The Southampton City Farm Spring Open Day 2026 is set to take place on Saturday 30 May 2026, offering a wholesome and affordable day out for families across the region. Located in the heart of Millbrook, this five-acre community farm transforms into a bustling festival hub from 10:00 to 16:00. It is a vital fundraiser that directly supports the care of rescued animals and the farm’s various community programmes. Whether you are looking to meet the friendly resident goats and pigs, browse unique local crafts, or relax with a coffee and a slice of cake, what’s on offer provides a perfect slice of rural life within the city.
Animal Interactions and Feeding Experiences
The primary draw of the Spring Open Day is the opportunity to get close to the farm’s resident animals. Set across five acres in Millbrook, the farm is home to various rescued livestock and smaller creatures. Highlights of the animal programme include:
- Hands-on Interactions: Meet the friendly goats, sheep, and pigs. The farm is well-known for its welcoming atmosphere and personal animal encounters.
- Educational Talks: Learn about the daily lives of the animals and the vital care provided by the farm’s team of staff and volunteers.
- Feeding Sessions: Purchase a bag of hay from the reception for £1.00 to enjoy a hands-on feeding experience with the goats and sheep.
- Adventure Trail: Explore the woodland and pond areas via a dedicated trail designed to teach younger visitors about local wildlife and habitats.
Community Marketplace and Farm Shop
In partnership with Dream Empire Events, the open day features a vast array of stalls from the local community. It is a fantastic opportunity to discover unique products while supporting small businesses and the farm itself.
- Artisan Stalls: Browse through handmade jewellery, bespoke crafts, and unique gifts created by talented local makers.
- The Farm Shop: Purchase fresh plants, seasonal produce, and New Forest honey directly from the on-site shop.
- Pantry Stall: Discover a range of handmade souvenirs, local jams, and farm-made items to take home.
Live Music and Seasonal Food
The open day is a celebration of spring, complete with a festive atmosphere and a variety of refreshment options to keep the family fueled throughout the day.
- Live Performances: Enjoy the sounds of local musicians who provide a lively soundtrack to the farm activities.
- The Farm Café: Visit the pop-up café for tea, coffee, and a selection of homemade cakes. The café focuses on vegetarian and vegan options and does not serve meat products.
- Seasonal BBQ and Ice Cream: Indulge in classic BBQ favourites and refreshing ice cream, which are available at dedicated stalls across the farm.
- Family Entertainment: Watch out for mascot visits and professional face painting or glitter tattoos for the children.
Event Schedule
The Spring Open Day is a full-day event with various activities happening across the five-acre site.
| Activity | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Event Gates Open | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| Artisan Market and Farm Shop | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| Animal Interactions and Feeding | 11:00 | 16:00 |
| Live Music and BBQ | 11:00 | 15:30 |
Event Ticket
The Southampton City Farm Spring Open Day 2026 offers fantastic value for money, with affordable entry fees for the whole family.
- Adult Entry: £4.00
- Child Entry: £3.00
- Under 2s: Free
- Animal Feed (Hay): £1.00 per bag
How to get to Southampton City Farm
The farm is located on Green Lane in Millbrook (SO16 9FQ) and is easy to reach from across the city.
- By Car: Navigate to Green Lane via the A33 (Millbrook Road West). The farm is situated close to the Testlands Hub.
- By Bus: Several local bus routes stop near Green Lane, including the Bluestar services, which provide a short walk to the farm gates.
- By Bicycle: The farm is accessible via local cycle paths, and there is space to secure your bicycle near the main entrance.
Where to Park
While the farm has some on-site parking, it fills up very quickly on popular open days.
- On-site Parking: A small number of free spaces are available directly outside the farm entrance.
- Overflow Parking: Additional free parking is available next door at the Testlands Hub for visitors of the open day.
- Accessible Parking: Dedicated spaces are reserved near the entrance for Blue Badge holders.
Support Your Local Community Farm
Enjoy a wholesome day out while making a real difference. Discover what’s on in Southampton and plan your perfect spring weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Southampton City Farm accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
- Yes, the farm is generally accessible with relatively flat paths. However, as it is a working farm, some surfaces are gravel or grass which can be a little uneven after rain.
- Can I bring my dog to the Open Day?
- Because this is a working farm with free-roaming poultry and sensitive livestock, dogs are generally not permitted on the farm site, with the exception of assistance dogs.
- Is the event suitable for toddlers and babies?
- Absolutely! The farm is very popular with families with young children. Under twos go free, and there are many “soft” animal interactions suitable for younger visitors.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance?
- For this specific open day, you can usually pay on the gate. However, it’s always worth checking the farm’s official social media pages for any updates regarding a ticketing system for crowd control.
- How does my visit support the farm?
- Southampton City Farm is a registered charity. All proceeds from entry fees, the BBQ, and the farm shop go directly toward the care of the animals and the maintenance of their community programmes.
