Highland Cow Experience in Somerset: Meet, Feed and Cuddle Our Highland Cows
Looking for a Highland cow experience where you can get properly up close to these beautiful, fluffy animals? At Willow Tree Farm in Somerset, you can feed our adult Highland cows, brush and cuddle our calves, and enjoy a gentle walk with them when they’re happy to join in.
Our one-hour Highland cow experiences are exclusive to your booking, so you won’t be sharing your special time with another group. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a birthday surprise, a romantic treat or simply want to meet some Highland cows, we’d love to welcome you.
And because every cow has a personality of its own, no two visits are quite the same.
What Happens During a Highland Cow Experience?
Your visit begins with a friendly welcome and a safety briefing. We’ll explain what to expect, introduce you to the animals and show you how to interact with them safely.
Then comes one of the highlights: feeding our adult Highland cows their favourite carrots.
If you’ve never been close to a Highland cow before, you might be surprised by just how much personality they have. Some of ours stick out their enormous tongues when they spot the carrots coming!
Our adult cattle have impressive horns, so feeding takes place safely from behind our fences, with guidance from our team.
Next, it’s time to meet the babies.
Depending on how the calves are feeling, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time brushing, cuddling and getting to know them. You may also enjoy a short walk together.
We never force an animal to walk or interact. If a calf would rather stay where it is, that’s absolutely fine. There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy being close to them.
Because your hour is reserved for your group, there’s time to ask questions, take photographs and simply enjoy the moment.
Meet Our Highland Cows and Their Calves
We’re lucky enough to share Willow Tree Farm with around 25 Highland cattle, and every single one has its own character.
Noel and Nelly are among our cheekiest residents. Noel can be surprisingly particular about his carrots and has been known to turn down one that doesn’t meet his standards!
Pixie and Paisley are especially friendly, while our younger calves are often wonderfully curious. Sometimes they’ll wander over to investigate a visitor’s camera, getting so close that all you can see is a fluffy nose.
Five of our calves — Phoenix, Pixie, Oreo, Paisley and Peanut — were born here at Willow Tree Farm. Watching them grow and develop their individual personalities has been one of the loveliest parts of farm life.
But raising calves isn’t always straightforward.
Oreo and Peanut: Two Very Special Calves
Oreo arrived prematurely and was incredibly tiny. He needed extra attention and spent last winter in the stable, where we could keep a close eye on him.
Peanut had a different challenge. He wasn’t getting enough milk, so we provided additional feed and monitored him carefully over several months.
These are the stories behind the fluffy faces visitors see.
We know our animals as individuals, and caring for them through their difficult moments makes it even more special when people come to meet them.
Why Our Highland Cow Experience Is Different
Our Highland cow story started with a Christmas present.
In 2021, my partner bought me two female Highland cows. I thought they were the most beautiful, regal and adorable animals I’d ever seen.
At the time, opening the farm to visitors wasn’t part of the plan.
But the herd grew, and so did our love for sharing these wonderful animals with others. In February 2025, we began offering Highland cow experiences.
My partner has spent 40 years farming sheep and cattle. I’ve always cared for orphan sheep and have been involved in dog rescue for around 20 years.
For us, the animals have always come first.
That’s one reason we decided to offer exclusive experiences rather than sessions shared with strangers.
We want people to feel comfortable, ask as many questions as they like and spend meaningful time with the cows without feeling rushed.
And sometimes, those moments become unforgettable for reasons we could never have imagined.
Highland Cows and a Surprise Marriage Proposal
We’ve had two marriage proposals at Willow Tree Farm, and both were surprises.
During one visit, a couple were walking with the Highland cows when the gentleman proposed.
It was such an emotional moment that there were tears from our team too. We even gave the happy couple a cuddly cow as a little keepsake.
We love seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they first meet our calves. Being part of memories like these is a wonderful bonus.
A Welcoming Highland Cow Experience for Families and Visitors with Different Needs
We believe that the joy of meeting Highland cows should be shared with as many people as possible.
Children of all ages are welcome at Willow Tree Farm, and we’ve welcomed many families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including autistic children.
Because experiences are private, we can take a personal approach and discuss what might help each visitor feel comfortable.
