My daughter starts school in September so I’m increasingly aware that our one on one time is going to be limited. With two older brothers to contend with, it’s going to be harder to spend time together just us two. I’ve therefore been trying to make the most of the last couple of weeks before the summer holidays. One place we love visiting together is Bents Garden Centre.

It’s definitely not your typical garden centre. Famous for its spectacular Christmas displays, Bents is so much more than plant pots and hanging baskets. While they do have an extensive range of garden and home products, it’s the activities and events that keep us returning. Rain or shine it’s the perfect way to spend a couple of hours.

Bents Garden Centre – Location and Parking

Bents Garden Centre is situated in Glazebury in Warrington, Cheshire. There’s a huge a carpark. Even when we’ve visited during its busiest period in the run up to Christmas we’ve never had any issue with parking.

Bents Garden Centre – Kids Activities

While the retail offerings make Bents worth a visit, it’s the kids activities that really make it stand out.

Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf

Combining adventure golf with dinosaurs…every kids’ dream! It’s such a brilliant idea. All three of mine love it. On traditional adventure golf courses they might get a bit bored waiting for their turn, but not here! There’s always something to look at, including the huge animatronic T-Rex! Theres’s dinosaurs, pirates, shipwrecks and waterfalls to admire as you make your way around the 18 holes. Prices start at £4.50 for children and £7.50 for over 12s, but it does work out cheaper to get a family ticket.

Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf at Bents Garden Centre. Animatronic dinosaurs.

Children’s Indoor Beach

The perfect place to visit when the weather is a bit grim! The indoor beach is open all year round in the Open Skies Glass House. It may be grey skies outside but you can still enjoy the fun of the seaside. Children’s Adventure Play Area

Adventure Play Area

Aimed at little ones between the ages of 3 and 10, the outdoor play area is the perfect place to allow them to let off steam. There’s a lovely seating area with benches and tables that overlooks the play area so you can keep an eye on the kids while you enjoy a drink and slice of cake! There’s climbing frames, slides and sensory experiences that the children love.

Adventure playground at Bents Garden Centre. Climbing frame and bridge.

Weeping Ash Garden and Windy Bank Wood

There’s two lovely walks for the children to explore. The Weeping Ash Garden is open most Sundays from 11am-4pm and is a gorgeous walk full of hidden pathways and woodland areas. A walk through Windy Bank Woods is also a hit with the kids. The three mile walk is full of things to spot and there’s a checklist on the website that’s free to download.

Bents Garden Centre – Retail

There’s obvious a huge department focused on the garden, from water features to pot plants. There’s also so much more. The home departments have lovely items and it’s a great place to buy a gift that’s a little bit different. There’s a food court, a children’s boutique stocking designer brands and big name toys. For adults they sell brands such as Barbour and Joules and have partner stores such as Trespass and The Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

Bents Garden Centre – Dining

There’s so many options when it comes to dining at Bents. We usually just opt for a slice of cake and drink but you can have full meals, as well as lighter snacks. Just be prepared, the prices aren’t for the faint hearted! However the quality is always spot on. We’ve never had a cake we didn’t like! There’s also a pet cafe where dogs are welcome.

Bents Garden Centre – Upcoming Events

There’s regular events on at Bents every week, including Children’s Story Time every Tuesday and Thursday and who wouldn’t love Fish and Chips Fridays?! 

During the school holidays there’s special events including Mini Professors Science Workshops, Tractor Festival and bath bomb making! We’re looking forward to taking the kids to see the Character Sing-a-long and Meet and Greet during the Summer break. For full details of what’s on, see the Bents website.