Guide to city farms in London

Get up close to a variety of British rare breeds at the community charity Mudchute Park and Farm, located on 32 acres of breathtaking English countryside. Come along to see a working farm in person or get stuck into the educational activities and seasonal events taking place across the year.

Learn all about the natural environment and where your food comes from at Deen City Farm, an urban farm in Merton. They're all about education here, focusing on teaching the local community about rural farm life. They also have a horse-riding school that offers affordable lessons to the general public.

Get up close to adorable farmyard animals at Hackney City Farm, located right around the corner from Columbia Road Flower Market. This small community charity invites the public to experience authentic farm life by meeting with the animals, from donkeys, chickens, pigs, goats and more, as well as hosting a range of educational workshops on the topic of food, farming, and the natural world.

Hounslow City Farm is where it's at if you want to get up close with various farm animals and rare breeds. They have everything from African leopard tortoises to barn owls and even a range of snakes.

This working city farm and charity is spreading the word about farming, food production, and the natural environment in a hands-on and accessible way. They offer all kinds of experiences, from beekeeping taster sessions to animal experiences.

Kentish Town City Farm, founded back in 1972, is the UK's first-ever city farm. The farm offers a safe space to learn all about urban farming and the natural environment whilst also encouraging animal visits from the general public.

This space is not only a working farm but also home to the Allotment Kitchen, a café serving a seasonally-inspired menu using homegrown produce from the farm. But aside from the excellent food, there's also a plethora of events taking place throughout the week, from yoga to farmers' markets.

Explore acres of ancient woodland, wander through wildflower meadows, and watch as hundreds of native butterflies flutter around you at Woodlands Farm Trust, a beautiful working farm on the outskirts of the city. Here you can meet plenty of farm animals, as well as explore the 39 acres of never-ending landscape, which is equivalent to 50 football pitches.

This charity-based community space in the heart of Islington welcomes the general public to come and escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life. They have a fantastic volunteering scheme that aims to improve individuals' mental and physical health, whilst also reconnecting city dwellers with much-needed time in nature.

Crystal Palace Park Farm is an educational farm located within the leafy Crystal Palace Park in London. This family-friendly farm is ideal for visitors of all ages, focusing on introducing them to various farm animals and the joys of rural life right in the heart of the city. From goats and sheep to rabbits and poultry, the farm provides an opportunity for hands-on interactions with animals and a chance to learn about farming and animal care.

It's all about education at Belmont Farm in North London, where you can learn all about farm life and the food you consume. You can spend the day getting to know a range of farmyard animals and exotic animals, or keep it chill on a tractor ride through the farm.