This hidden gem is well worth seeking out. Arguably one of London's larger city farms, there is an abundance of animals from all the farmyard favourites to tropical birds and even some alpacas. A beautiful shire horse gives cart rides in the summer months and there are regular events for all the family. It's free to get in and there is plenty there to keep you coming back.

www.newhamcityfarm.org
Stansfeld Road, Beckton, London, E6 5LT
Closest station: Royal Albert DLR
Bus: 300, 376, 262
+44(0)20 7474 4960

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The West Bank – May 2011. We drove along the road until our path was blocked by huge boulders and we could go no further. Clambering over boulders we continued uphill by foot. On arrival, we were greeted warmly and shown into a brightly coloured cave by Daoud, our host, who told us of the history of the farm.
Situated on a hill-top south of Bethlehem, Daher’s vineyard has been in the same family since 1916, when it was purchased by Daher Nassar, grandfather of the family who now run it.
In 1991 the Israeli government declared the area including the Nassar’s land, to be Israeli state land. The family’s challenge has meant ongoing litigation. Despite this, the Tent of Nations was founded in 2000 as an educational and environmental organic farm “seeking to build bridges between different people, and between people and the land”
They have no mains electricity or running water. Solar panels have been installed and their water is collected via rainfall. Visitors and volunteers arrive from all over the world, and support groups are based in the UK and North America. They also run a number of other projects locally including projects for young people.
Our visit was part of a Holy Land Pilgrimage, when we met with local people and learn about organizations – of both Palestinians and Israelis - working for peace in the West Bank. Despite their difficult circumstances, I left with a feeling of optimism and hope for the future. A visit is a truly awe inspiring, unforgettable experience.

www.tentofnations.org/
Atan Street 17, PO Box 28, Bethlehem, Palestine
+972(2)2743071

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With the chaos and cars of Kingsland Road, Dalston’s busy high street just around the corner, the Farm Shop on Dalston Lane makes a welcome escape. Slightly bizarre stark white décor greets you on arrival in their first room with ‘aquaponic’ fish tanks and a wall of plants. There are signs explaining that the water is circulated between the fish tanks and the plants and this is all harvested off the roof, which incidentally is where they keep their chickens! Wandering through the shop is more like a science museum with gems of sustainable inspiration and you can even hire out the polytunnels for parties complete with a disco ball! Once you’ve finished exploring the shop sells a range of delicious foodstuffs – from London honey to today’s eggs to fish to fairtrade organic coffee. There’s also often art on the walls up for grabs and the café serves the best bacon sandwich in London! Much loved and recommended for an intriguing shopping experience – who knows, you could come away with a chicken!

farmlondon.weebly.com/index.html
20 Dalston Lane, London, E83AZ
+44(0)7736 002006
Google map: bit.ly/vsWMvb

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A great example of a city farm, Gorgie Farm has been open since 1982 and is just a bus ride out of the city centre. Take the family - it really is the perfect way to spend an hour or two away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh. There are a number of animals to see in fields, stables and sheep houses and smaller animals and reptiles can be found in 'The Pet Lodge'.
The Farm operates solely on donations, so although admission is free, see if you can spare a few pounds to keep this great community project going.

www.gorgiecityfarm.org.uk/home/
51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2LA
+44(0)131 337 4202
Google map: bit.ly/njy7eS

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

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LaVialla is a beautiful organic farm estate about 8km north of Arezzo on the SP56, well sign-posted from the village of Castiglion Fibocchi. You can visit the estate and stroll along its paths in the woods, enjoying the most spectacular views. If the weather is fine (and it usually is!) you can enjoy a delicious lunch of cheeses, home made bread, salads and salami; all organically produced on the farm with LaVialla wines at incredibly good prices. All the produce is on sale at the "little shop" and accommodation is provided in converted farm buildings.

www.lavialla.it
Via di Meliciano 26-52029 Castiglion Fibocchi-Toscana
+39 0575 430020
Google map: bit.ly/lnNcYF

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Mossyard in SW Scotland is a small, family run site by a sparkling clean bay with clear, warm water to swim in off two sandy beaches with a headland between. There's a small area of dunes that make for perfect sheltered sunbathing if the weather is breezy. When the water is out the area is great for exploring by children and dogs and there's even a little island to walk to and watch the superb sunsets looking out to the west. You can watch local fishermen land their catch and see animals in the fields as Mossyard is part of a working farm. It is surrounded by beautiful, rolling countryside perfect for walking or hiking. The Isle of Man out in the bay offers great sea views and the absence of light pollution gives amazing starlit nights. Mossyard deserves the label idyllic and you don't even need to get on a plane.

