I fell in love with Christmas again due to the love of a good man. However, that love does not extend to Christmas crowds. Recently, I left home at 7:45 am to get to London as the shops opened to avoid crowds. What I didn’t cater for was the rain. The Christmas decorations around Covent Garden were beautiful, but the rain dampened the mood. By 4 pm, when I was ready to leave the city, everywhere was crowded, including the tube. My experience has made me appreciate garden centres even more. Gardens go all out at Christmas; some even have a grotto! If you want to avoid large crowds, visit a garden centre. You will find gifts, food, plants and possibly a café for refreshments. I’ve made a list of a few South London and Surrey garden centres that deliver Christmas magic.
Lower Morden Garden Centre
Lower Morden Garden Centre is part of the Blue Diamond Garden Centres chain. When my kids were little, they enjoyed attending birthday parties there and hot chocolates in winter. At Christmas, it sparkles with lights and decorations. This Christmas, one family event they are hosting is Breakfast with Santa. Part of the experience is breakfast with Santa and his elves, gathered around for a festive North Pole story. Each child will receive a gift to take home. More details are on their website.
Morden Hall Garden Centre
Morden Hall Garden Centre is nestled inside Morden Hall Park. In fact, it’s on the site of the historic estate’s kitchen garden. You can easily make a day of your visit. The garden centre is surrounded by acres of parkland, miles of walks. If you are quiet enough and lucky, while you are on your walk, you might spot some wildlife.
Get ready for Christmas at Morden Hall Garden Centre, where you will find Christmas trees, decorations, treats for your festive table and that extra special gift for friends and family.
FYI: All their trees are UK-grown varieties, and all their products are responsibly sourced.
Dobbies Woodcote Green Store
Woodcote Green Store, also known by some as Dobbies Wallington, is part of the Dobbies Garden Centre family. All year round, they have a mix of big brands and indie ones. During the festive season, it’s a real treat to pop in for a warm meal and look at their displays. Recently, we visited their in-house Christmas market to shop at the March Muses pop-up shop.
Dobbies has everything. If you are obsessed with Gonks like hubby, and you definitely have room decorations. In our house, Christmas is not just for the kids; we entertain our inner child. At Dobbies, you will find everything from a standing Grinch-like Gonk to a Festive Dinorock Plush Dinosaur, a Flocked Skiing Penguin Decoration, to a traditional Novelty Soldier Nutcracker Decoration. There is so much to see, including trees and plants. You can also shop for your festive foodie treats, or simply have a treat in the café on site.
Garsons Esher
Visiting Garson’s in Esher is a popular family treat. This summer, we visited their pick-your-own farm. Noting tastes as good as the food you freshly picked with your own hands. We missed the pumpkin season, but after lunch at the Prince of Wales pub nearby, Hubby and I popped in. Well, I wasn’t ready for their fanfare! The store has been transformed into ‘The Wonderful World of Oz’, inspired by Frank L. Baum’s fantasy novels set in the world of Oz. There’s a range of captivating colour-themed displays.
Visit Garson Esher to shop for all your embellishments, gifts and food. Visit the website for more information on the Esher and Titchfield centres.
Priory Farm Garden Centre
We haven’t visited Priory Farm since Covid, but it’s dear to my heart. I follow them in Insta to see what their adorable ‘mascots’ Fern, Timber and Pebble. They have a real threat this year! In time for the festive season, the Discovery Trail has gone musical. There are twelve points of interest to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the award-winning Farm Shop Butchery. There you will find indulgent deli delights, gifts and trees of course.
Get Social
How do you feel about Christmas crowds? Have you ever visited a garden centre? What did you enjoy most? Maybe you have a festive tradition to share. Comment below.
While you are here, check out my Christmas décor log posts, and please follow me on Instagram @XpatAtHome.
