Two of London’s beloved garden centres have earned spots on Mail Online’s list of the best in the UK, highlighting popular destinations for both plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
With many garden centres offering more than just plants—like cafés where you can grab a bite—they’ve become cherished spots for a day out.
Introducing their list, the newspaper stated, “Who doesn’t love a trip to the garden centre? Whether you’re after colourful winter bedding plants for a hanging basket, a new evergreen shrub for the front garden, or simply a nice cup of tea and a scone, a trip to a horticultural haven is one of the nation’s favourite days out. From Cumbria to Cardiff, Essex to Inverness, we’ve scoured the nation’s garden centres and rated their plant selections and coffee shops to bring you the very best in the UK.”
Two London Garden Centres Among the UK’s Finest
Clifton Nurseries in Maida Vale and Petersham Nurseries in Richmond have both made the list. Clifton Nurseries, London’s oldest garden centre, opened in 1851, making it a “green oasis in a bustling city.” It received a nine out of 10 rating for its plant selection, with the Mail Online describing it as having "top-notch plants and trees ideally suited to the smart town garden." Clifton also has an impressive collection of houseplants showcased in its Glasshouse.
The garden centre’s café, The Glasshouse, has also been rated highly, scoring a nine out of 10. It offers cakes, salads, and savoury options on Mondays and Tuesdays, with freshly prepared lunch and brunch dishes available the rest of the week. Visitors have praised the spot, with one Google review stating, “Fantastic little spot if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of London. Delicious coffee and a large array of plants and flowers! Highly recommend.” Clifton Nurseries boasts an excellent 4.6/5 rating on Google.
Petersham Nurseries in Richmond also secured a spot on the list. Established in 1997 by Gael and Francesco Boglione, who moved to Richmond with their family, it’s now overseen by their daughter, Lara, and has gained a reputation for luxury gardening. Petersham’s plant selection, particularly in autumn, includes herbaceous perennials and David Austin roses, followed by spring bulbs and cottage garden favorites. This nursery also achieved a nine out of 10 for plant quality.
The on-site Petersham Nurseries Restaurant earned a perfect 10 out of 10 rating, serving seasonal dishes sourced from its own kitchen garden. The restaurant has even been awarded a Michelin Green Star for its sustainability practices. One visitor described it as a “beautiful store and garden with lovely homeware. Friendly and helpful staff. I didn't eat at the restaurant, but it looked cosy and inviting.” Photo by THOR, Wikimedia commons.