Find something to do that will keep the whole family happy and 'Go Rural' from Edinburgh in as little as half an hour. From alpaca treks to pumpkin picking to Highland Cow tours, you can enjoy the peace of the country or head off on a farm adventure that will have you all making memories that will last a lifetime.
15 miles: Kilduff Farm, East Lothian
Kilduff Farm, just 15 miles from Edinburgh, is a mixed arable farm near North Berwick.
The farm opened to the public for pumpkin picking at The Patch in 2018. The project was (and still is) focused on sharing rural life, where food comes from, and how it is grown with younger generations. The Patch now opens up in the autumn months to celebrate all things pumpkin but they have also created Grow at Home Pumpkin kits which are available to purchase on their website now.
20 miles: Carfrae Farm, East Lothian
Carfrae Farm, in East Lothian, is an 830-acre farm offering holiday accommodation and a variety of activity packages that are perfect for anyone seeking a day out with a difference within easy reach of Edinburgh.
From farm and walking tours to stand-up paddle boarding and mindful loch swimming, Carfrae Farm is the ideal location for adventure and outdoor fun.
25 miles. Clackmae Farm, Scottish Borders
Clackmae Farm is a family-run dairy and sheep farm in the Scottish Borders that opens to the public to offer farm tours and seasonal events.
The vast majority of their activity takes place around their pick your own pumpkin patch and carving workshops held during the autumn months.
37 miles: Argaty Red Kites, Stirling
Argaty Red Kites can be found just over an hour from Edinburgh at Lerrocks Farm, near Doune.
The wildlife visitor centre primarily focuses on the feeding, history and behaviour of the red kites which were reintroduced to the farm by the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage. The birds can be viewed and photographed from the centre's purpose-built hides. As well as the red kites, red squirrels and a range of woodland birds can also be viewed in their natural habitat from the woodland hide on site.
38 miles: Old Leckie Farm, Stirling
Old Leckie Farm, as well as producing and retailing their own free-range eggs, grass-fed meat and homegrown vegetables, offer 5-star tours of the farm.
These tours allow you to see how the Younger family lives and works as you head out round the farm, just under 40 miles from Scotland's capital. You'll be able to meet the animals, experience Scottish farming and witness local food production first-hand. We highly recommend adding a farm tasting session to complete your trip to Old Leckie Farm!
40 miles: West Moss-side Organic Farm
At West Moss-side Organic Farm you'll find a unique meeting and workshop venue that has hosted some fantastic creative artists over the years.
Whether you're looking for somewhere to meet in a work or social capacity, Kate, Graham and Faith the collie dog will welcome you to their farm to relax and get inspired by the nature and scenery all around West Moss-side.
42 miles: Jacksons at Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
Jacksons at Jedburgh is a working family farm that is open to the public as an authentic farm attraction from Easter to Halloween.
Owned and run by farmers Fenwick and Jasmine, you can embrace the Jacksons' lifestyle at Kersheugh Farm with a farm walk that takes in spectacular views across the countryside. With refreshments and play paddocks open throughout your visit, you can relax and play together or head off with your animal feed to meet the farm's sheep, goats, pigs and poultry. Highland Cow tours can also be booked for an up-close introduction to Scotland's most famous farm animal.
43 miles: Arnprior Farm, Stirling
The McEwen family is the fourth generation to farm Arnprior, an 800-acre sheep and arable farm in Stirlingshire.
Now open to the public throughout the year for authentic and family-friendly farm experiences, the farm also runs pumpkin picking events during the autumn months and has a private indoor swimming pool available to book for both leisure and parties.
48 miles: Beirhope Alpacas, Scottish Borders
Beirhope is a hidden gem in the Scottish Borders offering a number of alpaca activities, from hikes and treks to strolls and visits.
With 23 alpacas, hens, horses, sheep, and goats, this smallholding is a great place to experience what farming life is like on a smaller scale. You can also choose to extend your visit and stay at one of Beirhope's three wild camping pitches or one of their two furnished bell tents for hire.