Did you know that in the heart of the Somerset countryside, there’s a working farm where you can book an hour of…. wait for it…. Highland Cow cuddling. I know, it sounds like something I’ve completely made up, but as you can see from my recent experience, it is very much a thing.
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At Willow Tree Farm in Somerset, owner Sam Jackson and her partner Jon have created the perfect place to come and enjoy the countryside with friends and family, making it a wonderful year-round Somerset travel destination.
It is Sam’s own love for animals and nature that’s the true heart of Willow Tree Farm, and her genuine compassion for animals is one of the things that makes Willow Tree Farm so unique. As I sat down with Sam and Jon, I was treated to many a story of farm life escapades and heartwarming tales of the animals that Sam has shown care and compassion for over the years, taking them in and adding to her ever-expanding animal haven.
The Highland Cow experience itself was not actually a planned venture, but rather, one that came from Sam’s own love of Highland cows and her partner surprising her with two of her very own at Christmas! From there, public interest grew, and everyone wanted to come and experience Highland cow love-ins for themselves. Who can blame them?
What exactly is a Highland cow experience, and can you really cuddle baby Highland cows?
The Highland Cow Love In experience at Willow Tree Farm is heartwarming, wholesome fun at its finest. This isn’t a rushed event where you are piled together with a random group of strangers. Your time with the cows is unrushed and exclusive to you and your party of attendees. Book with a minimum of two people or in larger groups, and with the help of staff members, you are guided through how to spend time with these adorable animals in a safe and enjoyable way.
Our session was led by Kerris Ashford, who took the time to explain every step of the process and provided us with extensive information about the Highland cows, the babies, and the adults, and how best to interact with them. Kerris was knowledgeable, friendly, and we never felt that our experience was being rushed. Kerris knows so much about the animals that reside at Willow Tree Farm and strikes an excellent balance of professionalism and personality.
The Highland cow experience began with us learning a little about the cows, with Ivy (the carrot queen!) Noel, and Oreo being among our favorites… although in truth, it really is quite impossible to say that, as they all have their own specific personalities, looks, and traits.
Brushing the adult Highland Cows
Brushing the Highland cows was our first interactive experience of the session, and as a Reiki practitioner and therapeutic coach myself, this was a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on with these majestic creatures, giving them a calming pamper session. What I wasn’t prepared for was the calming and therapeutic effects this would have on my own body.
Noticing and becoming aware of every slow, soft stroke of the brush, combined with paying attention to the texture and touch of the cow’s thick fur, instantly calmed and regulated my nervous system. As a trained emotional regulation practitioner, I can wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone looking for a moment of calm in a natural environment.
Feeding the Highland cows
Next up, we were able to feed the Highland cows some tasty carrots. As soon as they spotted these, it was clear that this was an activity the cows enjoyed even more than being brushed! They were super keen to get a tasty treat, but were very gentle taking each carrot from you. A staff member is also always on hand to assist you with tips and safety advice.
This will be a real highlight of the experience for kids and adults alike, as you can see how much enrichment and enjoyment the cows get from it, and how much they really enjoy eating carrots, of course!
Cuddling the baby Highland cows
If you want to (and trust me, you absolutely will want to), you also have the option to get up close and personal with the baby Highland cows. You can sit with them, and if you’re lucky, they might just come towards you for a big cuddle.
None of the animals are forced to do anything that they don’t want to do, and the entire experience is animal-led, with the cows being the top priority here – rightly so if you ask us.
I was almost the lucky recipient of cow kisses at one point during my experience, with the curious little ‘Pixie’ coming to get a proper look at the strange woman who had taken up residence in her home. Getting to share space with these intelligent, playful creatures was a real privilege.
This moment of the experience is now etched into my mind as a core memory, and is one that I will cherish forever. Simply being able to sit and co-exist with these adorable, gentle animals helps with co-regulation, calming, and relaxation. It’s also just really good old-fashioned, wholesome countryside fun.
The experience ended with the opportunity to take the baby Highland cows for a little walk. This is subject to how the cows feel on the day, and various factors such as weather conditions.
It is a real privilege as they allow you to guide them around their outside space, stopping to munch a little bit of lush green grass along the way, or having a mini bout of the zoomies.
The hour-long session ends with the option to visit the gift shop, which is beautifully stocked with Highland cow-related goodies, and if you have booked the option to enjoy an afternoon tea, you can do so here. The table decor is stunning, and it’s the perfect way to finish off an already amazing experience.
Want to stay on site and take in more of the stunning Somerset countryside whilst you’re here? Willow Tree Farm also has accommodation available, where you can book your very own countryside break. The perfect location for a holiday in Somerset.
How to book a Highland cow experience in Somerset
Find out more at: willowtreesomerset.co.uk or call: 07425976971 and follow them on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for daily updates and a little extra Highland cow cuteness in your life.
