bonus of including a meeting with our beautiful new Valais Blacknose Sheep – known as the friendliest sheep in the world (not to mention the cutest!). This experience includes afternoon tea, which can be tailored to any dietary requirements, and are run from April to September. Gift vouchers are now sold out for the 2025 season but you can sign up to our mailing list below to be the first to hear about any dates released to those without vouchers.

Or the other option to meet the boys is to book a stay in our beautiful, secluded Shepherd’s hut or Gypsy Wagon any time of the year, where you can pop and say ‘hello’ to the boys when ever you like during your stay. You can either see the boys any time during your stay on your own, or (subject to availability) add a ‘Meet & Greet’ with the Highland Cattle to your stay.

Three reasons to choose the Ginger Cow for a Highland Cattle experience?

1. Gift vouchers, Experiences and ‘Meet & Greets’ include a private meeting with the Cattle, and our day visits have the added bonus of meeting our Valais Blacknose sheep – and unlike other farm visits, you will have ours and the boys’ undivided attention while you’re meeting them.

2. For day visits, the Highland Cattle Experience also includes a delicious afternoon tea, tailored to any dietary requirements, prepared fresh in our beautiful, award-wining former tea room and gardens. Or if you add a ‘Meet & Greet’ to a stay with us, this includes a bottle of fizz to enjoy in your accommodation afterwards.

3. And most importantly, all the animals here are life-long pets. They live out their long and happy lives with us at the Ginger Cow, happily eating grass and meeting friendly customers. 

We offer two different options to meet the cattle, including digital gift vouchers – scroll down for more information and booking…

FAQs

What makes your cattle experiences different?

There are 3 things that set us apart from most other experiences and farm tours; your meeting with the cattle and sheep is private not as part of a larger group (unless you book our group tours), day visits include a delicious homemade afternoon tea in our award-winning former tea room (or a bottle of fizz when added to a stay with us), and most importantly, all our animals are here for life, living happily as pets.

Can I stroke the Highland Cattle?

You can get up close to take photos etc. but we don’t advise anyone touch or pet the cattle to make sure you are kept safe. Whilst our cattle are friendly and inquisitive, they are farm animals and not pets.

Can I take photos?

Yes, definitely. You’re welcome to take as many photos of the cattle as you like, and we’re always happy to take pictures of you with them too.

Are you open to the public?

We are a private site and visits are strictly available by pre-booking only. There is no public access to the site without a booking. For bookings for Highland Cattle Experiences or to stay with us, please email us at hello@thegingercowcompany.co.uk.

What ages are the cattle experiences suitable for?

Our Highland Cattle Experiences are suitable for all ages, young or old! Children under 1 year are free (no food will be provided), and we offer a children’s rate for under 10s, as well as a junior rate for 10-15 year olds.

Accessibility?

Our experiences are suitable for all. However, the cattle live outside all year and are sometimes a short walk up a flat grass track so please contact us beforehand if you have any questions regarding accessibility.

Our toilets are fully equipped with a baby change facilities and we have an accessible toilet.

Do you do private tours and group bookings?

All our meetings with the cattle are private and only for your group so you get ours and the cattle’s full attention when you’re meeting them, and there will be a maximum of two other groups enjoying afternoon tea at the same time as you. 

For larger groups of 10 or more people, we can offer private visits with afternoon tea or other food options on any day, including weekends – please contact us for more information and to check availability.

What’s in the afternoon tea?

Our afternoon teas are all homemade by us come with a selection of sandwiches and freshly-baked small cakes, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and bottomless pots of tea or coffee (or squash).

They can be tailored to any dietary requirements. And the children’s afternoon teas automatically come with either plain ham or plain mild cheddar sandwiches.

Please let us know at the time booking about any dietary requirements and allergies.

What should I wear?

Our cattle live outside in the fields all year and visits take place in all weathers, so we recommend dressing for the warmly and for the weather, with a good waterproof coat and sturdy footwear.

Are you dog friendly?

Yes, quiet, well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads at all times, even in the car park areas. However, many dogs are not sure how to react to large animals such as our Highland Cattle, so we do suggest that people leave their dogs at home to allow you to be able to fully enjoy the cattle experience.

How long does the experience last?

For day visits, the whole experience lasts 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Meeting the cattle lasts about 30-40 minutes or so, giving you around 1.5 hours to relax and enjoy your afternoon tea.

When do the experiences run?

Our day visits for the Highland Cattle Afternoon Tea Experiences run from April to September (and if the weather is being kind we sometimes start a little earlier and run into October), but guests are welcome to add a ‘Meet & Greet’ with the cattle to an overnight stay with us any time of the year – these are available on the day you check in with us and on week days only.

Please refer to our full terms and conditions here, and feel free to contact us for any questions.