Mossyard, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas,
Dumfries and Galloway, DG7 2ET
+44 (0)1557 840226
www.mossyard.co.uk/

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At the end of Columbia Road you can cross a busy road and find yourself at the Hackney City Farm. It’s a little oasis of life’s simple pleasures; you can eat a hearty meal at the bustling café before visiting the chicken’s, goats and pigs and see city children squeal in delight chasing a duck or petting a sheep. On my last visit I saw a demonstration on how to shear a sheep and how to yarn wool. In a city obsessed with style and fast living this is the perfect way to get reacquainted with your country loving self.

www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk/
1a Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA
+44(0)20 7729 6381
Google map: bit.ly/k2KBJp

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Brackenborough Hall is a working 900-acre farm in the Lincolnshire Wolds. The old Coach House has been beautifully restored and made into three lovely apartments which are set in the middle of medieval parkland - and there's a herd of cows living in the park. It's perfect for families or groups: there's accommodation for up to 24 people. And the family that run the farm are very happy to show you round or let you help out. Lincolnshire is a beautiful place and the food - including local plum bread - is amazing, too.

www.brackenboroughhall.com/
Brackenborough Hall, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0NS
+44(0)1507 603193
Google map: bit.ly/ldLfGW

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A wonderful farm holiday for families with young children in the most beautiful location. Feed the animals every morning with Farmer Tim; ride on the gentle ponies; splash around in the indoor pool; relax with that day's papers and enjoy fresh coffee in the indoor play barn. The cottages are a comfortable home from home with little extras provided including black-out blinds, bed guards and cots. The perfect break!

Tredethick, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0LE
+44 (0)1208 873618
www.tredethick.co.uk
Google map: bit.ly/kUkT4s

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Perhaps the best food I've ever eaten, and in an environment that tells you why: expert and insightful people in a cyclical farming, learning and catering environment - led by legendary Darina Allen and her daughter-in-law Rachel. I went there as a musician when the drawing room was the venue - now Rory Allen has converted the Grain Store into a world class venue for the great and good of the Irish music scene. Who could ask for anything more?

www.ballymaloe.ie
Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, Co. Cork, Ireland
+353 (0)21 4652 531
Google map; bit.ly/frYDd4

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Small but perfectly formed idyllic cottage, tucked away down a private lane on a small working organic farm, amidst the Somerset levels. The owners Jane and Simon are warm hosts who will provide home cooked meals if you have had a long journey. With a wealth of local knowledge this is an excellent base for cycling and walking as the cottage is just off the Parrett trail, close to the quirky town of Langport. Ideally situated for birdwatching on the levels, the cottage is great for both relaxing holidays wandering the farm and trying the myriad of produce they grow or exploring further afield as there are many National Trust properties within 30 minutes. Book during the last two weeks of September to visit Somerset Art Weeks when over 200 artists have their studios open to the public, Its fantastic!

Park lane, Langport, Somerset, TA10 0NF
www.merricksorganicfarm.co.uk
+44(0)1458 252901
Google map: bit.ly/eOJPEh

Taunton, Yeovil Penn Mill and Yeovil Junction are nearest train stations.
Yeovil - Taunton Bus 54 stops at end of private lane

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Set in the rolling Devonshire hills on the edge of Exmoor, North Hayne Farm is the perfect place for a family to unwind. The cottages are beautifully converted farm buildings set around a pretty communal courtyard. A cream tea is laid out in your cottage awaiting your arrival and a hot tub, on your individual patio, is ready to go as soon as you've unpacked your cossie. Children and adults alike are able to feed the farm animals morning and night, and if you're lucky you might find an egg. Children are rewarded for their hard work by donkey rides everyday and a certificate and photo at the end of their stay(which always comes far to quickly).

North Hayne Farm, Bishops Nympton, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3QR
+44(0)1769 550807
www.northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk
Google map: bit.ly/fXqqPW

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The Granary, Rowton Grange, is ideal for a comfortable self-catering break – my partner and I have stayed there both for weekends and for a couple of weeks. Every window looks out on the beautiful wooded hills of south Shropshire, and the Granary and its garden are a great place to relax.
The Granary was where I first came across an Indian Runner, a duck that’s a very different shape from my idea of a duck. I named it Edwin, but it turned out I was wrong – apparently only female ducks lay eggs, and so does Edwin, so it should be Edwina! As a townie, I found the sight of a minutes-old calf quite a shock (and was relieved I hadn’t been required to help with the birth). And I also learned that pigs aren’t always pink: the Saddlebacks have their own colouring and personality. There are also several horses, and arable farming – though I still can’t tell my wheat from my barley.
The owners – a farmer, a vet and their four children – are brilliant at making guests feel welcome. They’re all friendly and good company, without being pushy. The visitors’ book shows that our enthusiasm is shared by many, and the same guests’ names appear time after time – we’re clearly not the only ones to find the Granary worth several visits.

www.rowtongrange.co.uk
Rowton Grange, Aston on Clun, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 0PA
+44(0)1588 660227
Google map: bit.ly/iintrD

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Luxury but extremely affordable B&B - four ladies travelling together had two very well appointed and comfortable bedrooms made up as twins - own bathroom and sitting room and extremely welcome hosts Pete and Gaye. Pete keeps some sheep and we had our own shearing session. One of us left camera behind which Gaye kindly left at our motel in Christchurch where we were heading a week later. Excellent breakfast and will do supper too.

