“Beautiful place lovely plants and great cafe xx”
Michelle King, Facebook

“Much prefer this garden centre to the chains. You can tell that the plants are cared for and the staff are interested in their jobs.”
Seamus Hewitt, Google

“Customer service par excellence. What a friendly efficient and helpful service all round. Hunted high & low on the Internet for granite weights for our John Lewis parasol, they have discontinued the weights and our builder unthoughtfully used 2 of the existing ones as mortar boards! Whilton Locks kept them to one side throughout the latest lockdown until we could travel to get them. 100% customer service all round.”
Dave B, Bristol, TripAdvisor

“Just went as visitor to the restaurant. Great food at excellent prices.”
Ken Hardy, Google

“First time visiting from Milton Keynes and we have a few garden centres here but non as efficient as this place. The service and staff are 100 percent efficient and me and my partner will visit again very soon. I recommend this place and looking forward to checking out the restaurant.”
Shain Ali, Google

“Went for an ‘Afternoon Tea’ today. The staff were lovely & the food was delicious. Everything was fresh, nicely made & well presented. Well Done guys.”
Julie McGovern, Facebook

“A proper hidden gem with a lovely restaurant.”
Tracy Day, Google

“Fantastic garden centre. Lots of garden furniture and indoor also. As well as indoor and outdoor plants, flowers and garden ornaments. I could have spent a day in there. On site café/restaurant and toilets. Very clean amenities. Staff were polite and friendly. Will definitely be visiting again.”
John, Google

“Prices generally lower than other garden centres. Plants better quality and kept watered. Staff friendly and helpful. Good cafeteria where there is even a doggie menu outside. Honey recommends the sausages!”
Carol Quinn, Facebook

“I was bought an afternoon tea from my friend for my birthday. What a lovely afternoon we had, we drove from Coventry and it was a lovely drive out and Norton Village is so pretty. The Garden Centre had some really unusual and unique items that would make fabulous presents and I couldn’t leave without a few items! The afternoon tea was gorgeous a lovely selection of tasty sandwiches and gorgeous homemade cakes and scones that were really fresh. We had a shot of jelly and cream that cleansed the palette. All of the staff were so helpful and nothing was too much trouble.
I will definitely be back and will recommend to anyone who will listen. Thanks for a great afternoon.”
Kathy Lowe, Facebook

“This is a great garden centre to visit with plenty of colour and lots to buy, it also has a very good cafe with in and outdoor seating.”
Rob Sweeney, Google

It’s your Afternoon Tea – it’s your treat

Did you know we can tailor your Afternoon Tea to a style?
If you prefer cakes, crave chocolate (to be fair who doesn’t?), are more savoury than sweet – or subject to any allergies at all, we can help.

Did you know we can tailor your Afternoon Tea to a theme?
So if you are potty about Potter, for instance, or delight at a Disney we can get creative and produce a themed Afternoon Tea.

Your special tea, is our speciality.

We can even offer an Afternoon Tea with your dog – perfect for your pampered pooch!

You could say it will be perfect – Down to a Tea!

Enjoy a delightful Afternoon Tea in our Canalside Restaurant.
Week days 2-4pm (other times available with prior booking too).
Call today – OR BOOK HERE

Testimonials

“I was treated to afternoon tea by my daughter. We both agreed that it was absolutely lovely. We couldn’t fault the setting or the food. The staff were very friendly and looked after us so well. Carmel and Suzanne were amazing. Feel thoroughly spoilt. Such a lovely treat.”
Toni Woolridge

“My daughter Elizabeth took me here today I had the best day ever the staff were wonderful Carmel and Susanna who serve us made us feel so welcome and at home definitely going back food staff atmosphere was wonderful.”
Jenny Briggs

“I was bought an afternoon tea from my friend for my birthday. What a lovely afternoon we had, we drove from Coventry and it was a lovely drive out and Norton Village is so pretty. The Garden Centre had some really unusual and unique items that would make fabulous presents and I couldn’t leave without a few items! The afternoon tea was gorgeous a lovely selection of tasty sandwiches and gorgeous homemade cakes and scones that were really fresh. We had a shot of jelly and cream that cleansed the palette. All of the staff were so helpful and nothing was too much trouble.
I will definitely be back and will recommend to anyone who will listen. Thanks for a great afternoon.”
Kathy Lowe, Facebook

