Spitalfields City Farm
A free-entry city farm in East London where rare-breed animals, organic gardens and a community tea hut create a peaceful rural escape in the heart of the city.
Tucked behind the buzz of Brick Lane, Spitalfields City Farm is a free-entry community oasis in East London where city dwellers can meet rare-breed farm animals, wander productive gardens, and enjoy a peaceful tea hut. Open Tuesday to Sunday, this grassroots farm offers a rare chance to experience rural life in the heart of the city, with hands-on activities, seasonal events, and a strong focus on sustainability and local connection.
A brief summary to Spitalfields City Farm
- Buxton St, London, E1 5AR, GB
- +442072478762
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit mid-week or early in the day to avoid the busiest family crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays.
- Bring a small donation – while entry is free, the farm relies on visitor contributions to care for the animals and maintain the site.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes and dress for the weather; the farm is mostly outdoors and can be muddy after rain.
- Check the farm’s website or social media for special events like seasonal fairs, craft workshops or evening openings, which offer a different experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking
From Whitechapel station, follow signs towards Spitalfields and walk along Vallance Road, then turn onto Buxton Street. The farm entrance is clearly marked on the left, about an 8-minute walk from the station, on a flat, paved route suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
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Public Transport
Take the Overground or District line to Whitechapel station, or the Central line to Bethnal Green, then walk 8–10 minutes along well-signed streets to Buxton Street. The farm is also within a 15-minute walk from Aldgate East and a 20-minute walk from Liverpool Street, with clear pedestrian routes and crossings.
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Cycling
Cycle along the Quietway 2 route and use the Santander Cycles docking station located just outside the farm entrance on Buxton Street. The area is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and low traffic, making it easy to reach from nearby neighbourhoods.
Spitalfields City Farm location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Spitalfields City Farm
A Farm in the Heart of the City
Nestled on a quiet street just steps from the vibrant chaos of Brick Lane, Spitalfields City Farm feels like a secret garden in the middle of London. Established as a community project, this small but lively city farm brings the rhythms of rural life into an urban setting, offering a place where children and adults alike can see, touch, and learn about farm animals and growing food. Donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits live in well-cared-for enclosures, and the farm’s gardens are filled with seasonal fruit, vegetables, and herbs, all grown using organic principles. The farm’s layout is compact and easy to explore, with winding paths, raised beds, composting areas, and shaded seating. It’s a place designed for lingering: to watch a goat leap over a low fence, to smell herbs in the garden, or to simply sit and escape the noise of the city. The atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on education, environmental awareness, and community wellbeing.Animals, Gardens and Daily Life
At the heart of the farm are its rare-breed animals, which are not only a draw for visitors but also part of the farm’s mission to preserve traditional livestock. The animals are kept in clean, spacious enclosures and are regularly rotated through different areas of the site. Visitors can observe them up close, but feeding is only allowed under staff supervision, ensuring both animal welfare and visitor safety. The productive gardens are just as important as the animals. Raised beds and polytunnels grow a wide range of crops throughout the year, and composting is a central part of the farm’s operations. Educational workshops on gardening, composting, and sustainable living are regularly offered, making the farm a living classroom for both children and adults. The gardens also provide produce for the on-site tea hut and farm shop, closing the loop between growing and eating.Tea Hut, Shop and Community Events
The Rosebury Tea Hut is a highlight for many visitors, serving hot drinks, light meals, and snacks made with locally and ethically sourced ingredients. It’s a simple, welcoming space where you can warm up with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy a sandwich or slice of cake while watching the animals. The farm shop sells organic fruit and vegetables, plants, garden supplies, and small gifts, supporting the farm’s sustainability and offering a taste of the countryside in the city. Spitalfields City Farm is also a hub for community events. Seasonal fairs, craft workshops, children’s activities, and evening events bring people together and celebrate the changing year. These gatherings reinforce the farm’s role as a shared space where neighbours, families, and visitors can connect with each other and with nature, even in the dense urban environment of East London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
0.6 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Arnold Circus
0.7 km
Arnold Circus: The historic heart of London's first council estate, born from slum clearance and social reform, now a vibrant community landmark.
Shoreditch Church
0.9 km
Explore Shoreditch’s historic Palladian church, a sanctuary of Shakespearean theatre heritage and architectural grandeur in vibrant East London.
Northumbria University - London
0.9 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
182 Bishopsgate
1.0 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
1.0 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
Stairway to Heaven, Bethnal Green Memorial
1.0 km
A powerful inverted staircase memorial in Bethnal Green Gardens, honouring the 173 civilians who died in the 1943 tube shelter disaster, the worst civilian loss of life in Britain during WWII.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
1.2 km
Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
Mitre Square
1.2 km
Mitre Square: A serene retreat in London’s financial district, blending rich history with beautiful landscapes for an unforgettable city experience.
Liverpool Street
1.2 km
Explore the vibrant heart of London at Liverpool Street Station, a historic transport hub with modern amenities and access to iconic attractions.
