Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Centre in Oakham, Leicestershire
Established in 1948 by Fred and Ivy Gates, our garden centre has grown from a Victorian kitchen into one of the UK's largest horticultural destinations. We combine traditional family values with modern retail excellence, offering an extensive range of indoor and outdoor plants, garden furniture, and homeware across 12,500 square metres of retail space. Our Oakham location features award-winning farm shops, two restaurants with countryside views, and a walled garden coffee shop for casual dining. We prioritise customer satisfaction through competitive pricing, expert horticultural advice, and seasonal events that engage local communities. Our expansion to Woodlands Hinckley maintains these core principles while introducing enhanced plant areas and new dining experiences.Through our loyalty club, we reward regular customers with exclusive benefits and digital convenience. Our commitment to quality extends to locally sourced produce in our farm shops and premium gardening tools from trusted brands. We actively support environmental initiatives and charitable causes while maintaining membership in respected horticultural trade associations. Our team combines decades of gardening expertise with modern retail practices to serve both casual visitors and serious horticulturists. This enduring dedication to garden culture has made us a regional institution across Leicestershire's rural landscape.
Services
Garden Furniture
Barbecues
Gardening Supplies
Artificial Christmas Trees
Dining Services
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- We combine 75 years of horticultural heritage with modern retail facilities across two Leicestershire locations
- Our 12,500 sq ft Oakham site offers the UK's largest selection of garden products and seasonal decorations
- Award-winning farm shops provide locally sourced produce and fresh dining options daily
- We maintain traditional family values with digital convenience through our loyalty app
- Expert gardening advice available for both amateur and professional horticulturists
Services
Garden Furniture
We offer extensive garden furniture collections including lounge sets, dining sets, and bistro sets in various configurations. Our range features premium brands like Bramblecrest and Hartman, with options for 4-8 seater arrangements and both round and oval tables. Customers benefit from weather-resistant materials and contemporary designs that enhance outdoor spaces.
Barbecues
Our barbecue selection includes gas, hybrid, and electric models from leading brands such as Weber and Gozney. We provide complete cooking solutions with pizza ovens, grill accessories, and protective covers. Expert staff offer practical advice to help customers choose the perfect outdoor cooking equipment for their garden size and usage requirements.
Gardening Supplies
We stock comprehensive gardening tools, plant feeds, and cultivation equipment for all seasons. Our range includes pest control solutions, bulb selections, and premium gardening machinery from brands like STIHL and Westland. Expert guidance helps both amateur and professional gardeners maintain healthy outdoor spaces throughout the year.
Artificial Christmas Trees
Our artificial Christmas tree collection features pre-lit models in various sizes from 6ft to 8ft+. We offer slimline, white, and traditional green options alongside complete festive decoration packages. Customers benefit from year-round usability and consistent presentation for both residential and commercial settings.
Dining Services
We provide multiple dining options including full-service restaurants with countryside views and casual coffee shops. Our menus feature locally sourced ingredients through Gates Farm Shop produce. Private dining spaces accommodate special events while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that defines our hospitality approach.
People
Fred Gates
Founder
Fred Gates established the garden centre in 1948 within Cold Overton Hall's Victorian kitchen. His vision transformed a small family operation into one of the UK's largest garden centres while maintaining traditional customer service values throughout the decades of expansion.
Ivy Gates
Co-Founder
As co-founder with Fred, Ivy Gates helped establish the family values that continue guiding the business. Their joint commitment to quality and customer satisfaction created the foundation for the centre's 75-year success across multiple generations of gardeners and visitors.
Questions
What are the differences between your two garden centre locations?
Our Oakham site on Somerby Road features the original 1948 establishment with award-winning farm shops and two restaurants. The newer Woodlands Hinckley location near Ashby Road offers expanded plant areas and our Fred & Ivy's restaurant, recreating the Oakham experience with modern enhancements.
Do you offer gardening advice to customers?
Yes, our experienced staff provides expert gardening guidance for both amateur and professional horticulturists. This includes seasonal planting advice, pest control recommendations, and equipment selection assistance across our Leicestershire locations.
What dining options are available at your garden centres?
We offer full-service dining in our Garden Restaurant with countryside views, private event spaces like the Vellum Room, and casual options at our Courtyard Coffee Shop which serves breakfast, lunch, and drinks daily.
How does your loyalty club work?
The free Gates Loyalty Club provides exclusive benefits through a digital app, including monthly free drinks, purchase tracking, instant offers, and priority event booking. Members scan purchases to collect rewards and access special promotions.
What seasonal events do you host?
We organise festive activities including Christmas village displays, wreath workshops, and Santa dining experiences. Seasonal plant sales feature 30% off spring bulbs, while autumn brings gardening advice events and Halloween decorations.
Can I purchase gardening tools and equipment online?
While our website provides product information, we recommend visiting our physical stores in Oakham or Hinckley for the full gardening tool selection. Our staff can demonstrate equipment functionality and help choose appropriate tools for specific gardening needs.
