Just a few minutes from the roar of Vauxhall Station, I found myself in one of London’s most unexpected green spaces at Vauxhall City Farm. Tucked behind the arches of the mainline railway and sitting alongside the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, the farm offers a peaceful escape from the city’s pace. Whether you’re visiting with kids or just craving some animal therapy and a good coffee, this little gem has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for fun things to do with the kids or you fancy talking to the animals, Vauxhall City Farm is a charm.
Things To Do At Vauxhall City Farm
The animal farm is home to a range of friendly residents, including alpacas (my favourites), goats, pigs, rabbits and chickens. You can stroll along the paths and meet them all up close, and it’s especially fun to watch the younger visitors feed the animals or take part in pony grooming sessions. Despite its central location, it feels wonderfully down-to-earth and welcoming. It’s not a polished petting zoo; it’s a proper working city farm with a warm sense of community.
Once you’ve made a fuss of the furry things, you can head over to the super cute community garden. It’s a lovely patch of green that’s been carefully cultivated with seasonal vegetables, herbs, and pollinator-friendly flowers. It’s a great place to pause for a moment, breathe, and see what’s growing. Even if you’re not a gardener, you’ll enjoy the atmosphere. It adds something special to the farm and a sense that things are being nurtured and shared.
From the far end of the farm, you can look across to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Once a famous 18th-century entertainment hotspot, today the gardens are a well-kept park with seating so you can soak up the atmosphere. The juxtaposition of animals, greenery, and high-rise towers reminds you of just how layered and surprising London can be.
If you need a coffee or something more substantial, the on-site café is a handy stop. It’s casual, with indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu that includes sandwiches, toasties, cakes and good flat whites. You’re welcome to take a seat and soak in the surroundings, and it’s the kind of place where nobody rushes you out.
Those looking for a big fry-up might want to head to the Tea House Theatre, which is close by. A café by day and a theatre by night, this venue is cluttered yet cosy and very charming. They serve a collection of breakfasts and a long list of teas.
Helpful Information About Vauxhall City Farm
Vauxhall City Farm is free to enter, though donations are encouraged and appreciated to help keep things running. It’s a brilliant spot to visit if you’re exploring Vauxhall or need a breather from central London. Quietly brilliant and deeply rooted in the community, it’s one of those places that makes you love London just a little bit more.
You’ll find Vauxhall City Farm at 165 Tyers Street, London SE11 5HS. The nearest station is Vauxhall, served by the Victoria line, National Rail and multiple bus routes. From the station, it’s just a five-minute walk through the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The farm is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.30 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit the Vauxhall City Farm website.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Best Things To Do In Vauxhall
Newport Street Gallery Vauxhall
Breakfast At The Tea House Theatre Vauxhall
Set Lunch At Brunswick House Vauxhall
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.