Who would have thought that a short jaunt out of South West London – in the shadow of Heathrow airport, in HOUNSLOW of all places – would stand an ‘Urban Farm’ with 29 acres of land. Well, I have seen it with my own eyes, Hounslow Urban Farm exists!
Ok, so it is not the biggest farm I have ever been to but it gives children – some of whom will never have seen ‘rural life’ before – a chance to get up close with animals and learn about them. There is a range of farmyard animals such as pigs, donkeys, and goats as well as some more tropical creatures such as tarantulas, lizards and alpacas – which we got to feed (It may look like I’m smiling but there is a slight grimace there – those animals have BIG bottom teeth).
Mrs T and I went with some of our antenatal friends. While we were there we managed to catch two demonstrations by the excellent ranger there. One entitled ‘Animal Encounters’ gave us the chance to touch various animals including a giant tortoise, snake and a mouse (wasn’t too bothered about that one). We then saw a demonstration with Ozzie, a Bengalese Eagle Owl. Such a magnificent creature who was fascinating to watch fly past us at such close range.
At Hounslow Urban Farm, under twos go free with adults paying £6.50. There is a small cafe where we were able to give the little ones their food and a bouncy castle for older children (much to my disappointment over 12s were banned so I didn’t get to have a go!)
At ten months old Mrs T didn’t really understand EXACTLY what was going on but was transfixed by the animals (as well as the group of school children who were there). Her favourite was probably the peacock with his beautiful, richly coloured feathers in full display. Mine was definitely the owl.
For children under one, the farm helps to stimulate their minds and allows them to see a different environment and set eyes on some unusual animals for the first time. I certainly got a kick out of watching her expression as she watched the animals move and make noises. This time around it was probably us adults who got more out of the visit than the children but it is a brilliant learning experience and I will definitely visit the farm again when she is a bit older.
I think urban farms are so important and this one looks fab 🙂
Iona@Redpeffer recently posted…A day at Silverstone
Thanks! It’s great to have something like this in London x
What a great place to be able to take Mrs T, Hounslow Urban farm looks like a fab place jam-packed with exciting features that kids will love. It’s great that you can get some hands on experience with the animals as well as watch displays from the handlers. I bet you can’t wait to go back and explore it with Mrs T when she’s a little older and understands more of what’s going on around her. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
Coombe Mill – Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Country Kids from Coombe Mill
Thanks Fiona. The displays were excellent. I’m looking forward to going back. Thanks for hosting #countrykids x
This looks really fun – I’ve heard good reports as I’m not far away and urban farms are great with little ones but haven’t made it there myself yet. #countrykids
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Book review: Spot A Lot – Vehicles
It’s a good place to go – big enough to get more than a taste but not huge so you are not trekking around too much. I need to go back as been a while – so let me know if you fancy a play date x
I love these urban farms in London – apparently there is one proper very urban one in Hackney too? We have been to some near us (we live in North London) but this looks like a lovely experience. If we ever happen to be in Hounslow I think we will know where to go 🙂 #countrykids
Wave to Mummy recently posted…Muddy puddles in (little) muddy puddles
They are great aren’t they! We had a lovely time. Xx
I never even knew Hounslow Urban Farm existed! It looks like a great day out, and kids interacting with animals is always a good thing. Thanks for sharing x #CountryKids
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Holiday Snapshots #39 Honolulu, Hawaii
I know! It’s amazing what there is hiding away in the big smoke! It was a fab day x