Growing Underground Farm Tour London

An underground farm tour - did you know there's an actual farm 33 metres under the streets of Clapham? These exclusive tours of the world's first underground farm will show you how micro herbs and salads are cultivated below ground. At street level you'd never know what's going on below!

These underground farm tours start by delving into the history of the deep-level World War Two air raid shelters, followed by the story of how founders, Richard and Steven, came up with the idea of repurposing them to create urban farms.

Using hydroponic systems and LED technology (you'll notice the soft pink glow all around you!), this naturally pesticide-free underground environment is ideal for growing crops for mixed salads. By creating and controlling constant and stable conditions, crops are successfully grown all year round.

Crops grown at this underground farm include Coriander, Wasabi Mustard, Pea Shoots, Garlic Chive, Salad Rocket and Purple Radish. All are as fresh and tasty as can be, with each tiny leaf bursting with flavour. These innovative micro salads will certainly knock your taste buds into check!

What's more, being right in the centre of the huge conurbation that is London, it means these urban farmers provide fresh salads directly to consumers with reduced food miles and increased shelf life. Indeed, pop into a local M&S or Waitrose in London and you'll find delicious mixed micro salads from this very farm.

Your underground farm tour will show you just how these plants are grown underground, how the founders envisage the future for this totally innovative type of sustainable farming and, of course, tasting the goods. You'll take home a micro salad freshly picked from the farm and full of goodness and taste. Who'd have thought all this cultivating could be happening under Clapham!

• Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year
• Tours start at 18:00 on a Thursday and 17:00 on a Saturday
• Dates are subject to availability

• Minimum age 14
• Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult

Access
• There is no step-free access into the main building
• There is a lift to the farm but it is not wheelchair accessible
• Tours comprise of walking, steps and long stairwells (of up to 180 steps), low lighting and uneven floors

• Not suitable for spectators

• Participants should bring socks as you will be provided with Wellington Boots to wear
• Any jewellery and watches will need to be removed before entering the farm
• Photographic ID must be taken on the day for security reasons
• Food is not allowed on site (the site is also nut-free)
• Any recent illness may result in refused entry and a health questionnaire will need to be filled in prior to entering the farm