The Best Highland Cow Experiences in the UK 2026
Highland cows, or “Hairy Coos” as they’re known in Scotland, are one of the UK’s most iconic and photogenic animals. With their shaggy fringes, gentle temperaments, and enormous horns, it’s no wonder that meeting one in person has become one of the most popular animal experiences in the country!
Whether you want to feed them, brush them, snap a selfie, or sit down to afternoon tea with a view of the Scottish hills, there’s a Highland cow experience out there for every type of visitor. Here’s our pick of the very best!
TL;DR: Prices range from £20 to £75 per person. Most experiences require advance booking and last between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. The best family-friendly option is Highland Cows of the Peak in Sheffield. For afternoon tea with coos, try Highland Cow Cottage in Hertfordshire or Kitchen Coos & Ewes in Scotland. For a cuddly one-to-one, head to Old Hall Farm in Norfolk.
Highland Cow Experiences with Afternoon Tea
If you want to make a full day of it, these experiences combine a proper sit-down afternoon tea with a hands-on coo encounter. Perfect for birthdays, gifts, or anyone who just fancies something a little special!
Highland Cow Cottage, Hertfordshire
One of the most popular Highland cow experiences in England, and it’s easy to see why. Before you meet the cows, you’ll be seated in a heated, Highland cow-themed igloo for a homemade afternoon tea, complete with classic sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a triple chocolate brownie. The star of the show? A “Lottie Dot” cupcake decorated to look just like the coos!
After tea, you head out to meet the herd. Bring treats like white bread, apples, or carrots for the best chance of a proper cuddle.
- Location: Land West of 6 and 8 Church End, Arrington, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 0BH
- Opening times: Thursday to Sunday, 10:00–16:00
- Price: Adults £39.60 + VAT | Children (4–12) £20.40 + VAT | Under 4s FREE
- Pre-booking essential
Find out more at Highland Cow Cottage
Kitchen Coos & Ewes, Newton Stewart, Scotland
A truly special experience in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Their Cream Tea Coo Tour takes you out on a purpose-built, wind and watertight trailer with padded seating, so you’re comfortable whatever the weather! You’ll learn all about their Highland cows and record-breaking flock of Beltex sheep, watch a sheepdog demonstration, and finish with a gorgeous Highland cow afternoon tea.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Price: £46 per person | Numbers limited to 24 people.
- Location: High Arrioland, Newton Stewart, DG8 0AU
- Opening times: Sundays at 14:00
- Pre-booking essential
Find out more at Kitchen Coos & Ewes
Drumbuie Farm, Inverness
Set just outside Inverness on the road to Loch Ness, Drumbuie Farm is a family-run working farm offering Highland cow afternoon teas with stunning views of the glen. Their Highland cow-themed cupcakes with orange frosting are a highlight, and everything is made fresh by chefs who are, by their own admission, massive foodies!
The afternoon tea experience requires pre-booking, while the coo meet and greet is walk-in only, so arrive early to avoid missing out.
- Location: Drumnadrochit, Inverness, IV63 6XP
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00–16:00
- Price: Highland Cow afternoon tea £27.50 per person
Find out more at Drumbuie Farm
Hands-On Highland Cow Experiences
Prefer to skip the scones and get straight to the coos? These experiences are all about up-close animal interaction, from feeding and grooming to guided farm tours and proper cuddles!
Highland Cows of the Peak, Sheffield
If you’re looking for the most flexible and family-friendly Highland cow experience in England, this is it. Based at Whirlow Hall Farm on the edge of the Peak District, Highland Cows of the Peak offers four different tiers to suit every age, budget, and level of enthusiasm!
Board their all-terrain truck for a farm tour before meeting the herd up close. You might even spot young calves grazing the Sheffield hills!
| Experience | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Calf Hands-On | From £10 pp (group of 4+) | Ages 5+ |
| Meet the Coos | £30 pp | All ages (under 2s free) |
| Peak Highland Cattle | £50 pp | Adults and children 8+ |
| Deluxe Experience | From £240 per slot (up to 6) | All ages, tailored |
Guests also receive a 10% discount at the on-site Barn Café. Booking is online only, and dates are released monthly.
- Location: The Coo-permarket, Whirlow Hall Farm, Whirlow Lane, Sheffield, S11 9QF
Find out more at Highland Cows of the Peak
Highland Cow Cuddling Experience, Old Hall Farm, Norfolk
Yes, an actual cuddling experience! Meet Lory, Old Hall Farm’s resident Highland coo who genuinely loves a fuss. You’ll be guided around the farm by a friendly team member, feeding her favourite treats including carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples. You’ll also get to meet the Jersey Goddesses, her farmyard companions!
Duration: 1 hour for two people | Price: £75 per booking | Age: Over 12s only
Please note that in summer, the cows can be a 10–15 minute walk from the farm shop. Contact the farm in advance if you have any accessibility requirements.
- Location: Old Hall Farm, Norwich Rd, Bungay, NR35 2LP
Find out more at Old Hall Farm
Kinkell Byre, St Andrews, Scotland
Nestled in the beautiful Fife countryside near St Andrews, Kinkell Byre offers a short but genuinely lovely Highland cow encounter. You’ll meet, feed, and photograph the friendly herd of Heilan Coos with knowledgeable guides on hand throughout. All proceeds go directly to Rewilding Kinkell, the farm’s own charity supporting biodiversity in Scotland.
Duration: 30–45 minutes | Price: £20 per adult | Under 18s go FREE
Booking is by email to jenny@kinkell.com. Please note dates are subject to the farm’s wedding calendar, so check availability before you plan your trip.
- Location: Kinkell Byre, St Andrews, KY16 8PN