Woodlands Farm is one of those South East London places that can make you forget you are still in the city. Sitting on the border of Greenwich and Bexley in Shooters Hill, the 89-acre working farm is run by the Woodlands Farm Trust as a conservation and education project, with farm animals, wildlife, meadows, woodland and family activities.
Entry for individual visitors is free, although donations help support the charity and its work.
Latest Update
Checked 1 September 2026: September brings two useful dates for the local calendar: a home education growing session on Wednesday 9 September and the Woodlands Farm 5K Run and Walk on Sunday 13 September. Seasonal Halloween and Christmas events will be added here only when confirmed by Woodlands Farm Trust.
About Woodlands Farm
Woodlands Farm Trust describes the site as an 89-acre working city farm on the border of the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley. As well as meeting farm animals, visitors can explore a landscape that supports native birds, butterflies, wild flowers and woodland.
Free Entry and Opening Times
- Open: Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays
- Hours: 9.30am–4.30pm
- Closed: Mondays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- Individual admission: Free; donations welcome
September 2026 Events
Home Education: Let’s Get Growing!
On Wednesday 9 September, Woodlands Farm is running a home education session in collaboration with Sitopia Farm from 10am–12pm. The summer home education programme is aimed at children aged 4–14, with an accompanying adult required to stay. The session costs £7 per child, takes place mainly outdoors and advance booking is essential.
Woodlands Farm 5K Run and Walk
On Sunday 13 September, the farm’s 5K gives runners and walkers the chance to follow an undulating route around fields, including areas normally closed to visitors. Registration opens at 10.15am and the event starts at 11am. Advance registration is £15 per person or £20 on the day. Children can take part, although under-11s must be accompanied one-to-one by a responsible adult.
The Trust specifically advises that the 5K terrain is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Proceeds support the work of Woodlands Farm Trust. Check the official 5K information and registration details.
Education and Family Activities
Book the September growing session through the link on the official home-education activities page.
Education is a major part of the farm’s work. Activities offered to schools and groups include farm tours, pond dipping, minibeast safaris, habitats, woodland adventures, plant activities, traditional farm crafts and Stone Age sessions. Woodlands Farm also runs changing family and home education activities, so it is worth checking the official calendar before visiting for a particular session.
The Farm That Was Nearly Lost
Woodlands Farm also shares an important piece of local history with nearby Oxleas Woods. The Trust records that in 1985 the farm was threatened by plans for the East London River Crossing, which would have cut through farmland and Oxleas Woods. The road plans were dropped in 1993 following opposition from local groups including People Against the River Crossing (PARC).
That history deserves more than a passing mention. Clarissa’s Corner will be exploring the campaign to save Oxleas Woods separately, including Clarissa’s own childhood memories of taking part in the local schools’ campaign.
Accessibility
The farmyard is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, although Woodlands Farm warns that the surface is very bumpy. Access across the wider farm is more limited because this is working farmland and areas can become muddy. A disabled toilet is available; visitors should speak to a member of staff for access. Assistance dogs are permitted, but other dogs are not allowed on the farm.
Getting to Woodlands Farm
Address: Woodlands Farm Trust, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, Kent DA16 3RP.
Bus routes 89 and 486 stop close to the farm gate. Welling and Falconwood stations are each around a 20-minute walk, with Falconwood connecting to the area via the Green Chain Walk. Limited parking is available during opening hours.
Nearby: Oxleas Woods and Severndroog Castle
Woodlands Farm works particularly well as part of a Shooters Hill day out. Nearby Oxleas Woods brings ancient woodland and walking routes, while Severndroog Castle adds local history and far-reaching views. We are building dedicated Clarissa’s Corner coverage of this whole pocket of South East London rather than treating each place in isolation.
FAQ
Is Woodlands Farm free?
Yes. The Trust does not charge individual visitors an entrance fee, although donations are encouraged because Woodlands Farm is a charity.
Is Woodlands Farm suitable for wheelchairs?
The farmyard can be accessed by wheelchairs, but the Trust describes it as very bumpy. The wider farm has more limited accessibility because of farmland and muddy terrain. Individual events may have additional restrictions.
Can I take my dog?
Only assistance dogs are permitted on the farm.
More Greenwich and South East London
For more ideas nearby, use our Greenwich Family Events & Free Days Out guide and our Bexley Days Out, Events & Local Guide.
