Why go?
Not many of the curry-hunters or fashion fans thronging Brick Lane know that there's a miniature farm just minutes away. But once you've found Spitalfields City Farm, you'll want to return to this little rural oasis again and again. It sits inside small park Allen Gardens, where a dedicated crew of volunteers have constructed a home for its animals from recycled and salvaged materials. Have a gander at animals including ducks, pigs, sheep, donkeys, and rescue chickens: if you're lucky, you'll even see one of the resident ferrets going for a walk.
The farm also boasts an insect hotel, a vegetable patch, tree house, and a kids' playground. Round off your visit with a brew from Rosebery Teahut along with a warming cheese toastie or enticing homebaked cake.
Don't miss:
Stop into the onsite farm shop, which sells seasonal fruit and veg grown by volunteers, including south Asian herbs kodu and amaranth (when in season).
When to visit:
Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Ticket info:
Free, donations welcomed.
Time Out tip:
Looking for a present for a pal who has everything? Spitalfields City Farm offers a wittily named selection of animal encounters to book for £45 per group, including a sheep 'meet and bleat', or a ferret walking session.