What many fail to appreciate is that 49% of London is green space, with that percentage set to rise as new buildings and developments are required to include green spaces within their plans.
There are other green spaces, within London, that make for the perfect escape for those with families, too. Many are set close to major population centres, or are sandwiched between railway lines, while a few are on the outskirts. I am talking about London's City Farms.
There are well over a dozen city farms, spread across London, all of varying sizes, offering the chance to get up close and personal with farm animals.
Some have rare breeds, while others include rescue centres. Others specialise in reptiles and arachnids, or, due to a lack of space, keep smaller animals, like ferrets, guinea pigs and rabbits.
Together these working city farms, many of which are free to visit, offer educational activities, petting areas, horse riding, animal adoption and much more.
I have listed some of these city farms below, with the address, a link to the website and basic information.
Freightliners City Farm, Sheringham Rd, London N7 8PF: Freightliners City Farm
Belmont Farm, The Ridgeway, London NW7 1QT: Belmont Farm
Animals: Cattle, goats, alpacas, rabbits, poultry, waterfowl, ponies, donkeys, pigs, sheep and more
Services: Farm, soft play, toilets, cafe
Opening times: Daily
Price: Varies depending on age (concessions available)
Crystal Palace Park Farm, Ledrington Rd, London SE19 2BS: Crystal Palace Park Farm
Animals: Pigs, goats, sheep, alpacas, ponies, rabbits, meerkats, reptiles, birds and more
Services: Toilets
Opening times: Daily (closed on Wednesdays)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Deen City Farm, 39 Windsor Ave, London SW19 2RR: Deen City Farm
Animals: Birds, chickens, cows, donkeys, ducks, ferrets, goats, owl, pigs and more
Services: Farm, garden, playground, riding school, cafe
Opening times: Daily (closed Mondays, although open on Bank Holiday Mondays)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Animals: Cows, sheep, goats, poultry, rare breeds and more
Services: Farm, garden, shop
Opening times: Daily (closed on Tuesdays)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Hackney City Farm, 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA: Hackney City Farm
Animals: Pigs, donkey, goats, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens and more
Services: Farm, garden, cafe
Opening times: Daily (closed Mondays, although open on Bank Holiday Mondays)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Hounslow Urban Farm, Faggs Rd, Feltham TW14 0LZ: Hounslow Urban Farm
Animals: Barn owl, birds, chickens, reptiles, geese, tortoise, rhea, snakes, goats, and more
Services: Farm, visitor centre, cafe, shop, play areas (indoor and outdoor)
Opening times: Daily (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day)
Price: Varies depending on age (concessions available)
Kentish Town City Farm, 1 Cressfield Cl, London NW5 4BN: Kentish Town City Farm
Animals: Goats, sheep, chickens, geese, horses, donkeys, pigs and more
Services: Farm, gardens
Opening times: Daily (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Mudchute Park and Farm, Pier St, London E14 3HP: Mudchute Park & Farm
(the largest urban farm in Europe)
Animals: Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, llamas, birds, chickens, peacocks and more
Services: Farm, park, cafe, shop
Opening times: Daily (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Queen's Park Children's Farm, Kingswood Avenue, London, NW6 6SG: Queen's Park Farm
Animals: Pygmy goats, sheep, ducks, quails, chickens
Services: Farm
Opening times: To be confirmed
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton St, London E1 5AR: Spitalfields City Farm
Animals: Chickens, goats, donkeys, pigs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and more
Services: Farm, shop, toilets, cafe
Opening times: Daily (closed on Mondays)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Stepney City Farm, Stepney Way, Stepney Green, London E1 3DG: Stepney City Farm
Animals: sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, poultry, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and more
Services: Farm, forest garden, wildlife pond, shop, cafe
Opening times: Daily (closed Mondays, although open on Bank Holiday Mondays)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Surrey Docks Farm, Rotherhithe St, South Wharf, London SE16 5ET: Surrey Docks Farm
Animals: Goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, poultry, rabbits, ferrets, bees and more
Services: Farm, apiary, orchard, allotments, herb garden, shop, cafe
Opening times: Daily
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers St, London SE11 5HS: Vauxhall City Farm
Animals: Alpacas, birds, poultry, ferrets, goats, pigs, sheep, rabbits and more
Services: Farm, toilets & baby changing, cafe
Opening times: Daily (closed on Mondays)
Price: Free (donations welcome)
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