Hackney City Farm

Visit a functioning farm in Hackney

During the 18th century, the agricultural revolution in the United Kingdom seismically altered the methods of farming. Greater London, like many rural parts of the United Kingdom, was an integral part of the agricultural revolution. Until the industrial revolution in the 19th century, Greater London conveniently served the densely populated central London with fresh produce. This relationship between production and consumption marked the establishment of London as a market place- some of those markets remain open to this day. However, as London inexorably expanded during the 20th century, many of the agricultural areas were transformed into suburbs.

Hackney City Farm, opened in the early 1990s, is an ode to Greater London agricultural past. Ostensibly a fully functioning farm, Hackney City Farm also operates as a visiting centre throughout the year. Hackney City Farm is the home to countless social and environmental enterprises. A community driven project, Hackney City Farm seeks to both farm sustainably and inform the locals about the agriculture industry.

Hackney City Farm contains a collection of farm yard animals: Goats, chickens, sheep along with small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. The livestock is part of a rotation with a sister farm in Kent, allowing animals to spend time in both the country and the city.
In addition to offering opportunities to see and smell farm life, Hackney City Farm provides classes for adults throughout the week. Bi-weekly pottery and art classes are available for visitors of all ability levels.

The resoundingly popular Hackney City Farm was erstwhile the site of the largest brewery in Greater London. Now, a delicious Italian café is situated on site, as well as a small farm shop that sells an array of foods and art works produced on the farm.

Hackney City Farm is a seven minute walk from Cambridge Heath station, which is accessible from Liverpool Street and Enfield Station.

Elliott Troop

TripTide User