A Unique (and FREE!) Activity in East London: Stepney City Farm
Have you ever been wandering around central London and thought to yourself – “you know what I’m in the mood for right now, a FARM”? Ok, ok, probably not. But you probably HAVE wanted something cheap and cheerful to do, right? Perhaps something kind of off the beaten track? Something unique and not “touristy” (which in London can be hard to come by)? Something FREE (which ALSO can be hard to come by in London)? Wellllll dear readers, have I got just the place for you (said in the voice of Stefan from SNL #IYKYK): Stepney City Farm in East London.
I was in London recently and got recommended this place from a friend who lives there. The word she used to describe it was “wholesome,” and she really couldn’t have picked a better word. It’s a fully functioning farm located smack dab in the middle of East London, between 2 busy city streets. My visit there ended up being a highlight of my trip. It’s such a unique activity, different than normal “touristy” things in London. Plus, it’s completely FREE to visit, which is great because London can be expensiveeeee.
About the Farm
This farm is the CUTEST. What started out as a community farm built in 1979 on a derelict site bombed in WWII is now a bustling city farm run by both staff and volunteers that is open for free to the public 6 days a week.
This farm has goats, pigs, donkeys, lambs, ducks, chickens and much more right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of East London. You name an animal, Stepney City Farm probably has it. The farm also grows seasonal vegetables and produce all year round, some of which is for sale there. You can also buy seasonal plants and herbs there too!
Another thing I thought was very cool is that they have a bunch of allotments that local residents can use to grow food and plants if they don’t have any outdoor space of their own. When I was walking around, I saw a few locals arrive and head to their plot to tend to their vegetables.
The Farm Café
There’s also a cute café on site serving a menu using local ingredients and even fresh produce grown on the farm!! My meal at the café was definitely the highlight of my visit. WOWWWW was it tasty. I got the harissa butter beans on sourdough with vegan pesto and dill, but honestly everything on the menu looked DELISH. The coffees were also really good. I ate my meal in the cute outdoor area of the café, then got a coffee to bring with me to walk around and explore the farm.
The Cafe serves coffee, cake & lunch from 10-4 Tuesday to Sunday, with last orders for food at 3pm.
Honestly ya’ll, this place is an absolute oasis. When you’re walking around, it’s really hard to believe that you’re in Central London. It feels so rural. I swear when you step through the gate to enter, the sound of the cars driving on the roads on all sides of the farm are somehow drowned out, too.
I spent almost 2 hours enjoying my food and then walking around the farm. It’s a really great, FREE activity to do in London. If you’re looking for a local, authentic, and unique activity in the middle of many tourist traps in London, I really couldn’t recommend Stepney City Farm more.
Check out the farm’s website to learn more about events and things going on around the farm!
Here are some more photos of the adorable farm!
I meannnnn…is that not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? It’s seriously hard to believe that all that rustic wholesomeness is located in London.
Do you have any other recommendations for cool, unique (and especially FREE) things to do in London that I should know for my next visit? Let me know in the comments below!
