Garden centres are a haven for families and gardening enthusiasts alike, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. During the long weekend, many families will be strolling through the doors of a local garden centre, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, and indulging in the pleasures of the café. For those looking to pick up some beautiful plants and a refreshing cup of coffee, we’ve got the inside scoop on the best garden centres in Cumbria. Here are our top picks for a visit:
Top Garden Centres in Cumbria
•
Oakhurst Garden Centre, Cockermouth
Established more than 40 years ago, Oakhurst offers a comprehensive experience for garden centre lovers. Voted the best in North and West Cumbria by News & Star readers in 2019, Oakhurst is celebrated for its extensive plant selection, knowledgeable staff, and welcoming atmosphere.
- Comprehensive plant selection
- Knowledgeable staff
- Welcoming atmosphere
Customers can appreciate the centre’s wide range of products, from seasonal plants to home décor, making it a one-stop shop for all their gardening needs.
Whitehaven Garden Centre, Whitehaven
Whitehaven Garden Centre is a small, independent garden centre with a passion for plants and people. Known for its wide range of plants, including rare and unusual varieties, Whitehaven offers expert advice backed by over 30 years of horticultural experience.
The centre stocks a range of different greenery depending on the season, so there is always something new and interesting to discover.
Moota Garden Centre, Cockermouth
Moota Garden Centre is dubbed “the Gardener’s Garden Centre” and provides a comprehensive selection of plants, garden tools, and outdoor furniture. The centre offers a range of shrubs, trees, and perennials, alongside seasonal bedding and patio plants, vegetable plants, herbs, and seeds.
All good garden centres need a coffee shop. Moota Garden Centre serves home-cooked and baked food from local suppliers, with scones baked fresh every morning alongside their selection of tray bakes and cakes.
Houghton Hall Garden Centre, Carlisle
Houghton Hall Garden Centre is located in Carlisle and is known for its wide selection of plants, garden tools, and outdoor furniture. The centre’s well-maintained facilities and range of products make it a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts.
More than a garden centre, the store offers gardening essentials, houseplants, home, gifts, and all things foodie. The outdoor living ranges on the second floor mezzanine offer a number of products from fire pits to furniture.
The café is not to be missed, serving homemade food daily, with standouts including a full English breakfast, gourmet sandwiches, and deli plates like Caesar salads and Gardener’s Ploughman.
Whitesyke Garden Centre, Longtown
Whitesyke Garden Centre in Longtown opened in 2007 and is now one of five centres owned and managed by the Barr Family. The centre offers customers a wide variety of plants and gardening products sourced from nurseries and suppliers in England, Scotland, the UK, and Europe.
The award-winning Lemon Tree coffee shop offers high-quality, freshly prepared dishes to customers who fancy a break from browsing. The Afternoon Tea for Two has become a firm favourite with customers.
| Garden Centre | Location | Awards and Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Oakhurst Garden Centre | Cockermouth | Voted the best in North and West Cumbria by News & Star readers in 2019 |
| Whitehaven Garden Centre | Whitehaven | Known for its wide range of plants and expert advice |
| Moota Garden Centre | Cockermouth | Provides a comprehensive selection of plants, garden tools, and outdoor furniture |
| Houghton Hall Garden Centre | Carlisle | Offers gardening essentials, houseplants, home, gifts, and all things foodie |
| Whitesyke Garden Centre | Longtown | Has an award-winning Lemon Tree coffee shop |
Why Visit a Garden Centre?
Garden centres are a haven for families and gardening enthusiasts alike. They offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to unwind and connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, a garden centre visit is a great way to get inspiration, advice, and expert knowledge to take your gardening journey to the next level.
Some of the benefits of visiting a garden centre include:
- Access to a wide range of plants and gardening products
- Expert advice and guidance from knowledgeable staff
- A welcoming atmosphere, making you feel at home
- A chance to relax and unwind in the beautiful surroundings
- Insight into the latest gardening trends and ideas
Conclusion
Garden centres are a wonderful way to spend a day with family and friends, indulging in the pleasures of the café, browsing the beautiful plants and products, and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, a visit to one of the top garden centres in Cumbria is sure to be a treat. So why not plan a day out and visit one of these fantastic garden centres today?
Where have we missed – what would be your top pick? Let us know in the comments below.
The beauty of a garden centre lies in its ability to bring people together.
