Tucked between railway arches, tower blocks and bustling high streets, London’s city farms offer a slower, greener side to the capital, where goats graze, alpacas roam and you’re never far from a patch of wildflowers.
London may be synonymous with roaring traffic, packed Tube carriages and towering skyscrapers, but hidden among the city’s concrete corners are pockets of genuine countryside calm.
Part urban oases, part educational hubs, these farms offer far more than a quick glance at animals. Some are home to thriving cafes and kitchen gardens, while others run riding schools, pottery workshops and sustainability programmes designed to reconnect city dwellers with nature.
From sprawling riverside farms in Docklands to hidden gems tucked beside busy stations, these are some of the best city farms in London to visit this spring and summer. Entry to all these farms is free, but donations are encouraged.
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North London
Kentish Town City Farm, Kentish Town
Anyone who’s spotted horses from the Overground near Gospel Oak has already caught a glimpse of Kentish Town City Farm. Wedged beside the railway tracks, this north London gem feels delightfully unexpected, with goats wandering beneath brick arches, sheep grazing against the soundtrack of passing trains and frogs croaking in the pond.
Children are firmly at the heart of the farm, with activities for under-fives, weekend workshops and youth volunteer programmes creating a warm neighbourhood atmosphere.
For more information, visit Kentish Town Farm
Freightliners Farm, Islington
Hidden away in Islington, Freightliners Farm feels worlds away from the surrounding city streets. This charity-run spot welcomes more than 40,000 visitors each year and is packed with gardens, wildlife and peaceful corners designed for reconnecting with nature.
Environmental workshops and community programmes are central to the farm’s ethos, making it feel more purposeful than your average petting zoo.
For more information, visit Freightliners Farm
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East London
Spitalfields City Farm, Tower Hamlets
Moments from Brick Lane and Shoreditch, Spitalfields City Farm is the perfect antidote to a busy East London afternoon. Built on the site of a former railway depot, the farm is home to beloved residents including Holmes the pig and Rosehip the sheep, alongside flourishing vegetable patches and community gardens.
After the bustle of the nearby market, it’s a wonderfully grounding place to pause.
For more information, visit Spitalfields City Farm
Hackney City Farm, Hackney
Found between Broadway Market and Columbia Road, Hackney City Farm offers a peaceful escape from East London’s weekend crowds. Pigs, goats, sheep, ducks and a resident donkey roam the grounds, while spring and summer bring plenty of adorable young animals to spot.
There’s also a beautiful garden filled with raised vegetable beds, orchard trees and wetland plants, plus the popular Frizzante Italian restaurant for a post-walk coffee and lunch. Before leaving, stop by zero-waste shop Get Loose to stock up on refillable pantry staples.
For more information, visit Hackney City Farm
Stepney City Farm, Stepney
Running since 1979, Stepney City Farm combines animal encounters with sustainability-focused workshops and educational programmes.
Spread across four acres, the community-led farm offers visitors the chance to learn about growing food, animal wellbeing and urban farming practices in a calm and welcoming environment.
For more information, visit Stepney City Farm
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South London
Vauxhall City Farm, Vauxhall
Just moments from the busy central junction in Vauxhall, this compact city farm somehow manages to squeeze in a duck pond and an ecology garden complete with a wormery and stag beetle nursery.
There’s also a community allotment, making it one of the capital’s most unexpectedly wholesome hidden gems.
For more information, visit Vauxhall City Farm
Surrey Docks Farm, Surrey Quays
Located beside the Thames Path, Surrey Docks Farm offers one of the prettiest settings of any city farm in London. Once the site of a Second World War river fire station, it’s now a flourishing riverside retreat filled with animals, gardens and family activities.
The Barn cafe near the entrance is worth a visit alone, serving comforting homemade food with waterside views.
For more information, visit Surrey Docks Farm
Crystal Palace Park Farm, Crytal Palace
Part of Capel Manor College’s campus, Crystal Palace Park Farm combines education with immersive animal encounters.
As well as seeing alpacas, goats and rabbits, visitors can book interactive experiences including reptile handling and animal feeding sessions, making it especially popular with younger children.
For more information, visit Capel Manor College
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Southwest London
Deen City Farm, Wimbledon
Located near Morden Hall Park, Deen City Farm offers a more intimate and family-focused experience than some of London’s larger farms.
With friendly farm animals and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s especially well-suited to younger children and low-key weekend outings.
For more information, visit Deen City Farm
Docklands & East Riverside
Mudchute Park and Farm, Isle of Dogs
Set across 32 acres beneath the looming skyline of Canary Wharf, Mudchute is one of the most surreal and transportive green spaces in London.
There are more than 100 animals roaming the grounds, and there’s also a duck pond, woodland and a nature trail.
You’ll quickly forget you’re still in Zone 2.
For more information, visit Mudchute
Feature image: Stepney City Farm
