This network consists of five city farms and six city gardens scattered throughout Utrecht, providing vibrant green spaces for the community. These locations are generally open year-round, offering nature education programs, activities for all ages, and opportunities to engage with farm animals.
Visitors can explore extensive vegetable gardens, orchards, and dedicated flower-picking areas. Many sites feature farm shops and cafes that sell fresh, local, and seasonal produce, often including items harvested directly from their own gardens, alongside eggs and honey from local beekeepers.
For those eager to self-pick, the offerings include:
- Flowers: Available for picking in designated flower gardens, often for a small fee, with seasonal availability (typically from late June or during summer months).
- Vegetables: Specific city gardens, such as Stadstuin Zuilen, allow visitors to harvest their own vegetables on Fridays during the growing season (May to October). At locations like Kasteeltuin Nijevelt and Stadstuin Food for Good, guests can inquire about gathering their own vegetables from the production gardens.
- Fruit: Koppelsteede’s orchard invites participation in the apple harvest during autumn. Self-gathering of various fruits is also possible at Kasteeltuin Nijevelt upon request.
- Herbs: Stadstuin Kanaalweg offers self-picking of organic herbs for a small fee when in season. Eilandsteede also has a herb garden where visitors can use some of the harvest.
Beyond harvesting, the farms and gardens are home to various animals including pigs, cows, sheep, chickens, goats, donkeys, and rabbits, offering opportunities for interaction and learning about animal care. The sites provide natural playgrounds, barefoot paths, and host a variety of workshops, courses, and seasonal events like mushroom workshops and educational programs on sustainable food production. Most locations are largely wheelchair accessible and equipped with disabled toilets, ensuring a welcoming experience for all.
What visitors say
This delightful self-picking farm and garden consistently receives high praise as an engaging and tranquil urban escape. It’s widely celebrated as a fantastic destination for families, offering a vibrant array of activities that appeal to all ages. Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse and well-cared-for animals, many of which are accessible for petting, providing a relaxing experience even for adults without children.
Beyond the animal encounters, the farm boasts expansive and thoughtfully designed play areas, complete with bicycles, go-karts, a raft across the water, and various play equipment that keeps children entertained for hours. A cozy cafe, often described as charming and welcoming, serves excellent coffee, delicious homemade cakes, healthy juices, and a selection of organic, locally sourced snacks and light lunches. This welcoming spot also offers a comfortable indoor space for inclement weather. The friendly and helpful staff and volunteers are frequently highlighted as contributing significantly to the pleasant atmosphere. The farm also hosts regular outdoor activities and educational programs, and features a small shop selling local produce and goods.
While the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points for consideration have emerged. Some visitors found the pricing for coffee and small treats at the cafe to be on the higher side, potentially impacting accessibility for budget-conscious families. Isolated comments also noted uneven pathways and occasional hygiene issues, such as a lack of soap or drying facilities in restrooms near animal areas, leading some to recommend bringing personal hand sanitizer. Parking can also be somewhat limited. Nevertheless, the prevailing sentiment is that this is a truly versatile, well-maintained, and enjoyable location, perfect for spending a few relaxing hours or an entire day.