One of the best ways to keep kids entertained in the Spring/Summer times is to take them to a farm, where they can get closer to any animals than they would in a zoo, and enjoy lots of fun activities too like tractor rides, feeding lambs and petting all manner of cute baby animals. But what if you live in the sprawling metropolis of London, surrounded by concrete instead of fields? Well we have good news – the capital has almost 20 urban city farms, some of them so central you will wonder how you never knew about them!
We’ve listed our favourite city farms in London:
1. Hackney City Farm
At Hackney City Farm, both grown-ups and children are able to get close to a number of different farmyard animals. You can also see, plant, and smell vegetables, as well as other food plants. This farm as all about teaching children how to learn new skills so that they can have a happier and healthier life with a lower impact on the environment.
Address: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA
Phone: 020 7729 6381
2. Mudchute
Set in 32 acre of fields in the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute is home to over 100 animals and a great range of educational activities. There’s a children’s Nursery, After School Club, Stables and a Restaurant. Visitors can admire donkeys, chickens, pigs and horses, as well as some more unusual rare breed animals, llamas and alpacas. Upcoming workshops and events include Easter Parade, Young Farmer for a Day and Mudchute Fun Dog Show.
Address: Pier St, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3HP
Phone: 020 7515 5901
3. Kentish Town City Farm
Next, we have Kentish Town City Farm, which is open seven days per week. It is just as popular for school trips as it is for children’s parties. We definitely recommend keeping a check on the different events that are going on, as there are often exciting occasions at Kentish Town City Farm. For example, during Easter weekend, there are donkey and pony rides for children to enjoy, as well as a number of other activities.
Address: 1 Cressfield Cl, Kentish Town, London NW5 4BN
Phone: 020 7916 5421
4. Deen City Farm
Set on part of the National Trust’s Modern Hall Estate in South West London, Deen City Farm is spread over 5 acres, and is one of the capital’s longest running community farms. There is a strong focus on encouraging locals to take part in countryside activities, and educating children on the importance of sustainable farming and raising livestock.
The professional riding school runs a “Own Your Own Pony’ day where budding equestrians can learn how to ride and care for a pony, and there are also excellent Farm Tours to book for just £3.50 per child.
Don’t forget to stop by the Farm Shop on your way out, to pick up a jar of homemade jam or delicious honey.
Address: 39 Windsor Ave, London SW19 2RR
Phone: 020 8543 5300
5. Freighliners City Farm
Freighliners City Farm is located within the heart of Islington. It is a popular outdoor space, with more than 40,000 people visiting the farm per year. It is a farm that runs evidence-based programmes, which are proven to have a considerable positive influence on both volunteers and visitors in the community.
Address: Sheringham Rd, London N7 8PF
Phone: 020 7609 0467
6. Spitalfields City Farm
You would never guess that slap bang in the middle of Spitalfields is a thriving farmyard, home to sheep, geese, bees, rabbits, parrots and more! Popular with inner city schools, the farm aims to unite the local community and provide children with a safe and inviting space to connect with nature.
The farm’s annual Goat Race, which coincides with the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race in March, has become a much-anticipated part of its events calendar, with plenty of other entertainment, food and drink on the day for spectators to enjoy. A great city farm to discover in East London.
Address: Buxton St, London E1 5AR
Phone: 020 7247 8762
7. Belmont Farm
This working farm in north London is the largest public farm within the M25, and is a great space for really feeling like you’ve escaped the city. Admire the surrounding rolling fields , as you meet over 30 different animals, pet the bunnies, feed the goats, and jump aboard the tractor for a bumpy ride. Visitors can also enjoy plenty of seasonally changing activities, such as lamb feeding in the Spring. Who knew you could have all of these farm activities in London?
Address: The Ridgeway, London NW7 1QT
Phone: 020 7318 4421
8. Lee Valley Park Farm
This farm is little further out of London, but a whole day of adventure and fun can be enjoyed here, thanks to a huge array of facilities, besides the friendly animals. There’s indoor soft play at the Bundle Barn, an alpine toboggan run, Dino Dig and Splash play area and an adventure playground.
Unlike most of the other city farms in London listed, there is a small entry price for this one (£10) but this includes entry to all indoor and outdoor play areas, activities, animals, bird shows and a tractor ride to the dairy farm.
BabyBreaks Tip: We recommend you pre-book your tickets online to save 10% .
Address: Stubbins Hall Ln, Waltham Abbey EN9 2EF
Phone: 01992 892781
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