Around Town

Freightliners City Farm
This working farm in the heart of Islington was set up as an educational and recreational resource for the community in 1973. When it was first founded, on wasteland near Kings Cross station, the animals were housed in railway goods vans – and the name stuck even after they moved to purpose-built accommodation in 1988. The residents include rabbits, chickens, geese, ducks and goats, and most of them are available for petting.
Sheringham Road, N7 8PF (7609 0467/www.freightlinersfarm.org.uk). 10am-4.45pm Tue-Sun and bank holidays. Adm free.

Hackney City Farm
This is the place to go if you want to see bigger animals – calves, donkeys, goats and sheep. The pigs are a particular attraction: Saddlebacks, Tamworths – and a lone Duroc pig called Henrietta. There are regular workshops and events (check the website for details), and you can pick up a self-guided tour leaflet (£1) that has info on the animals and activities for kids.
1 Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA (7729 6381/www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk). 10am-4.30pm Tue-Sun and bank holidays. Adm free. Feature continues

Hounslow Urban Farm
One of London’s largest community farms, Hounslow has in recent weeks welcomed newborn lambs, piglets, chicks and rabbits. They’re also into rare breeds – plus they have chipmunks. The café is open on weekends.
Faggs Rod, Feltham, TW14 0LZ (8831 9658/www.hounslow.info/parks/urbanfarm/). 10am-4pm daily. Adults £5, children £3.50.

Kentish Town City Farm
Utilising disused railway buildings, this small city farm has seen recent new arrivals in the form of  lambs, goats and chicks. Children over eight years may volunteer to muck out the farm like real farmers. Turn up at 9am.
1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN (7916 5421www.ktcityfarm.org.uk). 9am-5pm daily. Entrance is free but donations gratefully received.

Stepping Stones Farm
Set up in 1979, Stepping Stones is a four acre site that has been used on and off by farm animals since the seventeenth century. There’s a small shop selling refreshments and local produce. As for small critters, there are four new lambs and ducklings due at Easter.
Stepney Way, E1 3DG (7790 8204). 10am-4pm Tue-Sat and bank holidays.  

Surrey Docks Farm
This farm, laid out on the site of an eighteenth-century shipyard on the south bank of the Thames, is expecting piglets, goats and chicks anytime now.
Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5EY (7231 1010/www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk). 10am-5pm Tue-Sun.

Mudchute Park and Farm
London’s biggest city farm covers 32 acres of proper countryside smack in the middle of the Isle of Dogs. As well as the expected ducks, geese, sheep, cows, donkeys and goats there are llamas and a Pets’ Corner full of smaller animals such as guinea pigs, giant rabbits and ferrets. There’s an Equestrian Centre for kids aged seven and up, and the Mudchute Kitchen in the courtyard for a bite to eat.
Pier Street, Isle of Dogs E14 3HP (7515 5901/www.mudchute.org). 9am-4pm daily.  Adm free.

Vauxhall City Farm
A working farm set up by volunteers in 1977, Vauxhall has plenty of hands-on activities and demonstrations of everything from pony-care to milking. There’s a popular riding school and small farm with brand new baby guinea pigs. Plus you can get down with the kids: the newborn goats have arrived.
165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS (7582 4204/www.vauxhallcityfarm.info). 10.30am-4pm Thur-Sun.

Spitalfields City Farm
The nearest farm to the Square Mile, Spitalfields somehow manages to retain a completely serene atmosphere. Since their aim is to engage the local community, they’re always on the look-out for volunteers to work on the farm. The Young Farmers Club for eight- to 13-year-olds is free and holds meetings on Saturdays between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Budding agriculturalists get to care for the animals, ride donkeys and do arts and crafts related to the farm.
Weaver St (off Brick Lane & Buxton St), E1 5AR (7247 8762/www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org). Noon-5pm Tues-Sun. Adm free.