And in December, or rather, at Christmas time, is when they truly come alive.
Wandering through a centre on a cold, dark evening with Christmas lights scattering the inside and outside, all while getting that burst of fresh-smelling pine, truly soothes the soul.
And let us not forget the cafes; a sit-down chat over tea or coffee with friends or family in a garden centre cafe can make or break your week.
Sat at a garden centre. Moments after I took this of Hattie basking in the winter sunshine, a group of small children rushed over to fuss her (she loves fuss!) One little girl proudly proclaimed ‘It’s a Christmas doggy! A Christmas gingerbread doggy!’ Profoundly heartwarming. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9MZIqxcpVG
— Nigel Barrett (@Scorby_Doo) December 2, 2025
5 of the best-rated garden centres in Cumbria to visit this Christmas per Google reviews:
Whitesyke Garden Centre Of Longtown – 4.6 stars
Address: Brampton Road, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5TR
Whitesyke Garden Centre at Longtown is one of four garden centres owned and managed by three generations of the Barr family.
The other centres are Heathhall Garden Centre at Dumfries, Dalbeattie Garden Centre on Dalbeattie High Street and Moffat Garden Centre on Moffat High Street.
One recent visitor said: “I frequently visit this excellent family run garden centre with a wide selection of quality plants. The garden centre also has a fantastic tea room and a lovely shopping area with a good choice of ornaments and accessories to enhance your garden. They also sell sheds, summerhouses greenhouses and some building products at reasonable prices.
“The staff are always helpful with a good knowledge of horticulture. The garden centre always has something going on all year around its definitely worth a visit if you haven’t been yet.”
Cochranes Nurseries – 4.9 stars
Address: Longtown, Carlisle CA6 5LZ
The shop has a wide selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, locally sourced where possible.
They state on their website : “We are a small family business with years of experience, waiting to help you choose your flowers for that special day. Only the best fresh flowers are professionally prepared.
“Silk flowers are available if desired. We supply fresh flowers for all occasions, including weddings, funerals, christenings, corporate events, contract flowers and more.”
One recent visitor said: “Fabulous service at short notice. Very helpful member of staff helped us solve our dilemma. Would definitely use again for anything in this area”.
Boonwood Garden Centre – 4.6 stars
Address: Gosforth, Seascale CA20 1EA
One visitor said: “Xmas display is brilliant so much on offer”.
Another commented: “Excellent local family garden centre with healthy good priced plants.
“Definitely worth a visit. It’s our first visit as we’d been to Muncaster castle. We bought a few plants and a watering can.
“So much better than all the chains that are taking over everywhere.”
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Whitehaven Garden Centre – 4.9 stars
Address: 19, 20 Meadow Rd, Whitehaven CA28 9HX
Whitehaven Garden Centre is situated in the historic coastal town of Whitehaven, on the west coast of Cumbria.
Their website states: “We are a small, independent garden centre with a passion for plants and people.”
One recent review reads: “Small but packed full of very healthy and well priced plants. Staff were lovely as well. Delivery available. Even my dog was welcomed too!”
Brooke Supplies & Garden Centre – 4.8 stars
Address: Station Rd, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7JZ
A recent review said: “Excellent garden centre. Loveee the dog pick n mix! Went into the cafe for a PSL, panini & scone! Excellent service by the staff (Molly made a tasty coffee!”
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