If you are an animal lover, looking for something a bit different to do in Edinburgh city centre, then Love Gorgie Farm is the place for you. Hidden off of Gorgie road, the city farm is home to friendly animals who all love a bit of attention. It’s a perfect place to visit during the holidays or at the weekend for kids of all ages, and adults too.
Edinburgh is a fantastic place to visit – filled with history and heritage. Whilst many people will explore the historic Royal Mile, or enjoy some of the many museums the city has to offer, Love Gorgie Farm is an incredible hidden gem in the city centre, which should not be missed!
The Heritage of Gorgie City Farm
The site of Gorgie Farm has a long and interesting history which starts back in the 1930s when the site was a waste depot, due to its location near to the railway line that passed over the land. It was then used for civil defence training during the war before becoming derelict.
Community has always been a strong part of the heritage of this site, and in 1977 a community group began to clear the area, creating a much needed green space for the west side of Edinburgh.
In 1982, the farm (known then as Gorgie City Farm) opened its doors, selling fresh produce to help cover the cost of running it.
In 2019, the farm was taken over by LOVE Learning, which is an education and social care charity supporting vulnerable children and young people all across Scotland. Education is central to the farms mission, and they provide so many fantastic educational services for the community, such as animal and forestry therapy.
It is a well-known and well loved staple of the community, and has received much support over the years from the locals.
Get to know more of Edinburgh’s heritage by exploring Edinburgh’s Slave Trade History
Your Visit to Love Gorgie Farm
Love Gorgie Farm is home to so many animals, from farm animals to your own pet. From the ducks and hens who happily patter around their homes and ponds, to cows kicking footballs, and friendly Boer goats who are eager for a treat. Love Gorgie farm introduces you to the animals and how to best look after them. There’s even an option for them to look after your wee fluffy one if you’re on holiday.
How to Visit Love Gorgie Farm
Visiting Love Gorgie Farm has always been free, and the farm only ask for donations, making it a great alternative to Edinburgh zoo for budget friendly activities.
Visiting Edinburgh? Why not check out these museums for FREE!
Feed the animals at Gorgie Farm
The farm asks that you only feed the animals their own feed mix, which you can buy for £2 at the entrance. There’s specific times for feeding during the day, so make sure you visit at the right time.
Its so much fun to feed the animals – they are all very friendly and eager to nibble the treats in your hand in exchange for a pet! Whilst the alpacas were so cute to look at, it was the goats that stole my heart as they butted their way through the fence to get closer to the food!
Visit the cafe at the farm
The farm has a cafe, which is perfect to get a hot drink on colder days or to relax in some Edinburgh sunshine while kids play at the play area.
Sponsor an animal at Love Gorgie Farm
The farm also give an option to sponsor their animals, which helps with the costs of looking after them. The farm offer different packages depending how much you want to pay, and in return you get to hang out with your farm pal and get to know more about them!
Have a look at their website for profiles on all the animals waiting for a sponsor!
Explore Edinburgh’s Royal Mile – the ultimate tourist destination!
How to Get to Love Gorgie Farm
Love Gorgie Farm is tucked off of Gorgie road, and despite being in the city centre, it really feels as though you’ve stepped into the countryside.
Love Gorgie Farm is easy to visit if you’re in Edinburgh’s west end – its a short walk from Haymarket station, where there’s also tram stops.
If you’re visiting by bus – Lothian Buses have you covered with plenty of options (the 1,2,3,25,33 all stop outside)!
Discover more about Love Gorgie Farm on their website – click here!
Day Trips from Edinburgh – Explore North Berwick!
Would you be brave enough to feed the animals? Let me know which animal would be your favourite to see!
Em
Check out some of my recent posts…
- Walk Dalmeny Estate, Edinburgh
Just a short drive from Edinburgh is Dalmeny Estate. The land stretches across to the Firth of Forth, with sandy beaches to walk along. The views extend across to Fife, and back to Edinburgh, where the familiar outline of Arthur’s seat is still visible. A quiet path weaves through the estate, leading you from the shadow of the Forth Rail Bridge to the village of Cramond, passing through woodland, beaches and even a castle. Dalmeny House sits proud in the manicured landscape, a grand family home that commands attention from visitors to the estate. Learn about the Dalmeny Estate and how to visit in this post! - The Palm House, Copenhagen
Escape into a tropical wonderland at the Palm House in Copenhagen. The Botanic Gardens in Copenhagen are filled with beautiful plants, with stunning greenhouses to explore tropical climates. Lose yourself in the tropical paradise and dare yourself to climb the twirling cast iron staircase of the Palm House. - Walk Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh
The iconic backdrop of Edinburgh, visible throughout the city, Arthur’s seat stands proud. This extinct volcano is in the heart of the city and a popular place for hill walkers, tourists and locals. From the top, you get spectacular views across the city of Edinburgh to the Firth of Forth. - Climb Mount Vesuvius
The iconic Mount Vesuvius can be seen across the Bay of Naples. An icon of Campania, the presence and impact of the volcano can be felt around the region. Famous for its devastating destruction of Pompeii in AD79, climbing Mount Vesuvius will feel like you’ve conquered something. At the top, you get incredible panoramic views of the Bay of Naples – no trip to the Bay of Naples is complete without climbing Mount Vesuvius. - Edinburgh Day Trips | Roslin
Just a short drive outside of Edinburgh, Roslin is the perfect day trip to explore some history and nature. The small village is known across the world, thanks to the Da Vinci Code, and Dolly the sheep. For history lovers and explorers, Roslin is a great day trip from Edinburgh, which is well worth a visit.
The Heritage Tourist 
One thought on “Visit Love Gorgie Farm”