A FAMILY-FRIENDLY LONDON GUIDE
Are you looking for something fun and free to do with your kids in London? Why not consider visiting one of London City Farms? This is such a wholesome family-friendly activity both my kids love!
I’m going to be honest, I had no idea London City Farms existed until we moved to London 7 months ago. I happened to see our local one on the map and had to investigate further! In fact, London is home to 11 City Farms, that are open to the public. They’re spread across the capital so there should be one that’s easy for everyone to access.
So far, we’ve ticked four off our bucket list but of course, I plan to try them all! In this guide, we’ll tell you all about what to expect from London’s City Farms and tips to enjoy your visit there, so read on!
WHAT ARE LONDON CITY FARMS?
City or urban farms are not like the big suburban farms we were used to. They’re much smaller but also so wholesome for little kids. For reference, we first started going when my boys were aged 4 years and my baby was 10 months. They’re still enjoying them 7 months on.
You won’t find a massive overpriced soft play but you will find teaching gardens, livestock (classic farm animals such as cows, pigs, sheep etc) and green spaces to run and play.
All 12 London City Farms are charities and are run by volunteers. They’re also all completely free to visit which is just amazing for families!
WHAT IS THERE TO DO AT LONDON CITY FARMS?
All of the city farms are different but all the ones we have visited are fairly similar in terms of what to do there. You’ll probably want to plan 1-3 hours at a City Farm depending on your pace and if you want to stop for lunch/ a drink in the cafe.
The main thing to do is feed the animals. All the farms we’ve visited have sold a bag of animal food for £1. This is well worth the money as the boys love it, it also keeps them entertained for a while. Please make sure to be respectful and only feed the animals the food the farms provide, while I feel I shouldn’t have to say this, I once saw a lady giving a sheep an ice cream, which will likely make it unwell.
Again, they all have a cafe and usually, a little shop. I feel it’s quite nice to buy something (even if it’s just a £1 bag of food) to support the farm and help keep it running.
WHERE CAN I FIND LONDON CITY FARMS?
Below I’ve listed all 12 London City Farms, a bit about them, their opening times and how to get there.
MUDCHUTE PARK AND FARM
Here you’ll find a 32-acre park in East London with farm animals and great city views. There is a great playground called Millwall Park Children’s Playground located a short walk from the farm which my kids love!
Location: Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3HP
Getting There: Mudchute Park is located right on the DLR line. Mudchute, Crossharbour and Island Gardens stops are all just a short walk away and have step-free access. Unfortunately, no trans run near there however there are bus options.
Opening Times: open daily from 9-4 pm.
DEEN CITY FARM AND RIDING SCHOOL
Located in the borough of Merton, this farm has a riding school. Children 2-7 can also enjoy pony rides for just £2.50, these must be booked in advance, CLICK HERE TO SEE TIMES AND BOOK. They also have a cute garden and playground.
Location: 39 Windsor Ave, London SW19 2RR.
Getting There: The Tram stops at Morden Road and Phipps Bridge are both a 10-minute walk away. Morden (Northern Line) is the closest step-free tube stop (15 minutes) Colliers Wood is slightly closer but has no lifts (elevators).
The closest train stations are Morden South and South Merton but neither of these are step-free.
Opening Times: all year round 10:00-4:30 pm, closed on Mondays.
FREIGHTLINERS FARM
A 2.5-acre farm in the borough of Islington with some rare breeds of farm animals and pretty gardens to explore.
Location: Sheringham Road, London N7 8PF
Getting There: Both Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line or overground trains) and Caledonian Road (Picadilly Line) are accessible stations and are just a 10-minute walk away.
Opening Times: all year round 10:00-4:30 pm, closed on Tuesdays.
HACKNEY CITY FARM
A 35-year-old farm with traditional farm animals and a teaching garden. They also have a range of classes on offer, including a kid’s pottery class for just £5. Find out more about this ON THEIR WEBSITE HERE.
Location: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA
Getting There: Hoxton is the closest train station, just 10 minutes walk away and this is an accessible station. Unfortunately, there are not any accessible tube stations that are close to this farm. Whitechapel is the closest but it is a 30-minute walk away. If you’re happy to climb steps, Bethnal Green is the best option.
Opening Times: all year round 10:00-4:30 pm, closed on Mondays.
Looking for another FREE family-friendly activity in this area? Try the Young V&A Museum
READ OUR FULL GUIDE HERE!
SPITALFIELDS CITY FARM
This is the closest farm to the City of London and is located on a former railway goods depot. They have a sweet little children’s shed and a free worksheet for children to complete.
Location: Buxton Street, London E1 5AR
Getting There: Whitechapel (District, Hammersmith & City lines and London Overground all go here) is accessible and just a 10-minute walk away.
Opening Times: 10:00-4:30 pm, closed on Mondays.
KENTISH TOWN CITY FARM
This was the first London City Farm. It’s a 4-acre farm located in the borough of Camden that is home to farm animals, community gardens, a pond and also a horse riding school.
Location: 1 Cressfield Close, London, NW5 4BN
Getting There: Gospel Oak overground station is an accessible stop just a 5-minute walk away. Kentish Town is the closest train station however, there are steps here.
Opening Times: daily from 9:00-5 pm.
STEPNEY CITY FARM
A small farm but sweet farm with animals, a pond and a teaching garden, they also host a farmers market on Saturdays. You can buy duck/ chicken food here as well as larger animal feed.
Location: Stepney Way, London, E1 3DG
Getting There: Limehouse train station and DLR stop are also only 10 minutes away, these are step-free. Stepney Green is the closest tube (District and Hammersmith & City lines) however this is not accessible. You can use Whitechapel and a 20-minute walk for step-free access.
Opening Times: 10:00 – 4 pm. Closed on Mondays.
VAUXHALL CITY FARM
One of the oldest and most central of the London City Farms. They also have a ‘cuddle corner’ where you can pet the small animals for a £5 donation. Find out times on their WEBSITE HERE.
Location: 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS
Opening Times: 10:30-4:00 pm, closed on Mondays.
Getting There: Vauxhall Station is just 7 minutes walk away. Here is a train station and is also on the Victoria Tube Line. Both are accessible stations.
SURREY DOCKS FARM
Located on the Thames Path between Tower Bridge and Greenwich another small but sweet farm with animals, a herb garden and a tiny orchard.
Location: Rotherhithe St, South Wharf, London SE16 5ET
Getting There: The closest tube station is Canada Water (Jubilee line or London Overground) and this has step-free access!
Opening Times: daily from 10:00-4:00 pm.
WELLGATE COMMUNITY FARM
Wellgate is a working farm that sells its own produce such as fruit & vegetables, eggs, honey, and meat. It has a range of animals from small pets to cows.
Location: Collier Row Road, Romford, RM5 2BH
Getting There: Unfortunately, this farm doesn’t look very easy to get to without a car.
Opening Times: daily from 9:00-3:30 pm.
WOODLANDS FARM TRUST
This is an 89-acre city farm on the border of Greenwich and Bexley. Find out more about the self-guided Stick Man trail HERE. They also run a toddler club on Thursday mornings during term time for £6 per child.
Location: 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP
Getting There: The closest station is Welling and this has step-free access. you could also get a bus from Lewisham, Blackheath or North Greenwich.
Opening Times: 9:30 – 4:30 pm, closed on Mondays.
Thank you so much for reading our guide on London City farms. I hope we’ve helped you to plan a fun day out that won’t break the bank!
Weve lived in London for 7 months now and have posted so many family friendly guides.
SEE THEM ALL HERE!
Happy Exploring,
