The Simple Life: City Farms to Visit Around the World

The Simple Life: City Farms to Visit Around the World

Searching for a hit of rural life in the city? We’ve rounded up our favourite urban farms, from a rooftop garden in Copenhagen to Amsterdam’s most under-the-radar vineyard.



It’s
a well-known fact that being a plant parent comes with more responsibility than
your average nine-to-five. There’s light to consider, watering
schedules and nailing that ideal temperature. If, like us, you’re
looking for some fresh inspiration for your vegetable patch, here
are five of the best under-the-radar urban farms to visit.

Green fingers: the five best city farms to visit

Image credit: Dylan Note

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Stepney City Farm

London, UK

Back in 1979, the residents of East London came together to create a community
farm for Tower Hamlets. Built on a derelict site that had been
bombed during the Second World War, Stepney Farm sprawls across
three acres of luscious green space. Home to the likes of donkeys,
pigs, rabbits and sheep, the farm invites visitors to interact with
its four-legged inhabitants. We suggest visiting on a Saturday from
10am to 3pm, when the weekly farmers’ market draws a crowd for its
locally sourced produce. Alternatively, book a spot at one of its
volunteering events, where you’ll discover a vast range of
environmentally sustainable green-fingered practices.

Address

Stepney Way, Stepney Green, London E1 3DG


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Vineyard Amsteltuin

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is often recognised for three things:
canals, cannabis and stag dos. But there are plenty of other
reasons to fall head over heels for the city. Starting with
Amsteltuin. A lesser-trodden vineyard nestled on the outskirts of
Amstelveen, its 3,500 vines – principally Pinotin, Solaris and
Cabernet Cortis – are fringed by thousand-year-old oak trees. Time
your visit for a weekend, when the property’s much-loved “high
wine” afternoons take place (think “high tea”, but better). Expect
inviting tables between the trailing vines, where baskets bearing
all the ingredients for a picnic in paradise await.

Address

Langs de Akker 5, 1186 WA Amstelveen, Netherlands

farm one mural

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TriBeCa Farm by Farm.One

New York, US

Okay, so this place doesn’t exactly scream serene urban farm. In
fact, its lab-like interior looks more like an episode of Grey’s
Anatomy than a rural retreat in the city. But what it lacks in
style, it makes up for in culinary education. A hydroponic farm, it
is home to 250 different crops. If, like us, you struggle to keep
your herbs alive, head here on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, when
weekly tasting tours, indoor farming and plant-care classes take
place. Keep your eyes peeled for its new joint, The Neighbourhood
Farm, too, which is set to open its doors in Brooklyn in 2022.

Address

77 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013, US

ostergro_denmark

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ØsterGRO

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark’s first rooftop farm, ØsterGRO has been harvesting
organic greens and edible flowers since 2014. To enjoy its
greenhouse, henhouse and three bustling bee hives at your leisure,
you’ll need to become a member. Or, if you’re not planning on
staying in Copenhagen long enough to reap the VIP benefits, visit
on a Wednesday (from April to mid-December), when volunteers are
encouraged to come down and get their hands dirty. Hungry? Reserve
a table at the farm’s Gro Spiseri restaurant, where fairy lights
hover over beds of sunflowers and fragrant spices tickle your nose,
and super-fresh cocktails and nibbles are on the menu. Insider tip:
those planning a get-together should note that the roof is
available to hire for parties.

Address

Aebeløgade 4, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

fleur-house-singapore

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Fleur House

Singapore

A feast for the senses, Singapore’s Fleur House offers a farm
tour well worth making time for. Taking place on the first and
third Sunday of every month, the 90-minute stroll includes gliding
through great swathes of orchids and a pit-stop refuel in the
microgreens garden. Afterwards, swing by one of Fleur House’s
popular workshops, where you’ll discover the principles of all
things soil-care. Ready to apply your newly learned skills?
Remember to pick up one of the complimentary herb kits before you
leave.

Address

21 Marsiling Lane, Singapore 730021

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