What to expect

The show gardens are the standout feature of a visit, offering a peaceful contrast to the busy retail areas. Spread across approximately eight acres, they include a Water Garden, Woodland Trail, Japanese Pond Garden, Gatehouse and Stone Circle. The gardens have developed over many years, with planting and design features reflecting the creativity of Graham Bodle and his award-winning Chelsea Flower Show work.

The garden centre itself offers a wide selection of plants, including shrubs, bedding plants, grasses, foliage, pines and conifers. Established by Lawrence and Vera Walker in 1951, the family business has retained its horticultural roots while expanding into garden furniture, outdoor living, gifts, homeware and speciality foods. Visitors can browse for practical gardening supplies or simply gather ideas for their own outdoor spaces.

A restaurant and children’s play area make the destination suitable for a longer visit, rather than simply a quick shopping trip. The show gardens reward a slower pace, with different planting schemes, water features, sculptures and carefully arranged spaces to discover as you follow the paths. For anyone interested in garden design, the combination of commercial nursery and landscaped display gardens makes this a particularly distinctive place to explore.