Windmill Hill City Farm

From wasteland to farm

The farm began in 1976, when local volunteers opposed plans to turn a patch of inner-city wasteland into a lorry park and set about creating somewhere people could connect with animals and nature instead. It remains a registered charity and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.

What you'll find

Visitors can meet cows, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens, which are kept for education, therapy and food. Wander the gardens, then let children loose on the play area, which has a sand pit, climbing wall, climbing net and dragon swing, plus a digger park. The café is child-friendly and serves home-cooked food made with carefully sourced ingredients. There is also an orchard sauna and an events programme of crafts, music and wellbeing sessions.

Fitting it into your day

The farm is in a residential corner of Bedminster, about ten minutes' walk from the harbourside. Pair it with M Shed's free displays on Bristol's history, or cross the river to St Mary Redcliffe church. Some paths can be muddy in wet weather, so sensible shoes help. Weekday mornings tend to be calmer than weekends and school holidays, and the café makes an easy lunch stop for families with small children.

Highlights

• Free entry, donations welcome
• Farm animals including cows, sheep, goats and pigs
• Adventure play area and digger park
• Child-friendly café
• Community charity founded in 1976

Good to know

• Entry is free; donations can be made at reception or online.
• Some paths can be muddy after rain.
• All public areas are open to everyone; the visitor centre is staffed Monday to Friday.

Frequently asked questions