9 city farms in London where you can spot super cute animals

Not enough space, time or money for a pet ? Not to worry, London has loads of farm animals for you.

We knew about foxes, squirrels, and parakeets going wild in London, but our city is also full of other furry or feathered companions.

Say hi to alpacas, donkeys, and cows - no wonder why you can’t have them at home, but hey, very Instagrammable material.

Run by a dedicated and enthusiastic bunch of people, city farms are a fantastic opportunity to escape cars and concrete and find solace in animals and nature.

This animal therapy is mostly free, but donations are welcome to help these farms keep up their good work.

Not your average perfectly mown lawn park, these working farms spread across the city are the perfect getaway from London’s hustle and bustle.

1. Freightliner’s City Farm

Tucked away in the heart of Islington, this small community farm is home to cows, sheep, goats, and loads of poultry. Its cafe serves up vegetarian dishes, often made with fresh produce from its orchard and garden. Farm to fork, as simple as that.

Address: Sheringham Road, London N7 8PF

Open Mondays & Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 16.30, closed on Tuesdays

Free, donations welcome

Nearest tube stations: Highbury & Islington or Caledonian Road

2. Kentish Town City Farm

The farm was created in the 70’s, and is home to quails, chicken, among the feathered friends, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, donkey, cows and rabbits on the furry side. You can also enjoy a bit of green on top of animals, in the garden growing fruit, veg, herbs and flowers, or even volunteer there!

Address: 1 Cressfield Close, London NW5 4BN

Open Mondays to Sundays, 9:00 to 17:00

Free, donations welcome

Nearest tube stations: Kentish Town

3. Hackney City Farm

This place has some serious history! It was a farm 200 years ago, then a brewery, workshops, and even a truck scrapyard before becoming the awesome farm it is today. You'll find rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, ducks, goats, and more chilling here. The farm even sells freshly laid eggs from their chickens and ducks, plus local honey. And if you're feeling creative, they offer pottery, drawing, and painting workshops. And on the plus side (but did we really need more?), there's a cafe to refuel.

Address: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA

Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 to 16:30

Free, donations welcome

Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green

4. Mudchute Park and Farm

Sprawling across 32 acres on the Isle of Dogs, with Canary wharf’s skyscrapers as a background, this is one of Europe's largest urban farms! This land was literally a dump that was saved from a development project back in the 70’s thanks to a public campaign. Now, it's home to over a hundred animals, including some rare British breeds. There’s also a riding centre, a cafe, and a restaurant. All the ingredients for a fun day out.

Address: Pier Street, London E14 3HP

Open Mondays to Sundays, 09:00 to 16:00 (pets corner and cafe closed on Mondays)

Free, donations welcome

Nearest DLR station: Mudchute, Crossharbour & Island Gardens

5. Spitalfields City Farm

This farm used to be a railway goods depot – you can even still spot some of the old tracks! You can admire (and sometimes even pet) all sorts of farm animals, and each one has its own name! They've also got beautiful, wild gardens that are full of charm. Little trikes and trailers are available for kids to use. And yeah, there's a cafe.

Good to know: You're right next to Brick Lane, Shoreditch, and Columbia Road for some post-farm exploration.

Address: Buxton Street, London E1 5AR

Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 to 16.30 (16.00 in winter)

Free, donations welcome

Nearest tube station: Shoreditch High Street, Bethnal Green or Whitechapel

6. Stepney City Farm

Stepney City Farm is at the heart of Tower Hamlets, on a site that was once devastated by a bomb. Say hi to goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, ducks, rabbits, ferrets, and more. Head up to their Farmers Market on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm for fresh veggies, honey, and farm-raised meat. They also sell some of their produce online. And, of course, there's a cafe.

Address: Stepney Way, Stepney Green, London E1 3DG

Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 to 16:00

Free, donations welcome

Nearest tube station: Stepney Green or Limehouse on the DLR

7. Surrey Docks Farm

The 2-acre farm sits right on the River Thames on land that's been a shipyard, an ambulance station, and even a fire service spot. You'll find sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, poultry, and even frogs in their little pond! They sell their own farm products too, like eggs, plants, seasonal veggies, and meat. There's a cafe as well, and yes we love them.

Good to know: Enjoy the gardens with Thames views and why not carry on exploring with a stroll along the Thames Path.

Address: Rotherhithe Street, South Wharf, London SE16 5ET

Open Mondays to Sundays, 10:00 to 16:00

Free, donations welcome

Nearest tube station: Canada Water, or Surrey Quays, Canada Water and Rotherhithe‬ on the Overground.

8. Vauxhall City Farm

Just a stone's throw from the iconic MI6 building (hi James), you'll find sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, Shetland ponies, chinchillas, alpacas, and even rats chilling here! They offer activities for kids, have a small riding centre, and yes, a cafe.

Address: 165 Tyers Street, London SE11 5HS

Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 to 16:30

Free entry, suggested donation of £4 welcome

Nearest tube station: Vauxhall

9. Deen City Farm

Right on the edge of the River Wandle, this 5-acre working farm is home to around 120-150 animals. Think alpacas, ducks, ferrets, guinea pigs, cows, sheep, turkeys – basically, all the farm faves! Feeling hungry or thirsty? Head to the cafe. There’s even a riding school if you're feeling equestrian.

Good to know: It's super close to Morden Hall Park and the Wandle Trail (a 20km path, perfect for a stroll or bike ride).

Address: 39 Windsor Avenue, London SW19 2RR

Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 to 16:30

Free, donations welcome

Nearest tube station: Colliers Wood or Morden

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