Why Garden Centres Are the New Destination for Family Fun

Garden centres aren’t just places to pick up plants and seeds nowadays. Across the UK, these hubs have evolved into vibrant spots where families can spend quality time together, with many offering more than traditional horticultural products. With spacious shopping areas, cafes and food halls, dedicated children’s zones, lifestyle products and animal or aquarium sections, garden centres now appeal to visitors of all ages.

Whether customers are stopping for a coffee, browsing furniture or exploring play areas with little ones, garden centres increasingly feel like a day out rather than a simple shopping trip – making them popular destinations for families looking for shared, relaxed weekend activities.

Garden centres have come a long way from their humble beginnings as plant nurseries. Today, these brands attract millions of visitors every year, with over 1,500 garden centres across the UK ranging from independent shops to major chains.

Recent data shows that garden centre visits are a regular part of life for many British families. In 2024 alone, there were around 203 million visits to garden centres in the UK, and more than two-thirds of British adults visit at least once a year.

This increase in footfall reflects broader trends and consumer habits, as people seek both experiences and product purchases, and garden centres have adapted to meet these expectations.

One of the main reasons garden centres have become must-visit destinations is the sheer variety of products under one roof. Traditional categories like plants, seeds and tools now sit alongside furniture, outdoor living essentials, pet products, toys, games, home decor and lifestyle goods.

Customers can browse everything from garden furniture and decorative ornaments to seasonal gift ideas in one visit. Some centres even offer toy and game sections featuring quality brands for all ages.

The diversity of garden centres encourages families to explore, linger and discover new items together, turning a simple shopping experience into a shared outing. It also means visitors are more likely to return regularly, especially when the stock is updated often, as there is always something new to see or experience.

A Go-to Destination for Sourcing Gifts

Garden centres have carved out a strong position in the market as a place to find thoughtful presents. Seasonal gift isles packed with homeware, decor and small items make them go-to stops for birthdays, holidays and special occasions.

At Christmas, many garden centres add festive gifting sections, decorations, themed displays and exceptional experiences that draw large crowds. During other times of the year, dedicated lifestyle and gift sections make it easy to find last-minute ideas or impulse buys.

Finding Products for the Whole Family

Whether someone in your family is passionate about horticulture or you’re looking for something fun to do with little ones, garden centres offer products that can appeal to every family member. Visitors can browse across a wide selection of ranges.

The plethora of products available offers a more relaxed shopping experience than supermarkets and shopping centres, allowing families to enjoy and explore together in a welcoming, open environment.

Choices to Take Home on a Whim

One of the defining features of the modern garden centre is how easy it is to pick up an enjoyable product to take home on a whim. With a mix of practicality, fun and lifestyle, customers can stroll through various sections and discover products they didn’t realise they wanted.

This sense of discovery enhances the visitor experience. It increases the likelihood of return visits while also creating opportunities for retailers to feature products that lend themselves to impulse buys, such as small decor items, seasonal goods, and compact games.

Part of what makes garden centres appealing is how their layout and product mix encourage exploration, offering distinct sections for different interests, which helps to introduce products to people who may not have otherwise considered them.

There’s always something to explore – and the large size of many garden centres means repeat visits are often necessary to see everything. Every visit can feel like an adventure, whether someone’s a gardening enthusiast or simply looking to spend a pleasant few hours browsing.

Some major brands have even joined in the fun and can be found in some of the larger garden centre chains.

Card games are an ideal product category for garden centres due to their compact design. They are also easy to merchandise and can fit into multiple areas beyond toy aisles. They take up minimal shelf space and appeal to a wide range of ages, and are suitable for both casual and more intentional purchases.

Placing card games near tills, in gift sections or alongside toys and family products increases the chance of impulse buys. They are excellent point-of-sale offerings, whether families are visiting for just a coffee or undertaking deeper browsing.

Garden centres can benefit from presenting card games as fun, accessible products that complement broader lifestyle ranges and family-friendly appeal.

If you’re looking to enhance your garden centre’s range with products that support impulse and planned purchases, card games are a wise choice. They are compact, engaging, versatile, and great for cross-merchandising throughout your space.

Interested in our wholesale card games? Get in touch with us to discuss product availability, wholesale pricing and stocking options, and discover how card games can become a popular staple in your offering.