Farm experiences in Scotland

Spring

Spring brings new life on the farm here in Scotland and who doesn’t love seeing adorable farm animals? Lambing season takes place throughout April and May each year, welcoming the arrival of newborn lambs. Discover the ins and outs of lambing season, as well as the day-to-day farm duties. There are plenty of foodie delights on offer this season, with farmers markets and new dining experiences on offer.  

• Find out more about lambing experiences - meet newborn lambs and discover what this busy spring season involves on a working Scottish farm. 
• The Free Company in Balerno - this popular farm-to-fork experience just outside of Edinburgh has recently expanded to offer an à la carte dining experience on their stylish farm. 
• Balgove Larder workshops and The Night Market - embrace the lighter spring evenings and learn about sustainable flower growth with a flower workshop, sample local food trucks or join a live demo at Balgove Larder near St Andrews. 
• Easter at Guardswell Farm - enjoy a family-friendly Perthshire escape with donkey walks, lambs, crafts, stargazing, campfires and more. 

Summer

Summer is your prime opportunity to soak up the sunshine, feel the fresh breeze and go fruit picking. You’ll find a tasty selection of in-season fruit to pick from leafy hedgerows. Fill your punnet with strawberries, or find a new fruit to try including ripe and juicy tayberries, brambles, gooseberries, cherries and much more. Summer in Scotland is abundant, so now is also the time of year to get out and about and enjoy unique farm experiences, such as visiting a lavender field, sheep shearing or picking your own sunflowers.  

This is also a great time of year to try all things watersports! Combine a trip to the farm with exciting activity experiences including speed boats, canoeing and kayaking.  

• Pick your own at Craigie’s Farm - fill your punnet with fresh seasonal fruit during a fun day out near Edinburgh. 
• Kinross Lavender Farm and Fields - wander among fragrant purple blooms and enjoy a colourful taste of the Scottish summer. 
• Sunflower picking at Cairnie Fruit Farm - choose your own bright blooms and capture a memorable summer moment in Fife. 
• Watersports at Portnellan Farm - pair a countryside escape with an action-packed adventure on Loch Lomond. 
• Sheep Shearing at Down on the Farm - get a close-up look at a traditional farming skill during an immersive Aberdeenshire visit. 
• Royal Highland Show - celebrate Scotland’s rural life with livestock, local produce, demonstrations and family entertainment. 
• Islay, Jura & Colonsay Agricultural Show - enjoy a lively island showcase of livestock, local traditions and community spirit. 

The farm visit exceeded all expectations; unlike typical tours where you view animals from a distance, we were brought right up close to the cows and calves.

Niamh Mackinnon, on a farm tour near Loch Lomond

Autumn

With Halloween just around the corner, autumn is the perfect time to go pumpkin picking. Whether you’re looking to get wickedly creative at home with your carving skills or use them for delicious recipes, you’ll be able to find any pumpkin size or shape, and even pick from a range of colours, too.  

• Pumpkin picking at Kilduff Farm - choose the perfect pumpkin and make the most of a colourful autumn day in East Lothian.- choose the perfect pumpkin and make the most of a colourful autumn day in East Lothian. 
• Corrimony Farm pumpkins - head to the Highlands to pick a seasonal pumpkin straight from the farm. 
• Arnprior Farm pumpkin patch - explore a sea of pumpkins and find a favourite for carving, cooking or decorating. 
• Potato picking at Westerton Farm - dig for your own tatties and enjoy a hands-on harvest experience in the Angus countryside. 
• Craigie's Farm Pumpkin Festival - enjoy pumpkin picking and seasonal activities at a family-friendly celebration near Edinburgh.

Winter

In winter farms across Scotland are gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year. Support local Scottish food and drink producers by ordering online or visiting a farm shop for your festive feasts. You’ll find fine cuts of meat for your main course, creamy cheeses for your after-dinner cheeseboard and even a selection of alcohol for a special toast. 

Christmas is also a time for giving and if you’re looking for some much-needed gift inspiration, a gift card to a farm experience will no doubt put a smile on loved ones’ faces. Here's a selection of farms which currently offer farm gift cards and experiences: 

• Kitchen Coos and Ewes - treat someone to a memorable Highland cattle and sheep experience in the Angus countryside. 
• Aberdeenshire Highland Beef - give the gift of meeting Highland cattle and learning about life on a working beef farm. 
• Down on the Farm - offer a hands-on Aberdeenshire farm adventure that can be enjoyed at a time that suits. 
• Bowbridge Alpacas - surprise an animal lover with an alpaca experience in the peaceful Fife countryside.