For many Londoners (myself included), the closest we get to farm animals is the butcher's counter at our local supermarket. What many people do not know is that there are several working farms within London, even in such urban neighbourhoods like Hackney and Vauxhall. When I am in the mood to play 'Old McDonald', I head over to London's largest city farm – Mudchute Farm.
Located just minutes from Canary Wharf, the farm feels completely separate from the world of stock and bonds in the hectic financial district. The sights (and very strong smells) of the animals remind me more of the simpler ways of life. Our food does not magically appear in ready-to-eat packages. Spending time with the animals in Mudchute Farm reminds me of that.
Mudchute Farm has plenty of animals you would expect at a farm (pigs, sheep, chickens) and some you might not (hello llamas). There is also a pets' corner and scheduled 'animal encounter' sessions to give young Londoners a closer relationship with farm animals. The staff is happy to answer questions and depending on the time of day and what needs to be done, they might enlist the help of the young (and young at heart) to assist with some farmyard tasks.
I tend to spend most of my time leaning against a fence watching the young horses gallop around their enclosure. A couple hours here will give you a taste of the peaceful country life without leaving the confines of the city.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
by
Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
by
It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
by
The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
by
Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
by
Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
by
The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
by
"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
by
"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
by
"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
by
In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
by
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips