The animals at Hounslow Urban Farm are some of the best in their fields.
And not only will you find all of Old McDonald’s usual suspects – cows; pigs; ducks; geese; etc. – but you’ll also find the more exotic likes of alpacas, rhea, and more.
One particularly important underpinning of the farm is that every animal they take care of has been rescued, with owners Alice and Tony working closely with organisations like the RSPCA to take in any others in need. Their reptiles, for instance, all came from what was once The Tropical Zoo at Syon Park. After its closure back in 2010, Hounslow Urban Farm took them in, and will house them there until their new home’s built adjacent to the regular site. This means, at least for the time being, you’ll also find Thai water dragons; pythons; and boa constrictors.
When you arrive at the farm you’ll get the chance to buy some animal feed before setting off to explore. Some of the little rascals are roaming around free, whilst others are in pens, clearly marked with whether or not they’re ok to be fed.
If you want to get closer to the reptiles however, or some of the smaller mammals like ferrets or chinchillas, you’ll have to wait for one of the daily ‘animal encounter’ sessions. Here you’ll be invited to gather inside a teepee, where, helped along by Hounslow City Farm’s friendly (and ridiculously knowledgable) staff, you can meet, stroke, and hold all sorts of wild and wonderful creatures.
Other farm highlights include the owl flying displays; pig racing (yes – that’s real life pigs racing around an obstacle course); and baby bottle feeding. Plus they offer pony rides for just £3 extra.
If you get peckish they have a pretty basic cafe selling the likes of sandwiches, paninis and jacket potatoes. Simple but delicious.
You can bet the farm on it.
NOTE: Hounslow City Farm is open all year round apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year. Book online in advance for £5 children tickets, and £6.50 adult tickets. You can book, and find out more information, on their website HERE.
Hounslow Urban Farm | Faggs Road, Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 0LZ
Big on animals? The Horniman Museum has a pretty beautiful butterfly house worth checking out.