THANKERTON FARM FIELD GUIDE
Milking Time at Hillhead of Covington — Meet the Baillie Family and the Cows of Covington
A two‑hour, hands‑on visit in Thankerton where visitors observe milking, try milking themselves, meet and feed friendly calves, and learn the journey of milk from cow to bottle.
Milking Time at Hillhead of Covington — Meet the Baillie Family and the Cows of Covington.
At Hillhead of Covington, the gates open on a working dairy: visitors meet the Baillie family and their herd, watch cows enter the milking parlour, have the chance to milk a cow, and feed the young calves — all within a focused two‑hour experience that places farm processes and animal care front and centre.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
See the cows in their day‑to‑day environment
You’ll watch the herd in their natural setting and hear from the Baillie family about how they care for healthy cows that produce the farm’s milk.
Inside the milking parlour
As the cows enter the parlour you’ll observe the milking routine and, if you choose, try milking a cow under supervision — a candid look at milk production from animal to bottle.
Feed the friendly calves
Meeting the young calves and feeding them with milk is a perennial highlight — the calves are noted as especially friendly and popular with younger visitors.
What the day feels like
A concise, tactile farm visit
The tour moves deliberately: gather at The Milk Hut parking area, meet the family and herd, watch the milking routine, try a hands‑on milking if you wish, then finish with close encounters feeding calves while the Baillies answer questions about how milk makes it from cow to bottle.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should reconsider:
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs for approximately 2 hours; meeting takes place at the designated parking area by The Milk Hut at Hillhead of Covington.
Wear washable, disinfectable footwear (wellies are recommended) and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty if you wish to participate in milking; come prepared for a working‑farm environment.
Height restrictions may apply in the milking parlour; there is no wheelchair or buggy access to the parlour. The operator requires a minimum of six people for the tour to take place.
If the minimum number of participants is not reached the operator will not run the tour and customers will receive a full refund.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Dairy Farm Tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at the designated parking area at The Milk Hut at Hillhead of Covington.
Is there a minimum number of people required?
Yes. The operator needs a minimum of six people to run the tour; if this is not met customers will receive a full refund.
Can children participate?
Yes. The experience is suitable for children from five years old and the calf‑feeding is especially popular with young visitors.
What should I wear and will I get dirty?
Wear washable, disinfectable footwear (wellies are best) and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty if you plan to take part in milking — the operator advises appropriate clothing.
Is the milking parlour accessible for wheelchairs or buggies?
No. There is no wheelchair or buggy access to the milking parlour, and height restrictions may apply within the parlour.