Hackney City Farm: Urban Farming Heart in East London
Discover a vibrant urban farm in East London where city life meets sustainable farming, friendly animals, and community spirit.
Hackney City Farm offers a unique urban farming experience in East London, where visitors can meet a variety of friendly farm animals, explore gardens and orchards, and enjoy eco-conscious shops and a vibrant café. Open Tuesday to Sunday with free entry, it’s a welcoming green oasis amid the city’s bustle, ideal for families and nature lovers seeking a hands-on connection with rural life in an urban setting.
A brief summary to Hackney City Farm
- 1a Goldsmiths Row, London, E2 8QA, GB
- +442077296381
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit between Tuesday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:30; the farm is closed on Mondays except bank holidays.
- Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to support animal care and farm upkeep.
- Try the Frizzante café on site for rustic Italian dishes and family-friendly meals.
- Participate in the Mini Farmers' Club on Saturdays for children aged 8 to 17 to get hands-on farm experience.
- Plan your visit using public transport as parking near the farm is very limited.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Overground to Haggerston or Hoxton stations, both about a 10-minute walk from the farm. Frequent bus services also run nearby. Travel time from central London is approximately 20-30 minutes. No additional cost beyond standard fare applies.
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Walking
If staying locally, a walk from nearby neighborhoods like Bethnal Green or Shoreditch takes 20-30 minutes along mostly flat, urban terrain. Suitable for most fitness levels and accessible paths.
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Cycling
Cyclists can reach the farm via dedicated bike lanes in East London. Bike racks are available on site. Travel time varies but typically 15-25 minutes from central areas. No cost involved.
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Car
Car access is possible but parking is very limited and on-street only, with restrictions. It is recommended to use public transport or cycling to avoid parking difficulties. No dedicated car park is available.
Hackney City Farm location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hackney City Farm
A Green Haven Amidst the Urban Landscape
Nestled in the heart of East London at 1a Goldsmiths Row, Hackney City Farm serves as a verdant sanctuary where city dwellers can immerse themselves in the rhythms of farm life. Despite its urban setting, the farm boasts a diverse collection of traditional livestock including pigs, cattle, sheep, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of these animals in a cobbled farmyard that offers a genuine rural atmosphere within the city.Gardens, Orchards, and Sustainable Living
Beyond the animals, the farm features thoughtfully cultivated gardens with raised vegetable beds, a bog garden teeming with wetland plants, and an orchard bearing apples, pears, and plums. These spaces not only provide beauty and tranquility but also serve educational purposes, demonstrating sustainable growing practices. Adjacent to the farm is the Get Loose shop, a zero-waste grocery offering packaging-free nuts, grains, pulses, and fresh eggs from the farm’s own hens, encouraging visitors to embrace eco-friendly lifestyles.Community Engagement and Educational Programs
Hackney City Farm is more than a place to visit; it’s a hub for community involvement and learning. The Mini Farmers' Club invites children aged 8 to 17 to participate in farm tasks such as mucking out and grooming, fostering a hands-on understanding of animal care and farming. The farm also hosts workshops, volunteer days, and special events that deepen community ties and promote environmental stewardship.Frizzante Café and Local Flavors
The farm is home to Frizzante, an award-winning Italian café known for its rustic charm and family-friendly menu. Visitors can enjoy dishes like burrata salads, pasta, and roast lamb while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. The café also offers facilities such as high chairs and baby changing, making it a convenient stop for families.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 16:30, Hackney City Farm welcomes visitors free of charge, relying on donations to maintain its operations. The farm is accessible by public transport with nearby stations including Cambridge Heath and Hoxton, though parking is limited. Guide dogs are permitted throughout the farm, and accessible toilets are available. The farm’s manageable size makes it perfect for a couple of hours’ visit, ideal for families, solo visitors, and anyone seeking a peaceful break from city life.Urban Farming’s Role in London’s Cultural Fabric
Hackney City Farm exemplifies the integration of agriculture into urban environments, offering a vital green space that connects people with nature, food production, and sustainable living. It stands as a testament to community resilience and environmental awareness, providing a rare glimpse of countryside charm within London’s East End.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Arnold Circus
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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
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Stairway to Heaven, Bethnal Green Memorial
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St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
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Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Northumbria University - London
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Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
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Discover Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, a historical cemetery in London, offering a peaceful escape and the final resting place of literary legends.
Finsbury Square
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Discover Finsbury Square, London's tranquil urban park featuring lush greenery, rich history, and a lively atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration.
