Santa afternoon tea with highland cows will open for three days only at family-run Northants farm
A Santa afternoon tea with highland cows will be available for three days only at a family-run farm in Northamptonshire, following its success throughout the spring and summer months.
Colready Highlands, in Brackley, has been run by the Dyer family for more than 100 years – and has attracted people from all of the UK since launching their highland cow experience in 2023.
It is a working farm that does not produce milk or meat as part of its operations, and the highland cows are only used for breeding and meeting the farm’s visitors.
It was more than four years ago when Tom Dyer took over the running of Colready Highlands, and the family is proud to offer an informative time with their growing number of highland cows.
Not many farms offer a highland cow experience, or manage to get the public as close to the animals, which is what Tom believes sets them apart from others across the county and beyond.
The highland cows attracted lots of local attention long before the family launched the experience back in 2023. They knew it was the right time to expand their offering, especially to keep the cows safe and ensure people can get close to them in a controlled environment.
The family introduced the unique opportunity to have afternoon tea with their highland cows in May this year, and it was attended by thousands before it stopped for autumn at the start of October.
The afternoon tea takes place in a custom-built trailer, which seats up to 28 people on tables of four. It has padded seats, is wind and rainproof, and is accessible for all with a ramp and designated wheelchair space.
The trailer is driven into the field with the highland cows and parked up for 60 minutes while the afternoon tea is served, which includes sandwiches, sausage rolls, scones and cakes.
There is also the option to add a 90-minute interactive experience, to learn more about the breed and hand-feed the animals.
Steph Ballin, who runs the highland cow afternoon teas, shared that they are offering three days of highland cow afternoon teas with Santa on December 12, 13 and 14.
Their regular highland cow experience is on offer all year round, but the afternoon teas will then not be available to enjoy until April 2026. The team look forward to bringing back the cheese and wine version next year too, as well as introducing a breakfast experience.
Reflecting on the spring and summer months, Steph said: “It was really good and we had repeat customers. Everyone loved it as it was very different. Because we’re in a trailer, we can move as the cows move and you’re not confined. You can always see them.”
The experience has been enjoyed by hen-dos, solo visitors, holidaymakers, couples and families, and this confirmed that this is an offering for everyone.
Following a “manic” year of breeding the highland cows who remain at the family-run farm, Steph hopes they will see the same level of success in 2026 as they look to expand even further.