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A trip to the farm is fun for all ages – and you don’t need to leave the city to see the animals! London has a fantastic selection of city farms which are easy to get to by train, tube or bus.
If you’re searching for a summer activity with kids or a fun way to fill your weekend in London, here are the best farms to visit in the city.
Spitalfields City Farm
A London city farm with a country feel, Spitalfields City Farm is a true urban oasis. Occupying a former railway goods depot just a stone’s throw from Brick Lane and Shoreditch, this unique farm is filled with things to see and do.
The sheep, horses, donkeys, otters and rabbits will surely be a highlight. You can also get involved in various events throughout the year, including the annual sheep shearing event (the ‘Wooly Haircut’). Soap making and plant pot designing are just some exciting events on the agenda.
Finish with a visit to the onsite farm shop for fresh eggs, fruit and vegetables, or pop to the Tea Hut for a brew and a slice of homemade cake.
Check out London’s best farmers’ markets for more fantastic fresh produce.
Price range: Free
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the Jubilee line eastbound to Canada Water. Switch to the overground, northbound, get off at Shoreditch High Street and walk eight minutes through the buzzy district to reach the farm. The address is Buxton St, London E1 5AR.
Hackney City Farm
Hackney City Farm is one of the quirkiest farms in London, housed in a former brewery. Rumours say it’s haunted – so you can check ‘haunted farm’ off your bucket list!
The farm is in the bustling East London Borough of Hackney, between Broadway Market and Columbia Road. It draws in crowds with its popular Italian café, Frizzante.
Despite its location, Hackney City Farm has a quaint and community feel, containing a pottery studio, a garden and lots of resident animals. There’s a vegetable collection scheme for local residents, plus farming courses for those who want to get more clued up on farming in the city.
Price range: Free
How to get there: It takes around 45 minutes to get to Hackney City Farm from London Waterloo. Catch the Jubilee line eastbound to Canada Water, then switch to the overground towards Dalston Junction. Get off at Hoxton, then walk for around 11 minutes to the farm. The address is 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA.
Surrey Docks Farm
Surrey Docks Farm is one of London's most environmentally friendly city farms, generating its electricity from solar roof panels. Nestled on the Thames Path, the farm offers plenty of green spaces, from an orchard to a herb garden, plus community plots where locals can grow produce.
The animals here are the stars of the show. Meet pigs, sheep, goats, poultry and wildlife at the farm. There are sweet and memorable opportunities to bottle-feed lambs and calves, too, so check the Surrey Docks website for more info before you visit.
Price range: Free
How to get there: Catch the Jubilee line eastbound from London Waterloo to Bermondsey, then head up the stairs to Drummond Road bus stop. Catch the 381 towards Peckham, get off at Downtown Road and walk for around three minutes. The address is Rotherhithe St, South Wharf, London SE16 5ET.
Mudchute Park and Farm
Mudchute Park and Farm is one of the city’s largest farms, spanning over 32 acres. With rolling green fields offering plenty of space for animals to roam, you’ll feel worlds away from city life. In fact, it’s easy to forget that the farm is only 20 minutes from London Waterloo!
There are many things to do here, from visiting the duck pond to meeting residents in the petting zoo. You're in the right place if you’ve always wanted to learn how to ride a horse. A popular Equestrian Centre, Mudchute Park and Farm offers riding lessons for all ages and abilities. Giddy up!
Price range: Free
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the eastbound Jubilee tube to Canary Wharf. A four-minute walk will take you to Heron Quays, where you’ll jump on the DLR towards Lewisham. Get off at Crossharbour, then walk for six minutes to the farm. The address is Pier St, London E14 3HP.
Deen City Farm
Housed in the stunning Morden Hall Park Estate in Wimbledon, there’s plenty on offer at Deen City Farm. Get close to the farm’s animals, including cows, sheep and a charismatic goat named Barry.
Horse riding lessons can be booked in advance, and several seasonal activities take place throughout the year. When hunger strikes, head to the Brioche Farmhouse Café for delicious homemade cakes and breakfast, lunch or brunch options.
Price range: Free
How to get there: If you have an easy route to Wimbledon station, Catch the tram from there towards Beckenham Junction. Get off at Morden Road and walk for nine minutes towards the farm. The address is Deen City Farm, 39 Windsor Ave, London SW19 2RR. If you're journeying from Waterloo you can ride to Wimbledon with us.
Hounslow Urban Farm
Hounslow Urban Farm is one of London’s most prominent community farms. It offers plenty, from familiar animals like pigs, cows, sheep and geese to lesser-spotted species like alpacas, chipmunks, snakes and Thai water dragons.
Hounslow is renowned for its weird and wonderful events – the farm previously hosted a weekly pig racing activity! The pigs are happily retired for now, but you can get involved in more fun animal encounters, getting to know the sheep, goats and alpacas.
Price range: £
How to get there: The farm is a 24-minute walk from Feltham station or a short journey from the station on busses 90, 285 or 480. If you're heading from Waterloo, you can hop on a South Western Railway train to Feltham. The address of the farm is Faggs Rd, Feltham TW14 0LZ.
Vauxhall City Farm
Ideally located just a stone’s throw from Vauxhall station, Vauxhall City Farm packs a lot of excitement into a relatively small space. As one of London’s most historic farms, a trip here will be as educational as it is entertaining.
Alpacas, chinchillas and a resident farm cat are just some of the animals you’ll come across on your visit. Meet them up close at the Cuddle Corner session, or go all out with a VIP meet and greet, where you can spend a little more time with them. There’s also the opportunity to be a farmer for the day – the perfect gift for an animal lover.
Price range: Entry is free, but we recommend a donation of around £3.
How to get there: Vauxhall City Farm is just a couple minutes’ stroll from Vauxhall station. If you don't have a direct route to Vauxhall, catch the train there directly from Waterloo.
Buy cheap train tickets with SWR
Ready to meet some animals? Travel with South Western Railway and enjoy frequent trains in and out of London. Discover cheap train tickets to your chosen destination by going off-peak, or purchase a Railcard to save even more. Travelling in a group? You may benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
