Ingram Valley GB

A safari through time - cannot recommend this enough, genuinely one of the most interesting and thought-provoking excursions I've ever done. The landscape used for this off-road eye-opener offered a totally unique cross-section of ancestral heritage from the Ice Age through to modern day, framing it all in a living, breathing - and working - environment. A fresh and exciting perspective on a subject that links us all together, this is not just another farm-trip for the kids - there's truly something in it for everyone. Our guide - Patrick - was absolutely superb; knowledgeable, imaginative and just great company to be around - someone who knew and understood not just farming, but how humans have connected with the landscape since the dawn of human-kind. If - like me - you have a good imagination, you'll come away from this feeling like a kid again.
May 1st, 2023

Excellent farm safari. Our Gide Michael took so much care to show us as much as possible during the 3 hour safari. We were able to get a very close look at the stags, deer, and even the bulls being fed. My kids were fascinated by the fact that deer shed their antlers, and wanted to know how big the antlers could get. So, Michael took a detour via one of the farm houses to dig a full set of antlers out of a shed to show them the size. The hill forts are fascinating, and there are views for miles around of Simonside and the surrounding Cheviot hills. We saw a few tough rogue sheep on the hills that had lambed by themselves, with a handful of very sprightly, healthy looking lambs. As it was during lambing we were treated to a trip to the barn to see young orphan lambs that had been rescued. We also witnessed a calf that fancied itself a sheepdog rounding up sheep in the barn! The whole thing was topped off with late afternoon tea in the cafe, where Michael joined us to recount some real life shepherding tales. Theres a small, informative museum attached to the cafe too where you can see Neolithic artefacts from digs on the hill. Well be back in the summer when they offer an outdoor picnic. Great family day out in the Ingram valley area. Would absolutely recommend it.
Apr 29th, 2023

Our safari trip had been well organised and efficiently run. Our guide was very informative and friendly. Piece de resistance was the herd of deer at the end of the trip. Would highly recommend this trip.
Apr 11th, 2023

We went on a safari adventure with Patrick and had the BEST time! The weather was a bit wet, the worst day of our holiday, and truth be told I wasnt looking forward to 3 hours outside in the rain But, I shouldnt have worried, despite the weather, we were warm, dry and thoroughly entertained! The dry robes were a life saver and Patricks knowledge is astounding. He was brilliant with the kids, really involving them and keeping them engaged throughout. The buggy itself is a great ride, fast on the road - the kids (and us adults) found it quite exciting, but also safe and handled well off-road. It was fantastic! The picnic was also delicious and filling. Highlights were the lambs and deer, and just generally the adventure aboard the buggy. Well be coming again next year and hope for better weather - Im sure the scenes are even more breathtaking in the sunshine! Thanks so much.
Apr 3rd, 2023

We spent a fabulous couple of hours with our guide, Patrick, on the Ingram Valley Farm Safari.We were given dry coats to wear as it was a bit chilly on top of the hills. They kept us warm and dry and protected from the mud slashes whilst driving through boggy areas in the open sided vehicle. Patrick was very knowledgeable about the local area and its wealth of history. We didnt feel at all rushed when gazing/ photographing the scenery. Including the glacial valleys, Iron/Bronze age sites and stunning views of the snow capped Cheviots. These places would have been inaccessible for us and probably most people who are not experienced hikers.We stopped off at the farm and were lucky enough to bottle feed a newborn lamb and calf. The highlight for me was the stop where you go into the Red Deer enclosure and are enthusiastically greeted by the hinds - ok they are only there for the food- but it means you get up close to them and some of the bravest will let you touch them or feed from your hand. Finally, we were driven to the Ingram Cafe for a hot drink (included in the tour price) and we paid extra for some of their delicious cake. I am gluten free and was delighted to have 2 cakes to chose from. We sat and chatted with Patrick and were also joined by Rebecca (tour/farm owner). Rebecca was excited to unveil a recreation of a Bronze Age burial pot which had been excavated from one of the sites we had just visited on the tour.
Mar 19th, 2023