We’ve also welcomed many wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
One particularly memorable visitor was Carmela Chillery-Watson MBE, whom we were delighted to welcome for a complimentary experience. Carmela made history as the youngest person to be awarded an MBE, recognised for her charitable fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Visits like these mean a great deal to us.
Our farm is a real working environment, with gravel and some uneven ground, so accessibility can depend on individual needs and conditions on the day.
If someone cannot get to the calves, we can look at bringing the baby cows closer to them instead, provided it’s safe for everyone and comfortable for the animals.
We encourage visitors with mobility, sensory or other access requirements to contact us before booking. That gives us the chance to discuss the experience and make suitable arrangements wherever possible.
Animal Welfare Always Comes First
Highland cows may look like enormous cuddly toys, but they’re living animals with their own feelings, preferences and routines.
We check on our cattle throughout the day and pay attention to how they’re behaving.
If a calf doesn’t want to go for a walk, it doesn’t go. If an animal needs some quiet time, we respect that.
We also ask visitors to remain calm around the cows and follow our safety guidance.
Willow Tree Farm holds a council-issued animal activity licence for exhibiting animals to the public. Caring for the animals properly isn’t just something we talk about — it’s central to how we run the farm.
What About Rain, Cold Weather and Hot Days?
We have shelter available and can use our barn when the weather isn’t ideal.
However, during amber weather warnings, including extreme heat or storms, we rearrange experiences for the safety of our visitors and animals.
Highland cattle are famous for their thick coats, but that doesn’t mean they should be expected to spend time interacting with visitors in uncomfortable heat.
Our cows’ wellbeing will always be more important than sticking to a timetable.
Planning Your Visit to Willow Tree Farm in Somerset
You’ll find us at Willow Tree Farm, Vole Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4PE.
We welcome people from across Somerset and visitors who travel from all over the UK to spend time with our Highland cows.
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your visit:
Wear sensible footwear. Sturdy shoes or boots are best for a working farm, where the ground can be uneven or muddy.
Choose practical clothes. Our animals aren’t worried about keeping your outfit spotless!
Take your time. Stay calm, listen to the safety briefing and let the calves approach and interact at their own pace.
Bring your camera. You never know when a curious calf might come over for a close-up photograph.
Tell us about any access needs in advance. We’ll discuss how we can help you enjoy your visit.
Our Highland cow experiences last approximately one hour and must be booked in advance.
You can also add an afternoon tea to make your day even more special. We offer other farm activities too, including sheep experiences and tractor rides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highland Cow Experiences
Where can I find a Highland cow experience near me?
If you’re searching for a highland cow experience near me or highland cows near me in the South West, Willow Tree Farm is in Highbridge, Somerset.
Visitors come from across the UK to meet our herd. You can check our website for experience details and booking availability before travelling.
Can you cuddle and brush Highland cows?
Yes. Our Highland cow cuddling experience includes opportunities to meet, brush and cuddle our calves, depending on how comfortable they’re feeling.
Adult cows are fed carrots from behind safety fences because of their size and horns.
Are Highland cow experiences suitable for young children?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome, with appropriate adult supervision.
Children under five can currently join our Highland cow experience free of charge. If your child has additional needs, please get in touch so we can discuss how best to support them.
Can wheelchair users or people with limited mobility take part?
We’ve welcomed many wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility.
There is a short route from the car park to the experience area, but the farm includes gravel and uneven ground. Where appropriate, we can consider bringing calves closer to visitors who cannot reach them.
Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your individual needs.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We have shelter and barn facilities for less pleasant weather.
If an amber weather warning is issued, including for extreme heat or storms, we rearrange experiences to protect both people and animals.
Can I book a Highland cow afternoon tea?
Yes! You can combine your Highland cow experience with afternoon tea at Willow Tree Farm.
It’s a lovely way to turn your visit into a longer countryside treat, whether you’re celebrating something special or simply spending time with someone you love.
Please check the available options and dietary arrangements when booking.
Come and Meet Our Highland Cows
From cheeky Noel to curious little Oreo, our Highland cows have a wonderful way of making people smile.
Whether you’re a lifelong Highland cow lover or have only ever admired them in photographs, we’d love to introduce you to our fold.
Book your private Highland cow experience at Willow Tree Farm in Somerset, or get in touch if you’d like to ask about accessibility, afternoon tea or planning a special visit.
We can’t wait to welcome you.