7 Things To Do At Woodlands Farm In South East London

If you are yearning to get out and explore the great outdoors, there's no better place than the Woodlands Farm Trust - a unique working city farm in the heart of Welling, Kent. Children can enroll as farmers, search for the Stick Man and meet all their favourite farmyard animals  - Woodlands Farm is quite simply the perfect family day out. Here's everything you need to know before you visit.

COVID-19 update

The farm is currently closed, but hopes to open soon, it’s advisable to call before you set off. There maybe some changes at the farm to comply with Government guidelines.

About Woodlands Farm Trust

You don't have to venture too far out of London to breath in the fresh air and appreciate the 89-acres of open space. The Woodlands Trust, in Welling, Kent, is just a bus ride away from Lewisham and Blackheath and is free to visit, however donations are appreciated as the farm is a registered charity run mainly by local volunteers.

Children can run around in their wellies and learn about life on a real working city farm as well as enjoying all the fun activities at the centre, experiencing the countryside without having to go too far out of London. The Woodlands Farm Trust is a real hidden gem; you can take your time and wander through ancient woodland and if you are lucky, you may be able to spot some of the rarer native birds and butterflies.

There's so much to see and do for all ages, but we have picked just a few of the best activities to do at Woodlands Farm.

-Oooh Arrr Be A Farmer

Children can don their wellies and enroll as a farmer for the day to enjoy a range of fun activities. They can explore the farm and learn all there is to know about farming life, like where their food comes from, how it is prepared and how farming affects their everyday lives.

-Explore The Ancient Woodlands

You can get back to basics and roam freely through glorious meadows of wildflowers and bluebell woods. Younger children can truly feel at one with nature and explore the interesting habitats of the many butterflies, moths and bees as well as searching for tadpoles and frogs in the wildlife ponds.

-Where Oh Where Is Stick Man?

The Stick Man Trail is the perfect activity for active kids aged between three and seven who are fans of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. This is a fun-filled self-guided activity trail featuring Stick Man himself. You can explore the great outdoors and the natural world with your children, plus you may even discover how things grow in this great trail. It's open all year round, so don't forget to bring your wellies! You can download the activity sheet and a Stick Man certificate on the Woodlands Farm Trust website.

-Meet And Greet The Farm Animals

From the adorableTamworth pigs to furry guinea pigs, children can meet and greet all of their farmyard favourites including Shetland ponies, lambs, chickens and ducks. The farm is also home to the British White Cattle and the English Longhorn Cattle - both rare breeds.

-Drop-In Toddler Club

If you are a local parent you can visit every Thursday during term time, between 10am and 12 midday, and stay as long as you like before going off to explore the farm and meeting the animals.

-Get Crafty

There are a variety of different arts and craft activities each week such as traditional willow weaving, wool spinning and felt making. These sessions are for larger groups and need to be booked, and there is an additional £10 charge for materials. Other activities include orienteering and pond dipping, where young children can use a net to investigate what lies beneath and mark off what they see on an identification sheet.

-Young Farmer's Club (Ages 11-18)

For older kids, there’s a fantastic Young Farmer's Club where they can learn all about farming conservation, including how to care, feed and clean the farm animals, as well as learning how to be safe on the farm. The club meets up once a week on a Saturday for two sessions. The morning session is for 11 to 14-year-olds and the afternoon session is for 15 to 18-year-olds; it's the perfect activity if you are local and want your kids to connect to nature.

Opening Times

Opening times are subject to change. Normal hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm, but due to COVID-19, it's advisable to call the venue or check the website before setting off. It takes around three hours to explore Woodlands Farm Trust.

Food & Drink

Woodlands Farm has a delightful cafe onsite offering hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and ice creams.

Farm Shop

There’s even a farm shop where you can buy locally sourced produce such as freshly laid eggs, honey, homemade jams and meat. Buying the produce helps to give back to the community and supports the vital work of the Woodlands Farm Trust.

Parking

Parking is limited, so if you are driving it's advisable to get there early to avoid long queues.

Where Is It?

The Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, Kent, DA16 3RP

Admission

It's FREE to visit, but the Woodlands Farm Trust relies on donations, as it's a registered charity. The working city farm is run predominantly by volunteers from the local community and run as a conservation and education project. If you are in a group of up to nine people it's free, but there will be an additional charge for groups over ten. Donations are appreciated and buckets are positioned by the entrance or you can donate online.

Buggy And Wheelchair Access

The farmyard is accessible to wheelchairs and buggies, but the ground is very bumpy. Access to the rest of the farmyard may be limited by mud and wet weather.

Baby Changing Facilities

Baby changing facilities are available in the disabled toilet, near the cafe.

Train

Welling train station is a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride away, and Falconwood station is a 20-minute walk via the Green Chain Walk.

Bus

The 89 Bus connects Woodland Farm Trust with Lewisham and Blackheath, and the 486 with Bexleyheath and North Greenwich tube station.