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If you’re looking for a fun FREE day out in Sheffield in 2026 then check out Heeley City farm. This small farm packs a lot of opportunities for fun, play and learning. In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip to Heeley City Farm and hopefully answer your questions.
We LOVE Heeley city farm and have visited many times over the years with our boys. If you have never been before we really do recommend a visit but there are a few super important things you need to know before you do. We really hope our info and top tips will help you plan an epic trip.
Don’t miss our guide to the BEST FREE things to do with kids in Sheffield
What is Heeley City Farm?
Heeley City Farm is a small farm and community project located in the Heeley neighborhood of Sheffield. It was established in 1981 and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers. The farm serves as an educational resource for schools and community groups, and also provides a home for many different animals.
Heeley Farm also runs a variety of projects to support the community. This includes a special needs program that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to learn about farming and animal care. The farm also offers volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, helping to build stronger community ties and promote sustainable living.
Where is Heeley Farm located?
Heeley Farm is located at Richards Road, Sheffield, S2 3DT. The farm is easily accessible by public transport, car, and bicycle. The farm is situated in a peaceful and tranquil neighborhood of Sheffield right next to the antiques quarter. It is also a few kilometers from the city centre (around 10-15 minutes by car).
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How much does it cost to visit Heeley City Farm?
Admission to Heeley Farm is FREE for everyone. This makes it a great option for families looking for an affordable day out in Sheffield.
What are the opening times at Heeley City Farm?
The farm is open from 9:30am to 4:00pm every day, except for public holidays. The opening hours are extended during the summer months to cater to the increased number of visitors.
What is the BEST time to visit Heeley Farm?
Heeley farm is open throughout the year with the exception of bank holidays and public holidays. Always check on public holidays if you plan to visit. Furthermore, much of the Heeley farm is located indoors (animal center, stables and cafe) – so you can visit whatever the weather.
However, it is always nice to visit the Heeley City farm in good weather. The best weather in Sheffield is between the months of April and June – there are often nice sunny spells and the average temperature is higher. July – September are also warm and often sunny but can be more rainy on average.
What can you do at Heeley City Farm?
Heeley Farm offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including:
- Seeing and interacting with animals: The farm is home to a variety of animals, including cows, peacocks, sheep, goats, pigs, chinchillas, and a bearded dragon lizard. When you visit you can get up close with the animals, and even feed them.
- Exploring the garden center (if it’s open): The garden center at Heeley Farm is a great place to pick up plants, seeds, and other gardening supplies. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and always happy to offer advice and guidance.
- Learning about agriculture and sustainability: The farm offers educational programs for schools and community groups.
- Visiting the small animal center: The small animal center is home to a variety of small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. You can interact with the animals and learn more about their care and welfare. There are info posters on the wall to facilitate learning as well.
- Enjoying the kids’ playground: The playground at Heeley Farm is a great place for kids to burn off some energy. The equipment is safe and well-maintained. There’s plenty of space for you to relax and keep an eye on your kids.
- Grabbing coffee and cakes at the cafe, which also serves amazing food: The cafe at Heeley Farm serves a range of delicious food and drinks, including breakfast, lunch, hot drinks, cold drinks, cakes, and ice creams. The menu is reasonably priced, and the portions are generous.
How long do you need to explore Heeley Farm?
The farm is a small attraction, so we recommend 1-3 hours for a complete visit. However, visitors are welcome to spend as much time as they like at the farm, exploring the different areas and activities.
What are the best ways to get to Heeley Farm?
Heeley City Farm is easily accessible by public transport, car, and bicycle.
Buses in Sheffield are relatively expensive (generally costing around £2 – £5 for single adult tickets depending on the route). We recommend getting single day saver tickets. The following bus routes stop near the farm: 10, 20, 25, 43, and 43a. If you’re driving, there’s free roadside parking on Alexandra Road.
What animals can you see at Heeley Farm?
Some of the animals at Heeley Farm
Cows: The cows at Heeley City Farm are friendly and curious, and you can often see them grazing in the fields. You can learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, as well as the role of cows in sustainable agriculture.
Peacocks: The peacocks at Heeley Farm are a stunning sight, with their iridescent feathers and distinctive calls. You may even be lucky enough to see them displaying their impressive plumage.
Sheep: The sheep at Heeley Farm are a popular attraction, with their fluffy coats and friendly demeanor. You can see them grazing in the fields or resting in their stables, and can learn about the different breeds and their uses in agriculture.
Goats: The goats at Heeley Farm are curious and playful. They are also very keen to gobble up food and often come over to greet visitors and check for food. Always remember to wash your hands after feeding the animals.
Pigs: The pigs at Heeley City Farm are a favorite, with their adorable snouts and wagging tails. Depending on the season you may get to see some very cute little piglets too.