45 Mairaki Road, Fernside, Rangiora 7471, New Zealand
+64 3-313 5180
Google map: bit.ly/f5nXde

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Muddy Boots started as a farm shop, selling veg, fruit, jam, honey among others. There is a large cafe with kids' menu, children's entertainment in the form of a tractor track/quad train, a large jumping pillow, gyro cars, grass sledging, turf boarding and indoor and outdoor play areas! Fantastic fun for all the family, leave Granny and Mummy in the cafe while the kids go and explore. Great food for everyone and activity galore to speed all day.
There is also pottery area where kids can paint there own designs from plates to money boxes.

Muddy Boots, Balmalcolm Farm, Balmalcolm
Fife, KY15 7TJ
+44(0)1337 831222

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It is a tearoom which serves a most excellent breakfast in an area of very good walking and nature watching.

Alkborough, North Lincolnshire DN15 9JN
+44 (0)1724 720728
www.collegefarm.org/index_files/thepaddockstearoom.htm
Google map: bit.ly/fhbmYb

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From ‘farm to fork’ may be expecting a bit much for a city farm but with responsibly sourced, lovingly cooked food and a farmhouse setting - breakfast at Hackney City Farm is not just about the grub. We love coming with friends, to enjoy a top quality full English, though it's great for families too. The animals (and the farmyard smell) make you feel one step closer to the countryside which beats any greasy spoon I know! On a Saturday follow breakfast with a visit to Broadway Market or on Sunday, Columbia Road Flower Market is always colourful.

www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk
1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA
+44(0)20 7729 6381
Nearest tube: Old Street, Liverpool Street with buses to within 100m
Google map: bit.ly/hH3s42

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There is a hidden corner of Somerset, a hamlet with an interesting name of 'Mudgley' where you will find real cider heaven!
Depending on which way you enter the farm you may see a sign in a field saying 'cider', depending on whether the cows have pushed it over.
Arriving at the farm, on a busy day you will see other cider fans unlocking the secret of finding the most authentic cider farm in England.
As soon as you arrive in the cider shed, you are asked "what you having?", answer dry, medium or sweet and you'll be alright. The first taste is a cool, refreshing, rich experience, which is Wilkin's cider.
You won't stop smiling as you find out all the quirks and eccentricities of the cider farm. As it's near the Clark's shoe factory, you will find lots of random shoes in a corner. A helicopter blade from a recent Air Force stag do..
Roger Wilkin's has been cider making since he was a boy, taught the skills of the ancient art by his grandfather.
The business was passed onto Roger through the family and now he produces around 15,000 gallons each year at his home at Landsend Farm.
You'll also be able to visit the orchards in the farm where I have been allowed to camp in the past. Rog is also happy to answer questions about cider making and what he thinks about the recent taxes threatened by the new government.
You can bring home a container of your favourite Wilkin's cider. It won't last long once your friends and family taste the experience too.
Surely any traditional cider enjoyed this way is England in a glass!

Wilkins Cider, Land’s End Farm, Mudgley, Wedmore. 01934 712385. www.real-cider.co.uk/cider-making-with-roger-wilkins/

Google map: bit.ly/9RpGt8

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Broome is a guesthouse and working cider farm near Ross on Wye in Herefordshire. We rolled up for some cider tasting and stayed all afternoon. After being greeted by a small herd of friendly alpacas, our canadian cider-enthusiast host was more than welcoming and keen for us to try as many of the tens of ciders on offer as we wanted. We did just that and took a guided walk around the orchards while the effects wore off. We left with dizzy heads and a selection of bottles, as well as sausages made from pigs on the farm. The farm is a little gem - it was a relaxing, interesting, fun experience and I would advise anyone with even a passing interest in cider to give it a go.

www.broomefarmhouse.co.uk
Peterstow, near Ross on Wye.
Peterstow is situated off the A49 close to Ross-on-Wye. If coming from the roundabout on the A49 at Ross take the second turning on the right. Broome Farmhouse is signposted bearing left at the small green you first come to and is located a few hundred yards along the road, past the orchards to the right and round the bend.
Google map: tinyurl.com/38gp3pu

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Middle Farm is one of my favourite places to visit any time of year. It lies just off the A27. Every year in Oct they hold an apple festival to celebrate all things appley, with an amazing selection of ciders. Grown ups can enjoy a cheeky pint and some great local music in two tents dotted with hay bales for a real country feel. For small ones there are play areas, a fun fair and animals galore. There is a proper hog roast to help fight off the hangover plus loads of other stalls selling food, locally made bits and bobs and other treats. If you can't make the festival the farm is open seven days a week and has an amazing shop where you can taste about a hundred different ciders. This is truly cider heaven.

It is situated on the main A27 Lewes to Eastbourne road, between the villages of Firle and Selmeston. The nearest stations are Glynde (2 miles) or Lewes (5 miles).

Middle Farm
Firle
LEWES
East Sussex
BN8 6LJ
United Kingdom

Telephone +44 (0)1323 811411
Fax +44 (0)1323 811622
Email info@middlefarm.com
www.middlefarm.com/02_whatson.htm
Google map: bit.ly/bVvBdv

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