Written by Laura Lewis
Nestled in Greenmeadow, a area of Cwmbran in Torfaen, Greenmeadow Community Farm spans over 120–150 acres and has served as a community‑oriented working farm for over 250 years. Initially threatened by development, it was preserved in the 1980s by passionate locals to become an exciting educational and leisure destination.
The farm closed to the public in autumn 2022 to undergo a substantial redevelopment funded by Torfaen County Borough Council with a total of £3.7 million being allocated. This investment was well worth it with the farm adding a new play barn, animal barn, enhanced entrance layout, children’s areas and improved facilities.
Touring the farm with my children was an amazing experience, the facilities provided include separate seating areas away from the main hustle and bustle expected in the restaurant area, complete with old bread ovens for peaceful enjoyment of local teas, coffees and snacks.
The revamped site includes “The Farmer’s Table”—a large oak‑beamed café and restaurant operated by BaxterStorey. The menu embraces a farm‑to‑fork attitude highlighting local suppliers like Cwmbran’s Douglas Willis butcher, local dairies, and bakeries. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch dishes, hand‑stretched pizzas, Welsh beef smash burgers, and purchase snacks in the takeaway café.
The extended event area is the Haybarn. The Haybarn is set up to host weddings, corporate functions, and parties with catered menus including charcuterie boards, wood‑fired pizzas, hog roasts, and seasonal offerings. These dishes are superb, beautifully displayed and so tasty – would definitely be a showstopper at any event you chose to hold at Greenmeadows. The venue itself, is stunning, with high ceilings, a contemporary clean style, and looks out onto the farm, bringing elegance to a working farm.
Inside a small petting zoo offers a unique, hands-on experience that brings people, especially children, closer to animals in a safe and interactive environment. My children were able to pet rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and two gentle tortoises which stole the show. A chinchilla and bearded dragon are also available to observe, with others in the pipeline to join them. These animals are typically chosen for their friendly nature and ability to tolerate human interaction, making them ideal for educational and recreational purposes, further enhanced by the knowledgeable staff members.
The farm, still a working farm has multiple animals for you to see on the walk around the beautiful area. From Lottie the cow with baby Lorena, to the pigs, sheep and even friendly alpacas. The walk between each area as expected is a little muddy so wear your wellies or sensible shoes! Throughout the farm there are interactive areas for the children to play on, including an outdoor climbing area, bee hives, bug hotels and a small fenced off pond with picture boards to show what insects you could see. The main outdoor play area has a separate area for those smaller children, with ample space for parents to observe. The older children’s area boasts an impressive slide and interactive parts to keep the children entertained. The indoors play area has a small café inside, with ample seating area for parents/guardians to watch their children play with a warm cup of coffee and a cheeky biscuit.
Overall Greenmeadows farm is going to be a huge asset to Cwmbran, whether that would be for local residents, visitors, events or educational visits from schools. I have no doubt that it will attract visitors from all over Wales and further afield after the reopening on Saturday 13th September 2025 – we will be returning.