Chinchillas: The chinchillas at Heeley City Farm are small and furry, and you can see them in their indoor enclosure. These rodents are native to the Andes Mountains in South America, and are valued for their soft, luxurious fur.
Bearded dragon lizard: The bearded dragon lizard at Heeley City Farm is a fascinating creature, with its distinctive beard and spiky appearance. You can see it in its indoor enclosure, and can learn about its behavior, diet, and habitat.
Animal welfare at Heeley City Farm
Heeley City Farm is a Certified Rare Breeds Centre in the UK. This means that they keep a fascinating and varied range of animals including more vulnerable breeds.
All of the animals at Heeley City Farm are well-cared for, with comfortable living spaces and plenty of enrichment activities to keep them healthy and happy. The farm staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and always happy to answer questions and provide information about the different animals.
How does Heeley City Farm support the community?
Heeley City Farm is committed to supporting the local community, and runs a number of programs designed to provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Their volunteering scheme provides young people with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties with a structured and supportive environment in which to learn new skills and build relationships.
The volunteering scheme at Heeley City Farm is designed to give young people a sense of responsibility and purpose, and to help them develop positive relationships with adults and peers. Young people are paired with an experienced mentor who helps them to set goals and work towards them, while providing support and guidance along the way.
The scheme is tailored to the needs of each individual, and can involve a range of activities, from working with the animals to helping with the maintenance of the farm. By taking part in these activities, young people learn new skills, gain a sense of accomplishment, and develop a greater sense of self-worth and confidence.
The volunteering scheme also helps to promote social inclusion and community cohesion, by bringing together young people from different backgrounds and helping them to build positive relationships with each other. This can be particularly beneficial for young people who may feel isolated or marginalized in other areas of their lives.
Heeley City Farm really is a valuable resource for the community, providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn new skills, build relationships, and make a positive difference in the world. Through its volunteering scheme and other programs, the farm is helping to promote social inclusion and community cohesion, while also providing a range of benefits for individuals who take part.
How can you support Heeley City Farm?
Heeley City Farm is a non-profit organization and does not receive direct funding. Heeley City farm relies on revenue from the cafe (which is great value for money) and on donations and sponsorship. You can sponsor an animal for £10. When you buy an animal sponsorship kit you receive a box including a certificate with the name of the animal, information on the animal you sponsor, a pencil, a bag of animal feed, a sticker and finger puppet. Find out more ways to support Heeley City farm on their website.
What facilities are there at Heeley City Farm?
The farm offers a very good range of facilities. These include toilets (both in the cafe and near the stables), hand washing facilities with soap and warm water, a small children’s playground, and a covered pram shelter to leave prams. The facilities are well-maintained and clean, making them a convenient and practical addition to the farm. There is no on-site parking at the Heeley city farm. However, you can park on Alexandra Road near the farm. There are no parking restrictions here and the parking is free.
What food and drinks are available at Heeley Farm?
The cafe at Heeley City Farm serves a range of delicious food and drinks, including breakfast, lunch, hot drinks, cold drinks, cakes, and ice creams. We found the food to be healthy, fresh and very tasty. The portions are pretty generous – especially for the prices. ALSO there is indoor and outdoor seating available at the cafe. The cafe can get busy at peak times so be prepared to queue.
The menu is reasonably priced, and the portions are generous. Breakfast is served daily from 9:30am to 11:00am, with prices ranging from £1 to £7. Lunch, including soups and sandwiches, is served from 11:30am to 2:45pm, with prices ranging from £3 to £6. There’s also a kids’ menu for £4, which includes a sandwich, a snack, and a drink.
How accessible is Heeley City Farm?
Heeley City Farm is fully accessible to people with disabilities, with ramps and wide doors providing easy access to all areas of the farm. The paths are smooth and level, making it easy for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments to get around. There’s also a covered pram shelter to leave prams, and plenty of space for parents to maneuver pushchairs. While there’s no dedicated disabled parking, there’s free roadside parking nearby.
Is Heeley Farm family-friendly?
Yes, Heeley City Farm is a great activity for families, especially those with young children. The farm is safe, clean, and well-maintained, with plenty of opportunities for children to learn and play. The playground is a particular highlight, offering a range of equipment for kids to climb, slide, and swing on. Older children and teenagers may also enjoy the farm, although it’s worth noting that it’s a small attraction and may not hold their interest for as long as younger children.
What should you bring to Heeley City Farm?
Here is a Heeley City farm packing list:
- Raincoat and umbrella (it can rain any time in the year)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm top
- Water bottle
- Some money for the restaurant and to buy animal food
- Camera
- Notepad and pen for kids learning
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