Growing up, there was one thing we used to love about the run-up to Christmas (aside from all the chocolate) – and that was being dragged around a fancy garden centre with the promise of Santa’s Grotto at the end of it.
Converted into twinkling winter wonderlands every single year, the centres become a place not just for the green-fingered among us, but our inner kids, too, with illuminated, sparkling decorations at every turn. It’s a sight to behold, and one we still love to this day (although, our wallets don’t feel quite the same). Here’s our guide to the best festive garden centres in Yorkshire.
1. Gilberdyke Garden Centre
What’s on? 🎄 Every year, Gilberdyke Garden Centre completely transforms into a winter wonderland, offering tons of beautiful Christmas decorations to shop and even a Santa’s Grotto.
In the restaurant, guests can enjoy a Christmas carvery, before enjoying the magical lights and huge array of beautiful homeware – perfect for the festive season.
This year, kids can also enjoy breakfast with the big man himself, where the kids will hear tales of the North Pole and get to hang out with Santa’s elves, too. You can get tickets for that here.
Where is it? 📍 Scalby Ln, Gilberdyke, Brough, HU15 2UJ.
2. Harpins at Ackworth Garden Centre
What’s on? 🎄 West Yorkshire’s Harpins is a fantastic place to visit if you feel like getting into the Christmas spirit, with the centre completely decked out into a wonderful winter wonderland.
Expect lights at every turn, huge twinkling trees and decorations, as well as little knick-knacks that make for the perfect gifts or festive homewares.
This year, the kids can also visit Santa’s Grotto – with bookings open now. There, guests will be able to check out the fun reindeer trail with a festive-themed chocolate lolly, before meeting the Big Man himself a receiving a gift ahead of Christmas.
Where is it? 📍 Barnsley Rd, Ackworth, Pontefract, WF7 7NB.
3. Wentworth Garden Centre
What’s on? 🎄 Located in the beautiful village of Wentworth – a hidden gem in South Yorkshire – Wentworth Garden Centre goes all out when it comes to Christmas, with tons and tons of stunning decorations to browse.
In addition to an entire range of Christmas trees to shop, guests can purchase unique gifts, decorations, lights, glass baubles and more, with plenty of real Christmas trees to buy from the festive lawn, too.
In addition to the lovely festivities, guests can also enjoy afternoon tea, hot chocolates and delicious food at the restaurant, making for a great day out for the family to enjoy.
This year, there are plenty of events to get involved in – including their Santa experience, Christmas wreath-making workshops, festive ice skating, a Letter to Santa trail, Christmas bistro evenings and so much more. Find out more.
Where is it? 📍 Hague Ln, Wentworth, Rotherham, S62 7TF.
4. Tong Garden Centre
What’s on? 🎄 Tong Garden Centre is fully stocked with everything you need to deck the halls at Christmas, from grand Christmas trees to stunning festive lighting and decorations.
View the beautiful ranges as part of Christmas sets – which are set out as little Christmassy villages – before gazing in awe at the wonderful glowing festive figures, huge real Christmas trees and more.
There’s tons of inspiration for the perfect festive home decor, and even a wonderful food hall packed with plenty of treats to enjoy.
Guests can also enjoy a Christmas lunch at the Blooms Kitchen, and even visit Santa’s grotto.
Where is it? 📍 Tong Ln, Bradford, BD4 0RY.
5. Whiteleys Garden Centre – Now known as Mirfield Garden Centre
What’s on? 🎄 Becoming a festive paradise every winter, Mirfield Garden Centre offers a massive range of Christmas goodies – from real Christmas trees to the snow-dipped artificial types, alongside quaint gifts and decorations.
If that wasn’t all, in the cafe, guests can enjoy mince pies, hot chocolates, festive afternoon tea and even a Sunday carvery – well and truly helping all get into the Christmas mood.
Santa often makes a grand appearance at the garden centre, too, so be sure to keep your eye out for announcements on their annual Grotto.
Where is it? 📍 Far Common Rd, Mirfield, WF14 0DQ.
6. Selby Garden Centre
What’s on? 🎄 An absolute jungle for plant lovers January-October and a Christmas wonderland during the winter, Selby Garden Centre is a local favourite – with plenty of lovely festive items to browse every single year.
Whether it’s tea with Santa you fancy, or just a walk through their wonderland of a garden centre, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy, including a huge array of Christmas foods, shelves and shelves of festive decorations and lots of fresh, real Christmas trees.
Once you’re done, kick back with a Christmas dinner, a hot chocolate and a mince pie at The Garden Gate, or tuck into a baguette packed with turkey, stuffing, roasties and gravy – the perfect Christmas lunch.
This year, kids will find Santa in his grotto there every weekend.
Where is it? 📍 Hull Rd, Osgodby, Selby, YO8 5HG.
Read more: 42 Of The Most Festive Christmas Markets And Events To Enjoy This Winter
[Featured image: Pexels]
