If you’ve never been into a farm, you definitely should visit one of these farms in London. It’s a nice way to get to know more about our nature and how farm animals behave, plus you’re away from the bustle of our busy city. Don’t you want to give it a try? Visiting a farmstead has many other benefits, such as learning about the animals’ diet, the origin of some of the food we eat, the importance of the environment and the efforts made by those who work in the field. So, don’t miss out on this roundup of farms in London where you can experience what’s like living in the countryside without leaving the big city smoke!
1. Spitalfields City Farm
Established in 1978, the aim of Spitalfields City Farm is to make a positive change in people’s lives, their community and the whole planet. They also promote animal welfare, farming practices and animal care training.
You can visit this lovely farm, one of the most popular farms in London, and its gardens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4.30pm. They also offer school visits and the possibility to bring some friendly animals to events such as films or photo shoots on a mobile farm.
📍You’ll find Spitalfields City Farm at Buxton Street, London, E1 5AR.
🚇 Nearest station is Whitechapel.
2. Stepney City Farm
Stepney City Farm is a three-acre community farm, which has been running since 1979, providing children and adults with the opportunity to meet some farm animals and learn how to grow food. They are committed to improving the lives of animals through sustainable farming practices and animal wellbeing.
You can spend a lovely morning here and benefit from their extensive educational programme and the several courses, projects and workshops about different farming activities they offer. This farm is open to the public free of charge so you can visit it from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
📍You’ll find Stepney City Farm at Stepney Way, London, E1 3DG.
🚇 Nearest station is Stepney Green.
3. Vauxhall City Farm
Vauxhall City Farm is one of the oldest city farms in London. They try to empower the local community to experience nature in order to make their health and well-being better, and enhance life prospects through the development of personal and social skills. They’re also committed to environmental awareness and a cohesive society.
In this farm, which is home to more than a hundred animals, you will perceive a strong relationship with the local community as they run a wide range of activities, programmes, tours and workshops. They also offer family activity days and activities for large groups, if you fancy visiting this place with your friends.
They will welcome you from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 4pm to give you the opportunity to become a farmer for a day. A small donation is requested to enter the farm.
📍You’ll find Vauxhall City Farm at 165 Tyers Street, London, SE11 5HS.
🚇 Nearest station is Vauxhall.
4. Hackney City Farm
Established in 1984, Hackney City Farm Yard offers children and adults an opportunity to see farmyard animals and learn about nature, plants, food and the environment. They try to engage the local community in farming experiences by providing workshops, courses and lessons.
Located in the heart of London, this farm offers tours for groups or individuals. As many other farms in London, they welcome volunteers to work on the improvement of the local environment. This farm is free to visit from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4.30pm. You can also plan your visit on their website.
📍You’ll find Hackney City Farm at 1a Goldsmiths Row, London, E2 8QA.
🚇 Nearest station is Cambridge Heath.
5. Surrey Docks Farm
As one the best farms in London, Surrey Docks Farm is a charitable working farm that enables people from all communities to learn about farming, nature and food production. They run several education programmes and workshops aimed at getting people involved in the farming world.
This farm, which offers training and gardening courses, is home to a diverse variety of animals including goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, poultry, bees and wildlife in addition to green spaces and gardens. The place is open to the general public for free from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday.
📍You’ll find Surrey Docks Farm at South Wharf, Rotherhithe Street, London, SE16 5ET.
🚇 Nearest station is Surrey Quays.
6. Freightliners Farm
Located in the middle of London, Freightliners Farm is a two-and-a-half-acre green space where a wide range of people are involved in farming and gardening. This charitable organisation welcomes more than 40,000 visitors per year.
In addition to its lovely green areas and animals, they run several programmes and workshops you can take part in to have a positive impact on the community. These courses are aimed at protecting the environment and promoting farming.
This farm welcomes people who want to escape busy city life and be in contact with animals from 10:30am to 3:30pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Entry is free of charge.
📍You’ll find Freightliners Farm at Sheringham Road, London, N7 8PF.
🚇 Nearest station is Highbury and Islington.
7. Kentish Town City Farm
Founded in 1972, Kentish Town City Farm offers a lifelong education to children, adults and anyone interested in living in the countryside and local agriculture.
But that’s only the tip of the iceberg, this local charity invites people to connect with nature and animals and offer outdoor therapy and therapeutic horse riding to people with special needs. Moreover, they try to raise awareness about the importance of the environment and green spaces within the city.
You can take part in several programmes and activities and bring your mates to corporate events as they offer their facilities for private events. Entry is free every day from 9am to 5pm and no booking is required.
📍You’ll find Kentish Town City Farm at Cressfield Close (off Grafton Road), London, NW5 4BN.
🚇 Nearest station is Gospel Oak.
8. Mudchute Park and Farm
Located in heart of East London, Mudchute Park and Farm is a 32-acre community charity fully committed to farming, the environment and the preservation and development of green areas in the city. They also promote animal welfare, education, and training for all ages.
This farm is definitely one of the largest and best farms in London and Europe. They’ve got over 100 animals that you can peacefully meet, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas, ducks, chickens, aviary birds and more. What about booking a farm tour and geting closer to the animals? As other farms in London, they also offer unique school visits, courses and volunteering programmes. Visits are available from 9am to 5pm from every day.
📍You’ll find Mudchute Park and Farm at Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, London, EI4 3HP.
🚇 Nearest station is Mudchute.
9. Oasis Farm Waterloo
What used to be a wasteland is now a flourishing community and a space for nature. Oasis Farm Waterloo is nestled in central London and it focuses on disadvantaged young people, trying to engage them in academic life and boost their potential in society.
Their aim is to encourage people to learn about food production and farming, and to provide a safe and natural space for the local community, surrounded by animals, plants and a whole natural oasis. Besides this, they offer a lot of activities, events, workshops and plenty of other programmes you can freely take part in
Due to therapeutic courses, this farm is usually closed to the general public most of the days. However, they generally open twice a month for volunteering and family days, so you should contact them in advance.
📍You’ll find Oasis Farm Waterloo at 18 Carlisle Lane, London, SE1 7LG.
🚇 Nearest station is Lambeth North.
10. Woodlands Farm Trust
Woodlands Farm Trust is a 89-acre working city farm, a place to explore nature and learn about farming, wildlife and conservation. With the size of about 50 football fields, this charity runs educational projects to provide all communities with basic Farms life and animal knowledge, as a well as an opportunity to experience rural life in London.
They’ve got plenty of animals such as sheep, pigs and ducks, and you can meet as well as a diverse variety of species of insects, flowers, grasses and sedges in their fields. In addition to this, its excellent location and size make the farm a wonderful place you will definitely fall in love with.
The farm itself offers many activities for individuals and corporate groups who want to improve their commitment to the environment and their social responsibility. Guided tours are also available, and you can visit the farm from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 4:30pm, including bank holidays.
📍You’ll find Woodlands Farm Trust at 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, Kent, DA16 3RP.
🚇 Nearest station is Welling.
So, as you can see, there are plenty of farms in London where you can have a wonderful day and learn new and interesting things. So why not take a step back and start your adventure in the rural world?