Holiday Experiences
During their stay, we offer all our guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in authentic farm experiences. From lamb feeding in the spring and early summer months to the exhilarating adventures of quad biking and off-roading, there's a diverse range of activities tailored to suit every age and interest. All paid activities can be arranged and booked through us before or during your stay.
Quad Biking
£60 per person per hour (Min 2 people) – Available for visitors
Experience a farm tour by quad bike at Kirkwood – Real Farms. Safely learn to drive a quad bike then get an authentic feel for farm life as you explore our grounds and encounter farm animals along the way – maybe even lending a hand to move stock. Take in breathtaking views of the countryside that are typically inaccessible, making this a truly hands-on farm experience you won’t forget.
Tractor Driving
£115 per person per hour – Available for visitors
Experience the essence of farm life here at Kirkwood- Real Farms with our tractor driving activity. Climb aboard our farm tractor and feel the bumps as you navigate through our fields. You may find yourself loading and possibly reversing a trailer, moving bales, unloading feed, or tackling other chores that require the might of our tractor. It’s an unforgettable hands-on experience that gives you a real taste of life on the farm.
Vintage Tractor Driving
£25 per person – Available for visitors
Step back in time and enjoy the nostalgic charm and simplicity of driving a 1960s Massey Ferguson vintage tractor. This exclusive 10-minute activity can only be booked as an add-on to Tractor Driving Experience. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to add a touch of retro flair to your farm adventure.
Off Roading
£115/vehicle for 1 hour – Available for visitors from March 2025
Experience the thrill of off-road driving at Kirkwood – Real Farms, where you get to take the wheel under our guidance and supervision. While you’re welcome to use your own 4×4 vehicle, please note that it can only be driven off our farm roads with us in attendance.
Bottle Feed Lambs
£25 per session – Residents only
Each year after lambing (generally May to August), we often have a few orphaned or rejected lambs in need of bottle feeding, and we invite our guests to lend a hand! This interactive experience is not only fun for younger guests, but many older ones also love to join in. It’s a wonderful opportunity for real farm interaction.
Feed Hens & Collect Eggs
£25 per session plus 6 eggs – Residents only
At Kirkwood – Real Farms, we take pride in our excellent chickens that lay eggs all year round (although there may be fewer in the winter). As part of your experience, we offer guests the opportunity to feed the hens and collect their own eggs at any time of year.
Walking
Free for guests
Our guests frequently remark on the beauty and unspoiled nature of Kirkwood – Real Farms. Our 100 acres of oak woodland provide a delightful setting for exploration throughout the year—and it’s a favourite among our canine visitors too! Take a leisurely stroll down to the river through the woods, where you can wander along the tranquil riverbank and experience pure bliss. Let peace and quiet envelop you, creating a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Wildlife Watching
Free for guests
A holiday at Kirkwood – Real Farms promises a delightful wildlife experience, with an abundance of fascinating animals and birds to observe. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars for a self-guided safari, as our guests often spot unique creatures for the first time during their stay.
Shear-a-Sheep
Demonstration £50 plus £35 per person – Minimum 2 people – Residents only
Have you ever fancied shearing a sheep? If you have—or if you’re considering it now—this is a fantastic real farm experience to enjoy with us. To ensure everything runs smoothly, we’ll need to agree on a date in advance to ensure an instructor is available and that the sheep are dry for you!
Cycling
Free for guests
Road cyclists will appreciate our relatively quiet roads (by UK standards), with routes that offer a balance between hills and flat stretches, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the rural countryside as you ride. Mountain bikers are welcome to explore the trails and farm roads around Kirkwood – Real Farms, offering a variety of terrain for an exhilarating ride.
Fishing
Price Depending on Season – Residents only
Fishing is our passion here at Kirkwood – Real Farms, and we’re renowned for fishing holidays. We proudly offer access to two exceptional beats on the River Annan. Our own beat, known as Kirkwood, as well as the Jardine Hall beat located approximately 8 miles upstream. We also have some extra trout fishing.
Country Sports
POA
At Kirkwood – Real Farms, we welcome shooters, stalkers and wildfowlers because this part of Scotland naturally suits the genuine sportsman offering variety, wilderness and much quarry. All shooters must have proper insurance via BASC or Countryside Alliance and legal gun certificates. Have a look at what we can offer our guests staying in our cottages
Sports Field Hire
POA
Our cricket/sports field is available to hire, whether for a fun family game of rounders or for a team sports residential training session.
The Wildness
£80 for a full day – residents only
Set in the woods, just up the hill from the Courtyard Cottages, this Hot Tub is about as perfect as it gets! With views down to the Lake District on a good day (or as far as the stars on clear night!) it is secluded, peaceful and relaxing – just what a hot tub should be. And its sustainable.