What is it?
One of Europe's biggest city farms, this 32-acre spot is a welcome oasis of green amongst the skyscrapers of Tower Hamlets. You'll discover it after a short (but often muddy) walk through Mudchute Park, following the baas and moos of its many animal inhabitants. These include sheep, cows, pigs and llamas living in spacious fields, as well as all manner of prized birds from turkeys to peacocks to golden pheasants and diamond doves. Book a 30-minute 'animal experience' at the weekend and you'll get to meet and help care for selected animals: lambs in spring are especially adorable.
These bucolic scenes would have surprised east Londoners a century ago: Mudchute is named for the giant, stinking muck that was piled up in the area when they excavated nearby Millwall Dock. Dotted around the farm are surprising traces of its Thames-side history, including a decommissioned example of the anti-aircraft 'Ack Ack' guns which fended off bombers during WW2.
Why go?
If you want to kid yourself you're a thousand miles away from London (while feeding silky-eared goats), this is the place. Just try not to look up at the Canary Wharf towers in the distance.
Don't miss:
Mudchute Kitchen is a brilliant old school caff in the farmyard, serving up hearty breakfasts or jacket potatoes at lunch.
When to visit:
The farm is open every day, 9am-4pm. The courtyard is closed on Mondays (including the shop and Mudchute Kitchen).
Ticket info:
Entry is free, but donations are welcomed.
Time Out tip:
Daily animal feeding times are at 9am and 3pm, so turn up then for the best chance of seeing your faves up close.
Find more urban farms in the capital with our guide to London city farms