“Went for an ‘Afternoon Tea’ today. The staff were lovely & the food was delicious. Everything was fresh, nicely made & well presented. Well Done guys.”
Julie McGovern, Facebook

“I took my mum here today as a mothers day treat. From start to finish the staff were so attentive, friendly. Also we liked the way Carmel who served us sat with us and talked us through our options. The whole experience and food was lovely and mum had a great afternoon. I would most definitely recommend their afternoon tea so much to eat and drink.”
Elizabeth Lindley

“Just been here for afternoon tea with the mum and brother. was great service for myself felt well looked after and happy ! the person looking after us was polite and a nice place. thanks definitely will be returning again with family.”
Kimberley Allen

“I took my 3 boys skating on Sunday. They had a brilliant time. I took my youngest to see Santa and it was amazing one of the best I’ve taken them too. The gift was great too. All the staff were friendly and helpful.”
Carlie O’Ware, via Facebook (Dec, 2019)

“Nice staff. Interesting store. Wonderful Santas Grotto. Very nicely done.”
Paul Birdseye, via Facebook (Dec, 2019)

“We went to see Santa and the kiddies loved it! Definitely coming back next year.”
Lesley-Ann Purssell, via Facebook (Dec, 2019)

“Came here today for the little one to meet Santa. Was pleasantly surprised at the effort put into everything the staff (elves) were amazing and Santa was brilliant as well plus she got a present from Santa. Well done to all the staff who made this experience one to remember.”
Nicky Clements, via Facebook (Dec, 2019)

There are several opportunities to see Santa this year, including:
Santa in his Grotto
Breakfast with Santa
Afternoon Tea with Santa
Toddler Santa’s Grotto
…and even a trip to see Santa Paws for your four-legged friends!!

So if you believe in a great grotto, a super Santa, a premium present and an experience to remember – all at an affordable price – then we believe you and your family will enjoy the magic this Christmas.

Ho ho ho-nly at Whilton Locks Winter Wonderland

If you visited us lately why not write us a Facebook review today?

“We had such a good time yesterday. All the staff are amazing and Santa’s grotto was fabulous.” Lucy Judkins 

“We came from a disappointing Santa’s Grotto locally* with very sad children, to Whilton Locks as our very first visit and the difference was incredible. So much attention to detail and clear care, love and time put into such a spectacular display, grotto and culminating into the most patient and pleasing Santa we have ever seen. Believe? We do now.” Mark Parsons

“Ava wanted to go back as soon as we got home. Everything about it is so magical!” Stephanie Stevens

“Myself and my 3 year old daughter had a very magical afternoon. Thank you so much.” Emma Louise Barnes

“THE BEST SANTA AND GROTTO EVER – simples!” Claire Alcock

“Everything was magical – such brilliant Santa helpers too. Great value for money and well done to everyone involved, to ensure a super Santa Grotto experience. We’ll be back and friends and family informed of this great event, thank you.” Amanda Pearson

“We loved everything! From the penguins and reindeer, Santa’s workshop and elves to seeing Santa himself. Santa was superb thank you.” Helen Southworth 

“Great value.” Kate Green

***

We offer more than one way to meet the man himself Father Christmas this festive time! Meet Santa in his Grotto, have Breakfast or Tea with him – or have an Exclusive Bookable Toddler Session or SEN session to meet him at the quietest of times for that extra special experience.

Aside from SEN and toddler sessions, we hold a queuing system for our grotto, it is pay on the day.

Here’s what YOU said:
“We attended the Harry Potter crafternoon yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the experience surpassed and exceeded all expectations!! The staff were lovely and stayed in character throughout. The activities were very fitting for any Potter fanatic – quidditch and the spell class being our favourites. The attention to detail throughout the room and during the afternoon was fantastic. Myself and my daughter had an amazing time and would highly recommend it.
Thank you for having us.”
Cara Archer

“We’ve just spent the morning at the Harry Potter ‘wizard week’ event, and it was absolutely fantastic! Everything was perfect, they completely transported us into the world of Harry Potter, the attention to detail was impeccable and the staff were wonderful. My 6 year old was in his element, and was totally engrossed in every activity, no easy feat! A lot of it went over my 3 year olds head but the staff were brilliant with her, and spent extra time helping her and keeping her interested. Cant wait for next year!!”
Vicky Farenden

