Lanchester Garden Centre

What does Lanchester Garden Centre have to offer?

Lanchester Garden Centre is a modern garden centre  1 mile outside the village in the countryside with easy links to Newcastle, Durham and Weardale. It has a restaurant, gift shop, the only zoo in County Durham, extensive gift shop, delhi counter, fish shop, children’s play area and a tropical village. In addition there’s also gardens and grounds to explore. To find out more about what Lanchester Garden centre has to offer. 

What is parking like at Lanchester Garden Centre?

Whenever you arrive the disabled parking are right at the front of the entrance to Lanchester Garden Centre. Make sure you get there early though because parking can be a struggle and there is very little disabled parking. Another thing to bare in mind is that the car park is made of gravel which can be hard for people who are wheelchair users and it can be hard for people with physical impairments because it can be difficult to walk on but it may have some Phiyso therapy benefits to it

Entrance and gift shop

There’ is a ramp to get up to Lanchester Garden Centre in front of you is one entrance to the restaurant and to the left of you and you come to the gift section. Then follow your way around the one way system you come to another entrance to the restaurant. After you pass the door to the restaurant you come to more gifts and kids things.

If you carry on going around the route you will end up at the Delhi/takeaway section which sells exactly the same things they sell at the restaurant and more some of this includes but not an exhausted  list which includes Pies, scones and cakes. Next up is the ice cream counter with different flavours of ice cream you can either have it in a cone or tub. Next in your pre packaged ice cream, jams and breads then you come to a fridge which includes a variety of drinks, kids lunch boxes cheese and milk. Then you come to more children toys an and birthday cards. Now it’s the checks out but wait there is still the middle section to check out next before you pay.

What can I do in the outside section?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>In the outside section you can find lots of different sections which gives a sensory experience to those with PLMD, autism and dementia to name a few. As well as this in the outside section can include;

• Furniture
• Decor
• Pet feed
  Bird houses
• Hot tub (in the outside bit/not undercover
• Disclaimer this isn’t the exhaustive list. things may depend on time of year, stock levels and what is popular when you go and visit.

What can I do in the outside section?

When you get to the outside section there of lots of different sections which gives a sensory experience to those with learning disabilities, autism and dementia to name a few. As well as this in the outside section can include;

• Furniture
• Decor
• Pet feed
• Bird houses
• Hot tub sales (in the outside bit/not undercover)

Disclaimer this isn’t an exhaustive list. Things may depend on time of year, stock levels and what is popular when you go and visit.

Greenhouse Restaurant

All of the meals are freshly made from the ingredients they grow on site in the greenhouse.  Consequently it may take longer to get your food so there may be a long wait for your food, your table or a queue to pay but all the staff are friendly and are happy to help wherever possible. It is worth the wait, I would recommend getting there before the lunchtime rush as it’s really busy around that time.

You go to the staff and tell them how many is in your group or sometimes you will hear it being called party. Then you will be given a hand hold device. You can  go off and explore the garden centre. The Alternative option is to wait on a seat at the entrance if you struggle with walking around or standing like me. Disclaimer this option may not always be available as there may not be a seat for you but staff will do their best to  find you a seat.

When the handheld device buzzes and vibrates it means your table is ready and it’s time to head to the Greenhouse restaurant inside Lanchester Garden Centre. First you need hand in your handheld device toa member of staff inside the restraunt. The tables and chairs are easy moveable which is good far people in wheelchairs. The chairs are hard but have cousins on the back and the seat. Therefore they are comfy, practical and good for people who have back problems.

What can I eat at Greenhouse Cafe?

There is something for everyone and the menus are easy readable because they are on a white background with black writing with a variety of food and drinks items which includes:

• Afternoon teas
• a selection of cakes and scones
• sandwiches and toasties
• puddings
• hot drinks
• soft drinks
• smoothies and milkshakes
• kids meals
• pub classics
• soup of the day
• specials board
• breakfasts and brunches
• Light lunch options

What other things do I need to know about Lanchester Garden Centre?

• You need to pay for your food at the counter
• Staff take your orders on tablets
• There is a private function room inside the restaurant
• Throughout the year Lanchester Garden Centre holds different events you and your kids can get involved in.
• Lanchester garden centre hosts the only zoo in County Durham.

Check this other garden centre out in County Durham