Newham City Farm

Opened in 1977, Newham City Farm is one of London's longest established, as well as one of its largest, city farms. Home to an extensive range of farmyard favourites and rare breeds, there are cows, sheep, alpacas, goats and chickens. But the main attraction - for the smiling children who get to go on the horse drawn cart rides on special event days - is the huge shire horse, a true gentle giant. Though the focus is on rare breeds - there are Golden Guernsey goats, Berkshire pigs, Portland sheep and a Red Poll cow - this city farm is also home to rabbits, fish and a Harris hawk. The farm's pond is home to a host of geese and ducks while more exotic animals include a llama, wallabies and birds of prey. Ideal for families, there's an orchard, children's play area - across the road from the farm - and picnic benches as well as a cafe and a shop where they sell their own produce including freshly laid eggs and honey. Take an hour or two to enjoy this peaceful haven within a busy area of London, just a ten minute walk from Royal Albert station on the Docklands Light Railway.