Bolton Garden Centre: Your Shopping Guide

Why You Should Visit

• A Gardener's Paradise: You'll find a massive selection of plants, both indoor and outdoor. Shoppers can expect a wide variety, from already grown flowers and grasses to a place to buy seeds. The reviews mention a good selection of plants and shrubs, and that they seem well-tended and healthy.
• More Than Just Plants: The location offers a comprehensive selection of garden accessories, furniture, and household items. You'll also discover indoor items, including clothing and toys.
• Excellent Value and Deals: The reduced plants in excellent condition are surprising. You may be able to find reasonably priced items, such as Bonsai trees.
• Convenient Amenities: This centre features a restaurant/cafe, rest rooms, and a large car park with good access. There's also a dedicated kids' play area for young children, as well as a soft play area.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: You can encounter incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff members willing to offer advice. A staff member named Lorna is mentioned as providing excellent customer service and a helpful explanation of how to look after plants. You can even expect staff to help with carrying heavy items.
• Delicious Dining Experience: The restaurant offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere serving a wide range of food. You can expect a good experience, with fresh and flavourful food made with quality ingredients. Afternoon tea is available with a family card discount, costing £20 for 2 people.
• Good for Local Shoppers: If you live nearby, you might consider this place a good second choice if you don't want to go to Bents, as it offers a number of different departments.
• Inspiration and Relaxation: The centre is not just a place to buy plants; it is a destination where you can relax, be inspired, and enjoy some genuinely good food.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Price Concerns: Be aware that some items may be expensive. A review noted the price of a hanging basket at nearly £50, and that ornaments are more costly than at other stores, such as B&M.
• Potential for Seasonal Overlap: You might find the centre geared up for Christmas, even in mid-Autumn.
• Restaurant Issues: While the restaurant can be enjoyable, some reviews mentioned dogs barking in the cafe, which might impact the experience. Also, a review mentioned they could improve the cafe if they stopped using frozen food.
• Staff Availability Concerns: While some staff are helpful, one review stated there were not many staff on hand to ask for advice, but managed to find someone eventually.