Ahhh, the Great British Christmas build up and the kids’ ever-growing list for Santa, what’s not to love! But if your family’s stress levels have hit their holiday limit go find solace a couple of miles north of Zone One.

Tucked away in leafy Gospel Oak is the small but perfectly formed Kentish Town City Farm.  Home to the farm since 1972, the volunteer-run homestead is a great place to give city nippers a taste of the rural life.

I took my niece Honey, 4, and two-year-old nephew, Sonny. Both London kids, they gasped at the free-running chickens that darted past us and got very excited when they spotted sheep, horses and a particularly chubby pig in their pens.

It only covers a couple of acres – but there are more than 50 animals that live on site. There’s also extensive gardens and a wildlife pond for you and the kids to explore. 

You can also get hands on with some of the animals. My lot got led in to a small enclosure armed with a brush to groom and stroke the goats. Once done they legged it outside to chase nippy ducks around a watering hole. A futile mission but endless fun!

Kentish Town Farm is FREE to visit and open daily from 9am to 5pm.

December 11th, Christmas Fayre  Entry Adults £1, Children 30p.  Santa’s grotto, goat grooming and pony rides.