“Just been to the Harry Potter Wizarding event – wow!!! What an amazing morning, we couldn’t have asked for better, and fantastic value for money!! So so much attention to detail in the decorations, and all the activities were so well organised and the children loved them! The staff were fantastic, a lovely bunch of ladies, and they even put on tea coffee and biscuits for the grown ups! We were so impressed with all of it, thank you so much!!! X”
Kate Barlow

“Today, Harry Potters Wizarding Workshop. What a brilliant event! Well done to all the hardworking wizards. So enjoyed by all of us. Thank you.”
Keith Sargent

“Perfect day!! We went to the Harry Potter event with 4 children ranging in age from 6-11. All were kept entertained by the amazing staff, I actually thought the staff were paid entertainers but it turns out they work at the centre. They really went the extra mile with the decoration from quidditch to letters flying from the chimney! There were tea, coffee and biscuits for the parents and lots of seating (currently 38 weeks pregnant so very happy about seating). I will definitely be returning for more events in the future. Thank you all for such a lovely day.”
Jemma Howard

“Thoroughly enjoyed the wizard event. Highly recommended. Superb staff and very professional.”
Julia Wood

“I took my daughter to the Harry Potter event this morning. We had a wonderful time and she really enjoyed all the activities especially the spell casting class.”
Debbie Louise

“Harry potter experience was just brilliant. so much effort put in by the girls and the room decor was fantastic!! Really impressed!!”
Stephanie Ansell

“Today we visited WLGV for the Harry Potter Wizard afternoon and all i can say is omg we had a fantastic time. the staff was amazing they made the activities so much fun. The decor and details they went into to make it look and feel like hogwarts was beyond amazing. I have one very happy Harry Potter fan. Thank you all.”
Mandy Gosling

“I took my kids to the wizard week. It was brilliant. The girls who took the class were amazing nothing was to much trouble. They were very chatty and happy. Thank you so much my kids and I had a fab time.” Louise Timms

“They had such fun ??xx.”
Sacha Hinton

Nikki Finch We had a lovely time yesterday. The kids loved the ice skating ⛸ ?

Becky Anderson We had a super day as always, thank you

Lauran West Brilliant festive day to kick start our Christmas … soo much to see and do. We loved it and can’t wait to return

Rachel Packer Our little girl loved it, especially the snowman bouncy castle and a visit to Santa. Xxxx

Hayley Williams My three children loved it Thankyou. They said it was the best day they had in a long time x

Mandy Judkins Well set up beautiful displays great staff and the main man Father Christmas was exceptional this year well done to all of you

Monika Raubic Ice skating following with hot chocolate and apple pie, face painting and animal petting…. Thank for lovely morning

Lucy Judkins We had such an amazing time yesterday. You guys outdid yourselves once again! Thank you so much for a lovely day.

Gemma Nistorică-David Today we brought our 4 year old daughter for ice skating, a free bounce on Mr Frosty and free face painting. We brought our 2 week old son in his reindeer outfit to blend in with the festivities. The atmosphere was really fantastic, the staff in the restaurant were really helpful and friendly and we all had a nice lunch in the restaurant. Lovely family day!! Xx

Josephine Jalland Caitlin loved meeting Brela and playing in the inflatable snowman!

Rosie Derrick These 3 on their way to see ? loved it

Emma Louise Barnes My little girl absolutely loved ice skating, she also enjoyed the free face painting, the lights and the hot chocolate. I bought some lovely Christmas presents for family as well. Well done Whilton Locks

Suzanne White Frosty was very popular with my two. Well done to the chap who was helping them in and out all day! The kids also loved meeting the animals. The snake was their favourite. A fab afternoon, thanks!

Lisa Marsh We had such a lovely afternoon and now feel very christmassy, thank you!

Serena Ord Such an amazing day, staff were fantastic in the whole place very friendly and helpful. Kids loved it just wish I hadn’t forgot to go and have a look at the photo you took.

Tracey LLoyd We all had a lovely time today – even if my little boy did get turned into the grinch!!!

Amy Glynane We had a great time hunting for clues, stroking rabbits and having faces painted. And not to forget a bounce on the snowman!

Saffron Wildman We had a brill day thank you

Linda Rudnicki Wish we knew about you a few years ago while my darling mum was still with us…But so looking forward to our visit with all my family and our 2 beautiful nieces on the 8th

Vickie Taylor We had a fab morning! boys loved the banana ride even tho it was hard work for Mummy!! Xx

Sam Holland Our first visit and we all had a fabulous time – highlight was “snow” on the train