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
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Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
182 Bishopsgate
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Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Devonshire Square
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Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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Liverpool Street
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Explore the vibrant heart of London at Liverpool Street Station, a historic transport hub with modern amenities and access to iconic attractions.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
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Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Mitre Square
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Mitre Square: A serene retreat in London’s financial district, blending rich history with beautiful landscapes for an unforgettable city experience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Columbia Road Flower Market
0.4 km
Discover a vibrant Sunday floral haven in East London, where history, community, and colorful blooms create an unforgettable market experience.
Broadway Market
0.6 km
A vibrant East London street market blending historic charm with global street food, artisanal crafts, and a thriving community spirit.
The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour
0.7 km
Step into London’s quirkiest cocktail bar and museum of curiosities, where absinthe meets the bizarre in an unforgettable cultural experience.
Young V&A
0.8 km
A vibrant, free museum in East London where children and families ignite creativity through play, design, and imagination.
Signature Brew Haggerston
0.9 km
Craft beer, live music, and creative energy beneath a Hackney railway arch.
OTHERWORLD VR | London Hackney
0.9 km
Step into East London’s premier VR venue where immersive technology meets social gaming in a futuristic digital island paradise.
BrewDog Shoreditch
0.9 km
Discover BrewDog Shoreditch: A vibrant bar and restaurant offering craft beers, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of East London.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
1.0 km
A whimsical monster-themed gift shop in London supporting creative writing charity for kids with quirky treats and curious curiosities.
Nomadic community
1.0 km
A hidden creative sanctuary off Brick Lane, blending street art, community spirit, and sustainable urban gardening in East London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
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Spitalfields City Farm
1.1 km
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Shoreditch Balls
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Discover the perfect blend of cocktails and miniature golf at Shoreditch Balls, a vibrant hotspot in London's eclectic Shoreditch district.
Hoxton Square
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Historic Hoxton Square is a vibrant garden oasis at the core of East London's creative and nightlife scene.
Trafik
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Discover Trafik, a lively club and bar in London's Old Street, offering a vibrant nightlife experience with eclectic music and delicious cocktails.
Callooh Callay
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Essential places to dine
Brawn
0.4 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Da Terra Restaurant
0.7 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
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.
Behind Restaurant
1.0 km
An intimate Michelin-starred fish tasting restaurant in London Fields offering immersive chef-served seasonal menus in an open kitchen setting.
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.
Lyle's
1.1 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.7 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
1.9 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.9 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Hackney Church Brew Co.
2.0 km
A vibrant brewery and taproom in Hackney Central blending craft beers, open-flame cooking, and a welcoming community spirit.
14 Hills
2.4 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
2.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.7 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
St. John
2.7 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Madison
2.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
69b Boutique Sustainable Style
0.7 km
London’s first boutique dedicated to stylish, sustainable fashion with a focus on ethical brands and eco-friendly materials.
Luna & Curious
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Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
1.1 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.3 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.8 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Middlesex Textiles
1.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Barbican Shop
2.3 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Unique Gifts
2.5 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
2.5 km
Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
The Royal Exchange
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A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Camden Passage, Islington
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1 Poultry
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Traders Gate
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Tower of London Shop
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Triangle Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Sun Tavern
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Satan's Whiskers
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TT
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The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
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Inventive cocktails and retro charm blend seamlessly in Shoreditch’s cozy and quirky Cocktail Trading Co.
Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
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Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for its bottomless brunch, drag shows, and nostalgic party vibes in a colorful, tropical-inspired setting.
Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
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Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for pink neon vibes, creative drinks, and unforgettable themed brunches.
Happiness Forgets
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Discover expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, candlelit basement bar with a welcoming no-standing policy in the heart of Hoxton Square.
Ballie Ballerson London
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Dive into London's most playful cocktail bar with glowing ball pits, inventive drinks, and unforgettable nights in Shoreditch.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
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A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
Nightjar Shoreditch
1.6 km
Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.6 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Old Fountain
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Historic family-run freehouse in Old Street, London, famed for award-winning ales, hearty British food, and a stylish rooftop terrace.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
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The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Basing House - Shoreditch
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An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
E1
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Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
London Best Night Clubs
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The Steel Yard
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Carwash Nightclub
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Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Egg London Nightclub
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Experience marathon electronic music sessions in a converted Victorian warehouse with vibrant terraces and world-class DJs at Egg London Nightclub.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
4.3 km
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Proud Late
4.3 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.
Ministry of Sound
4.4 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
The Roxy
4.5 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
4.6 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Cirque Du Soul
4.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
4.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
The Ivy Club
4.7 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
4.8 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- LGBT Friendly
