Meanwood Valley Urban Farm: prices, animals and where to go after

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is a working farm, a registered charity and a community and environmental centre, a couple of miles from the city centre. It is open seven days a week, and it costs less than a coffee to get in. Set your expectations right and it is a lovely few hours. Expect a small, community-run farm rather than a big attraction, which is how one Tripadvisor reviewer put it.

What it is

The farm was established in 1980 as part of the city farm movement, with the aim of reconnecting urban people with their food. By its own account it began with two old caravans and has grown into a site of around 26 acres (the farm's own figure; other sources give smaller numbers, so treat it as a rough guide). It sits on Meanwood Beck, and the address is Sugar Well Road, Meanwood, LS7 2QG.

The land itself is much older than the farm. The farm's site history says it has never been developed and has probably been cultivated since before the 13th century, when much of Meanwood was given to the monks of Kirkstall Abbey. Mill development on the beck is documented from 1560. In the early days, visitors found an unused space, a few animals and a caravan turned office. By the end of the 1980s there was a barn, a farmer's office and a small visitor centre. The farm's own history page describes a fight for survival around its 40th anniversary in 2020, and says public support and grants kept it going.

What to see

• Animals: sheep (with lambs in spring), cows, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs and goats, and sometimes pigs and donkeys.
• Growing: a vegetable garden, ornamental gardens and an organic market garden with produce for sale.
• Outdoors: ponds, woodland, a nature area, a playground and a picnic area.

Animals are moved around the farm for welfare and land reasons, so ask at Reception and they will show you on the map where everyone is that day. One reviewer felt the signage about the animals was lacking, so that chat at the desk is worth having. Welcome to Leeds also mentions a bicycle renewal and repair shop, and fresh eggs and rhubarb for sale.

When to go, prices and booking

The farm is open 10am to 4pm, seven days a week. It is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, and always open on bank holidays. Spring is the best time for lambs, according to the farm.

• Adults: £3
• Children: 50p
• Under-2s: free

Membership gives unlimited free admission for a year. There is no booking for general visits: pay by cash or card at Reception or the Shop. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Schools should email education@mvuf.org.uk to book. Check the farm's visit page for current prices and hours before you set off.

Later in the year, the Summer Fair is listed for Saturday 4 July, 10am to 4pm, with pay as you feel entry according to Mumbler. The farm's events page lists Junior Summer Forest School (ages 6 to 10) on 20 to 24 July and Senior Summer Forest School (ages 11 to 15) on 3 to 7 August, plus a summer playscheme for ages 8 to 11.

Getting there

• Bus: take the 38 or 39 and get off at Woodhouse Cricket Club, then follow the signs.
• Bike: a cycle path runs through the farm.
• Car: there is a small car park on site, but it may fill up at busy times.

There are accessible toilets, parking spaces and paths across much of the site, though some areas have limited disabled access. The toilets include baby changing and sit next to the café.

Eat on site: The Barn Coffee Shop

The Barn Coffee Shop, on the farm site, is independently run and is a social enterprise. Discover Leeds says all profits go to local community projects. Network Leeds describes speciality coffee, homemade cakes and light lunches, with child-friendly menu options, pushchair space, high chairs, baby changing and a toy box. It is walk-in only, with free WiFi, and keeps the same 10am to 4pm hours as the farm. Go for a coffee and a slice of cake, and check its own menu for what is on that day.

For after: Myrtle Tavern

If you want a proper sit-down once you have done the animals, try the Myrtle Tavern on Parkside Road, Meanwood, LS6 4NE. Discover Leeds describes it as on the edge of Meanwood Park and a good way to finish an afternoon with a walk in the Meanwood Valley. Welcome to Leeds recommends it for a Sunday afternoon stop after long walks on the Meanwood Valley Trail.

It is known for homemade Sunday roasts, sharing plates and traditional pub mains. There is a heated oak lodge, a terrace and a beer garden with a marquee. The Yorkshire Evening Post described woodland-edge, country-pub character, with a wildlife pond, greenhouse and a children's play area in the garden. CAMRA lists it as open noon to 11pm with a Cask Marque 5/5 rating. Reviewers advise booking ahead, and reservations are accepted on 0113 275 2101.