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
1.2 km
Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
1.2 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
1.2 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Finsbury Square
1.3 km
Discover Finsbury Square, London's tranquil urban park featuring lush greenery, rich history, and a lively atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
1.3 km
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nomadic community
0.1 km
A hidden creative sanctuary off Brick Lane, blending street art, community spirit, and sustainable urban gardening in East London.
Backyard Market
0.3 km
Discover East London's vibrant creative scene at Backyard Market, a weekend hotspot for unique art, fashion, and artisanal treasures in the historic Old Truman Brewery.
Brick Ln
0.3 km
Discover Brick Lane: London's vibrant street filled with rich history, eclectic shops, and tantalizing food from around the world.
The Truman Brewery
0.3 km
Historic East London brewery turned vibrant creative hub, blending rich heritage with markets, art, and culture on iconic Brick Lane.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.4 km
Explore the UK's largest vintage market in East London, a vibrant hub for retro fashion, unique collectibles, and cultural energy seven days a week.
Upmarket Brick Lane Food Hall
0.4 km
Discover a lively indoor market in East London offering diverse global street food and a vibrant cultural atmosphere at Brick Lane.
Dray Walk
0.4 km
Discover East London’s vibrant art scene at Dray Walk Gallery, a dynamic creative space within the iconic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.
Princelet St
0.4 km
Step back into London’s rich immigrant past on Princelet Street, where Georgian heritage meets vibrant cultural history in Spitalfields.
The Truman Brewery Markets
0.4 km
A vibrant East London cultural and culinary hotspot blending vintage markets, global street food, and creative community spirit in a historic brewery setting.
Brick Lane Mosque
0.4 km
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid: A historic mosque embodying centuries of faith, migration, and community in East London’s vibrant Spitalfields.
BrewDog Shoreditch
0.5 km
Discover BrewDog Shoreditch: A vibrant bar and restaurant offering craft beers, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of East London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
0.5 km
Discover The Cocktail Club in Shoreditch, a trendy cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night in London.
Sclater Street Market
0.5 km
Discover eclectic vintage finds, street food delights, and creative energy at Sclater Street Market in London’s dynamic East End.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.6 km
Discover the architectural marvel and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of London.
Fashion St
0.6 km
Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Essential places to dine
Lyle's
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Brawn
0.8 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.9 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.9 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
The Clove Club
1.0 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.0 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.2 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
14 Hills
1.4 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
1.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Behind Restaurant
2.0 km
An intimate Michelin-starred fish tasting restaurant in London Fields offering immersive chef-served seasonal menus in an open kitchen setting.
Madison
2.2 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Restaurant Story
2.3 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
St. John
2.4 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Brick Lane Souvenirs
0.3 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.4 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Luna & Curious
0.7 km
Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
Middlesex Textiles
0.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
1.4 km
Explore the enchanting Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a whimsical gift shop in London filled with unique monster-themed treasures and delightful surprises.
Traders Gate
1.6 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Broadway Market
1.7 km
A lively Victorian street market in East London offering global street food, unique crafts, and a vibrant community atmosphere every weekend.
The Royal Exchange
1.7 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Tower of London Shop
1.7 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
69b Boutique Sustainable Style
1.8 km
London’s first boutique dedicated to stylish, sustainable fashion with a focus on ethical brands and eco-friendly materials.
Barbican Shop
1.8 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
1 Poultry
1.9 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
2.1 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Hay's Galleria
2.1 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
One New Change
2.1 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
0.4 km
Inventive cocktails and retro charm blend seamlessly in Shoreditch’s cozy and quirky Cocktail Trading Co.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Discount Suit Company
0.8 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Sun Tavern
0.9 km
Historic East End corner bar blending a vast Irish whiskey collection with lively live music and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.9 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Bell
0.9 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.9 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
0.9 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
Ballie Ballerson London
1.0 km
Dive into London's most playful cocktail bar with glowing ball pits, inventive drinks, and unforgettable nights in Shoreditch.
Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two
1.0 km
Step inside Alcotraz London for a one-of-a-kind immersive prison cocktail bar adventure with live actors and bespoke drinks.
TT
1.0 km
Innovative wood-fired Mediterranean small plates and cocktails in a stylish Shoreditch venue with a vibrant rooftop terrace.
Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
1.1 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for its bottomless brunch, drag shows, and nostalgic party vibes in a colorful, tropical-inspired setting.
Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
1.1 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for pink neon vibes, creative drinks, and unforgettable themed brunches.
Satan's Whiskers
1.1 km
Discover East London's beloved cocktail bar where classic drinks meet hip-hop vibes and a quirky, intimate atmosphere.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.1 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.0 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
XOYO LONDON
1.3 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
E1
1.5 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Steel Yard
2.1 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
London Best Night Clubs
2.4 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Ministry of Sound
3.5 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Carwash Nightclub
3.7 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
3.8 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Corsica Studios
3.8 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
3.9 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Cirque Du Soul
4.0 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
4.0 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
4.0 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Roxy
4.1 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
4.2 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Community-focused
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Community garden
- Farm
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Community-focused
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
