It’s lambing season and the weather’s getting better, so close your laptop, put your phone away, and head to the farm! Here are 10 amazing city farms in London you can visit today.
1. Kentish Town City Farm
Easy to get to on the Northern Line or Thameslink Railway. The kids can enjoy pony rides, and say hi to the other cattle and livestock. If you like it a lot, you can even join the team as a volunteer.
2. Mudchute Park and Farm
Free to visit in the Isle of Dogs (near the O2 Arena), Mudchute has a petting zoo and duck pond for kids, as well as a busy equestrian centre where you can learn to ride horses.
3. Spitalfields City Farm
They don’t get more city than the Spitalfields City Farm, right in the heart of London’s East End. Free to visit with goats, pigs, cats, ferrets, horses and more! Other activities include…. animal yoga!
4. Deen City Farm
Run by the National Trust in South Wimbledon, Deen City Farm is a fabulously furry day out with the alpacas, ducks and lambs. Largely wheelchair (and pushchair) accessible too.
5. Vauxhall City Farm
Not far from the River Thames, a managerie of animals awaits you. As does The Old Dairy Cafe for a relaxing cuppa.
6. Hounslow Urban Farm
Set out towards Heathrow Airport, Hounslow Urban Farm is one of London’s largest community farms, with a really wide range of animals large and small. For extra excitement, check out the weekly pig race!
7. Stepney City Farm
This mini 3-acre farm is in the heart of Tower Hamlets. It’s free to visit and hang out with the animals, and if you visit on a Saturday there’s a weekly Farmer’s Market to peruse too.
8. Freightliners City Farm
Nestled away in Islington is a wonderful free-to-visit city farm called Freightliners City Farm. Freightliners is a tiny 2.5 acre farm with farmyard animals and a tranquil garden to relax in.
9. Golders Hill Park Zoo
Could this be the only free zoo in the country? It’s the only free zoo we can think of in London for sure. Not quite a farm, but still loads of animals, and some exotic ones too!
10. Lee Valley Park Farm
Just to the East of London in Essex Lee Valley Farm is the perfect animal-filled family day out. Loads of animals, loads of fun!