If you have a family member or friend who loves Highland cows, a fantastic last-minute Christmas gift idea for them could be an award-winning experience in Yorkshire.
Dumble Farm, located in Beverley, Yorkshire, is a working farm that offers various cow-themed experiences with their charming heifers. You even have the option to spend the night in a field adjacent to the cattle.
The farm recently won the gold award for Experience of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for their popular Cow Cuddling experience. Described by VisitEngland as a therapeutic countryside retreat in East Yorkshire, where you can relax by interacting closely with the farm’s gentle Highland cows. This unique experience promotes mindful connection through activities like petting, grooming, and cuddling these friendly animals.
Due to the farm’s setting, camping and cow experiences are limited to adults only, with no dogs allowed. Guests can bring their own tent, caravan, or motorhome, or opt for one of the farm’s luxurious yurts. The yurts feature Highland cow-themed decor including bedding and artwork, along with amenities like a cozy fireplace, running water, and access to a shared bathroom with a shower.
Adjacent to the campsite, visitors may catch glimpses of young Highland cows grazing in the field, eagerly awaiting affectionate scratches. When cow experiences are not on, guests can visit the cows’ shed and explore the wooded area to meet the farm’s goats.
The highlight of the farm is undoubtedly the Cow Cuddling experience, offering a heartwarming opportunity to bond with these loving animals. In autumn, there is also the option of Calf Handling, where guests can engage with young Highland cows by grooming them, taking them for a short walk, and, of course, enjoying cuddles.
For a more adventurous experience, the farm offers a Cow Safari and Wildlife Tour, where visitors are guided around the site on a vibrant bus and have the chance to feed the herd from a secure trailer. Additionally, guests can book “Herd it on the Grapevine,” a package that includes a tour of the nearby Laurel Vines Vineyard, a Cow Safari, and a picnic with a bottle of wine.
Located a brief 15-minute drive from Beverley, a historic market town just north of Hull, the farm’s surroundings are rich in heritage. Beverley is home to the impressive Beverley Minster, a grand parish church dating back to the 13th century, and the iconic Beverley Bar, a 15th-century gate that still stands today. The town’s bustling market, held on Saturdays, offers a variety of local goods from food and produce to artisan crafts.
For more information on Dumble Farm, including camping and experience reservation details, visit their website.