This Castle Lets You Hang Out With Highland Cows on a ‘Bovine Safari’

If you’ve ever wished safaris were a bit … cuddlier, your moment has finally arrived. Guests of Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland are getting up close and personal with Highlanders, a mild-mannered, highly social breed of cows native to the country.

Built in 1870, Glenapp Castle is a 21-suite Relais & Château property with sweeping views of the sea and 110 acres of gardens and woodland. On “Glenapp’s Private Coos & Ewes,” guests are whisked away from the historic castle to get cozy in the countryside at nearby Airyolland Farm. They embark on a “bovine safari” in a weatherproof trailer designed for the heartwarming adventure and then get a chance to brush the cow’s fluffy red coats and even cuddle the more affectionate members of the fold. 

After spending time with the Highlanders, guests are treated to homemade baked goods, tea, and coffee from the fresh farmhouse kitchen. They’re sent home with a complimentary goody bag filled with Highland cow keepsakes.   

The pastoral excursions are hosted by Janet and Neale McQuistin, who have 108 years of farm life under their belts between them. Janet McQuistin can even trace her family’s farming history in southwestern Scotland back to 1624. The pair’s farm is within the Galloway and Southern Aryshire UNESCO Biosphere, an area recognized for its exemplary human-wildlife relations and sustainable practices.

The McQuistins give the cow safari experience “a truly personal touch,” according to a release from Glenapp Castle. Thanks to their daily interactions with the Highland fold, the duo can give guests all the details about the cows’ social hierarchy and distinct personalities. If visitors are lucky, they’ll even get a close-up look at one of the gentle giants with storied modeling careers. (Yes, some particularly resplendent cows have made the cover of Vogue—multiple times.)

The private tours are available exclusively to guests of Glenapp Castle, but anyone can reserve a spot for a group tour of the Highland fold on the farm’s website. “Glenapp Coos and Ewes” is 290 euros (about $336) for groups of one to four people, and 45 euros ($52) for each additional guest. The hotel offers several other interactive experiences with animals, including falconry, beachside horseback riding, and a Hebridean Sea Safari, which Travel + Leisure contributor Leslie Jamison described as “divine.”

According to the “Kitchen Coos and Ewes” website, it’s closed for tours Feb. 20 through March and for most of November. The farm can accommodate up to 15 guests per tour. Gift certificates are also available and make the perfect present for a loved one in need of a great big cow hug.