Your nearest farm in London may be closer than you think. One of Europe’s largest city farms is in fact within walking distance of Canary Wharf, while one of our personal favourites is within earshot of Big Ben.
This is great news for families, as 74% of kids wish they spent more time in nature.1
And London’s farms offer more than the chance to meet, feed and (sometimes) cuddle animals. Many are also great places to learn about important subjects such as climate change and mental health.
This article was updated on 15 April 2026.
What to know before visiting a farm in London
Though smaller than the farms you’ll find in the countryside, you can often expect to spend up to a few hours at a city farm.
Many farms in London also run seasonal activities to make your visit even more special. The lambing season, for instance, peaks from February to April. So that’s the best time to visit a farm if you’re hoping to meet or bottle-feed a newborn lamb.
You nearly always need to pre-book these experiences, though, and be warned: they sell out fast. Signing up to the Loopla newsletter can help you stay ahead of the curve here (in March, we even rounded up a bunch of baby lamb bottle-feeding sessions).
Most of the London farms you’ll find on this list are free but encourage donations to help with running costs.
Farms in North London
Kentish Town City Farm
Location: Kentish Town, NW5
Price: Free
Opening Times: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Having opened in 1972, Kentish Town City Farm is said to be the UK’s first city farm. What makes it especially lovely for families is that it offers more than a quick wander past the animals.
Kids can meet farm favourite Shirley the Cow, or enjoy an animal handling session with guinea pig trio Pickle, Peanut and Parsley. For youngsters who are particularly passionate about animals, they also run Young Farmer and Pet Club programmes.
Golders Hill Park Zoo
Location: Golders Hill Park, NW3
Price: Free
Opening Times: Daily, in line with park hours; 7.30am – 8pm from 29 Mar to 12 Apr 2026
Image courtesy of: cityoflondon.gov.uk
Golders Hill Park Zoo isn’t technically a farm. But if you’re in the Hampstead area with kids who love animals, it’s a fantastic place to spend an hour or so.
This little zoo is home to a variety of animals, including deer, chickens, wallabies, an eagle owl and more. It’s the perfect stop if you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly spot with easy access to beautiful green spaces.
You also have the Hill Garden and Pergola nearby, one of the most stunning ‘secret’ gardens in London.
Freightliners City Farm
Location: Islington, N7
Price: Free
Opening Times: Monday 10.30am – 4.30pm, Tuesday closed, Wednesday – Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm
Freightliners City Farm is a sizeable community farm in the heart of Islington that draws over 40,000 visitors a year.
As well as being home to cute animals, the farm often runs special crafts and storytelling sessions for kids. Last February, for example, they put on a special puppet show with support from the nearby Little Angel Theatre.
Farms in East London
Spitalfields City Farm
Location: Spitalfields, E1
Price: Free
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm in summer, 10am – 4.00pm in winter
Image courtesy of: spitalfieldscityfarm.org
Spitalfields City Farm has one of the most striking urban settings of all farms in London, sitting just off the bustling Brick Lane on Buxton Street.
During school holidays, they often run activities aimed at ages 2 to 12. For example, at Easter, kids got to enjoy an interactive storytelling session involving hens.
Hackney City Farm
Location: Hackney, E2
Price: Free
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm; closed Mondays except bank holidays
Image courtesy of: hackneycityfarm.co.uk
Having opened in 1984 on the site of a former Victorian brewery, Hackney City Farm is all about community and learning.
Kids can take part in fun activities like gardening, animal care, and even cooking. It’s a great way to show little ones where food comes from and how farming works.
The farm itself is home to cows, goats, chickens and more.
Mudchute City Farm
Location: Isle of Dogs, E14
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Opening Times: Farm open daily, 9am – 4pm (animals go in at 3pm and pets corner is closed on Mondays)
Image courtesy of: mudchute.org
Located on the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute Park & Farm is one of London’s hidden gems. This is a strange thing to say because it’s actually one of the biggest city farms in Europe.
With over 32 acres to explore, there’s plenty of room for kids to roam around, meeting goats, rabbits and more.
They also host a bunch of special seasonal activities throughout the year. These include donkey rides in spring and summer, plus the chance to become a farmer for a day.
Surrey Docks Farm
Location: Rotherhithe, SE16
Price: Free
Opening Times: Daily, 10am – 4pm, including bank holidays
Surrey Docks Farm is rich in history. Formerly a wharf, the site has served seven different purposes over the last 300 years.
Nowadays, it’s a working city farm that teaches the local community about food production and farming.
They also run animal sessions with ponies, sheep and small animals aimed at kids aged six and up. For younger children, they offer sessions with ferret trio Thor, Loki and Apollo.
Stepney City Farm
Location: Stepney, E1
Price: Free (donations welcome – £10 could feed the rabbits for a week!)
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm; closed Mondays except bank holidays
Stepney City Farm is a 4.5-acre working farm in Tower Hamlets. You’ll get to meet sheep, goats, pigs and donkeys there, but the Saturday farmers’ market is what sets it apart. That and the farm’s cafe, Stepney’s. A recent Times review for it said, “Its existence helps you believe in magic.”
Farms in South London
Vauxhall City Farm
Location: Vauxhall City Farm, SE11
Price: Free, with a suggested donation of £4
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10.30am – 4pm, last entry 3.45pm
Image courtesy of: vauxhallcityfarm.org
Vauxhall City Farm is the most central of all farms in London, just minutes away from the Thames and Westminster.
It’s a great place to visit during school holidays in particular, as the team is also one of the most active when it comes to events. At various points of the year, they run special craft sessions and trails, as well as a Young Farmers Week where kids can muck out and feed the animals.
For a more relaxing activity, there are Cuddle Corner sessions with cute animals such as rabbits and chickens.
Deen City Farm
Location: Deen City Farm, SW19
Price: Free (recommended donation of £3 pp)
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am – 4.30pm, (last admission 4pm)
Deen City Farm is a five-acre working farm in south London that also has its own riding school. As such, it should appeal more to families with kids who have their heart set on a pony ride.
Another unique service is their animal boarding, where they promise a relaxing stay for certain pets.
Crystal Palace Park Farm
Location: Crystal Palace Park Farm, SE19
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Opening Times: Daily 12pm – 3.30pm, excluding Wednesdays; also open on bank holidays
Crystal Palace Park Farm has the advantage of sitting inside one of London’s most characterful parks, close to both the Dinosaur Park and the National Sports Centre.
It’s run by Capel Manor College, making it a good choice for older kids considering a career working with animals. For younger children, there are kunekune pigs, alpacas and a reptile room.
Farms in West London
Hounslow Urban Farm
Location: Feltham, TW14
Price: Adult £8.50, child £7, concessions £7.75, family £28
Opening Times: Daily, 10am – 5pm, last entry 4pm
Hounslow Urban Farm is one of London’s largest urban farms, spread across 4.6 acres. There’s also a wider (and more unusual) range of animals to meet, the cutest probably being their micro pigs. In spring, they also run bottle feeding sessions with baby lambs and calves, though be advised they book up quickly.
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When it comes to free things to do with kids in London, city farms are just the tip of the iceberg.
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