Lowden Garden Centre is just just 15 minutes east of Bath and isn’t just a fantastic garden centre. It has a well stocked farm shop & butchers, a rustic chic interiors shop and a relaxed restaurant with a plant filled indoor seating and al fresco dining with a pond and small children’s play area.
I was very excited to happen upon Lowden one afternoon on the way back from the park. I have a small rockery and not a clue so spoke to one of the garden staff who was very knowledgeable and prescribes some appropriate alpine plants and soil. I also loved the shop which has plenty of choice but not too big, there’s really good coffee in the cafe, a great selection of cakes and the kids loved the pond.
The Garden Centre has an eclectic mix of home grown and responsibly sourced plants and trees including some pretty unusual trees. The shop also has a carefully selected range of home accessories, children’s toys, furniture and artisan ceramics and kitchenware. I couldn’t resist some of the plant pots, some alpine plants for my rockery and spring bulbs.
The Farm Shop Brimming with the freshest local produce, alongside everything you need for your store cupboard. There’s also a cheese counter, Hobbs House fresh bakery and a butchers counter.
The Restaurant plenty of indoor and al fresco dining. It gets busy but they take bookings if you’re planning a visit. Great menu for breakfast, lunch and a Sunday menu. Delicious, hard to resist cake, pastries and freshly baked goodies.
The Play Area There’s a very small area tucked to the side of the outdoor space with a platform with a slide. Pretty simple but my little one enjoyed it for the time it took me to drink my coffee. We also explored the pond with large koi carp.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
BUGGY: It’s all paved and buggy friendly, some gravel
DOGS: Dogs are welcome
LOCATION: Map. Folly Ln, Shaw, Melksham SN12 8EZ
PARKING: Large free car park onsite
TOILETS: Toilets beside the restaurant