Whilst there are so many things I love about London, I often find myself feeling rather claustrophobic and craving the countryside. I'm sure I often go for days in the city without seeing any proper grass or trees which makes me quite miserable! For me, this is one of the biggest reasons I can't wait to finally move out of London. I'm such a country girl at heart - I love being outside and going on long walks. This is something my family have always done together and whenever I visit my parents we enjoy one of our many favourite routes. As soon as Rob and I have a day off together we seize the opportunity to drive out to the nearest bit of countryside and enjoy the fresh air. I love it, it's such an escape.
Shortly after moving to Greenwich in the summer of 2013, I was googling nearly parks and 'green areas' in the hope that we could find somewhere nearby that we could visit to have a wander. I randomly came across Mudchute City Farm - one of London's many (yes, many!!) city farms. Being just two stops from us on the DLR (on the Isle of Dogs), Rob and I decided to visit almost immediately and Mudchute has since become one of our favourite nearby escapes.
Set in 32 acres of countryside, Mudchute City Farm boasts incredible views of Canary Wharf and the city. It's quite a bizarre place actually, as soon as you walk through the gates you feel like you could be anywhere from fifty to a hundred miles away from London. It's got a real sense of tranquility to it - sheep and horses grazing on the beautiful fields with Canary Wharf as a backdrop. On site there are horse stables (and a riding school), a nursery, educational activities, community allotments and a lake. There's also a cafe - The Mudchute Kitchen serves a range of good, home-cooked dishes and delicious home-made cakes. Oh and I forgot!! There's llamas!! Llamas have got to be one of my favourite animals ever!
And the best bit? Admission is totally free - Mudchute is a community charity surviving on donations alone. It's so cool to have an environmental project so close by with such great purpose - preserving this vast green area of the city and promoting the use of public transport to get there.
We've enjoyed some lovely wanders around the farm - feeding the donkeys, taking selfies with pigs(!) and generally just enjoying the countryside atmosphere.
Some of my earliest ever memories are from back when my family lived in London when I was tiny. I was born in Hackney, which definitely wasn't as trendy as it is these days! When I was about 3 or 4 years old my parents sent my sister and I on a summer camp at Hackney City Farm (in Haggerston Park), I'm guessing whilst both my parents were at work. Hackney City Farm is another working farm in the city with similar objectives of preserving the environment, promoting animal welfare and educating people about countryside activities, in an inner-city environment. For us kids, it was a brilliant alternative to childcare; we spent the days making new friends whilst being surrounded by animals, having fun in our wellies and helping out on the farm. I remember very clearly sitting and having my packed lunch when suddenly there was a loud "noooooooooo!" from one of the farmers - the sheep had escaped and were running riot!!
If you've got a free weekend with or without the kids and you're stuck for places to go in the city, or perhaps you're in the need for a dose of countryside air, take a visit to one of London's city-farms. I always feel like a big kid wandering around, it brings so many memories back, but I assure you it'll make you smile!
(Check out Timeout's guide to City Farms in London).
Lydia xxx
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