Check out the farms that inspired the sweet new Apple TV+ original series, Lovely Little Farm. From Nigerian dwarf goat farms to farms that focus on helping disadvantaged youth—these special spots are a must-visit on your next agricultural adventure.
LessLovely Little Farm creators Maddy Darrall and Billy Macqueen have been taking their kids to this award-winning farm for years. What began as a working sheep and cow farm, has evolved to include a ton of fun, family activities and family-friendly events. From chicks to llamas, there is, of course, loads of animal encounters to be had but there is also outdoor playgrounds, a young driver's zone for tractor enthusiasts as well as trampolines and water balloon battles during warm, summer months.
This local London city farm was started in the late '60s and is where Macqueen still takes his grandson to visit the animals—they're all here—from llamas and chinchillas to rabbits and sheep. What's extra special about this spot is that it's the closest to London (Big Ben can be heard from here!) and is empowering local communities to experience nature to "enhance their health, well-being as well as provide a range of educational, recreational and therapeutic activities."
This free-to-visit farm provides kids and adults the opportunity to get up close and personal with a range of farm animals, help plant vegetables, volunteer and join mini-farmer's clubs as well as join classes like pottery (for a small fee).
Located on a former wharf on the banks of the Thames, this working city farm and charity welcomes the community to learn more about farm, food production and the natural environment. Add to that fun seasonal fairs, community projects, and, of course, animals galore make this a must-stop. Don't miss the farm shop where you can purchase farm fresh eggs, meats and produce.
Part of the original London City Farms network, this community charity with a working farm, children’s nursery and a wide range of education activities is set within 32 acres of countryside in the heart of East London. Macqueen has fond memories of this special farm—when he worked next door, two of their two prize pigs escaped and snuck into the nearby superstore, clearing all the shelves of loaves and sandwiches and snacks. They caused such havoc it made the national news!
The first city farm established in the United Kingdom, this 4.5 acre spot runs educational sessions on seasonal produce, a riding program (temporarily on pause due to railway construction), a wildlife pond, goats, sheep, chickens and geese, three horses, two donkeys, a couple of pigs named Wilma and Betty, a cow named Shirley, plus various small animals. And don't forget to say hi to the two farm cats, Gracie and Mr. Grey.
This farm-based organization focuses on helping disadvantaged 8-15 year olds in addition to hosting regular school visits. And, according to Macqueen and Darrall, this farm has made such an impact on the lives of children and teenagers in the UK that it should receive every gold medal recognizing their contribution for making lives better. Jamie's Farm is comprised of a smaller city farm called Oasis Farm Waterloo, as well as a four larger working farms around the nation.
Recently awarded a Traveler's Choice Award, this is the farm where stars of the show actually live! Head over here to visit with Bif and Bop (the two goats that used to live in the house), Barbara (a gorgeous sheep), Little Lamb and the chickens—that all luckily call this farm home. They were guaranteed a forever life, and according to the executive producers, "No roasting tin for any of them thank you very much."
The Blackstone Centre was established to share the passion and knowledge about the Clydesdale Heavy Horses—a Scottish rare breed. Here, visitors can learn about their lives on the farm and witness first hand these magnificent animals. Located in southwest Scotland, Macqueen took his daughter Megan to visit this special spot for a holiday trip and it became one for the memory books.
Darrall has visited this award-winning farm for children, with her two boys during a holiday trip and can't recommend it enough. With over 700 acres to explore, kids will delight in the endless possibilities—from lamb feeding and rabbit handling to tractor ride and crazy golf, it's a great day out for children.
Odds Farm Park is approved by the Rare Breed Survival Trust thanks to housing and breeding rare animals—from ponies and donkeys to rabbits and guinea pigs. But that's not all this farm offers—there is indoor play (great for rainy days!) and loads of outdoor play including an adventure fort, mini golf and a seasonal water play with water pumps, channels, streams and pools.
Here you can spend the day getting up close and personal with the animals, picnicking (either bring your own or order from their newly-opened shop), and sit by the river to enjoy the local wildlife. What makes this farm extra special? It specializes in native breeds that were once common but are now very rare like White Park cattle, Greyface sheep (producing the heaviest fleece around) and Middle White pigs—historically raised in large quantities to supply London with pork.
This small, Nigerian Dwarf Goat Creamery in located in Maine and while the creators didn't get a chance to visit it in-person, they fell in love with the farm online—providing lots of laughs thanks to their adorable pygmy goats. In addition to welcoming visitors, don't miss purchasing farm-fresh chevre and cajeta (available May through Jan.), attending a cheese class or simply learn more about why Nigerian Dwarf goats make great milking goats.