Cadbury is a bit of a unique place. You first walk in to find that you are stumbling slowly behind a woman coaxing in her elderly mother in law, which takes a few minutes but they have a nice display either side of you to take your mind off that, so you're stood there thinking 'meh well it could be worse', afterwards you are greeted with a selection of small house plants and pots, and usually two orange looking women to your left behind a desk shuffling about..which isn't too worrying, you wont be seeing them again.. I actually still don't know exactly what they are for...anywho, as you move on you will find yourself surrounded with ornaments, pictures, kitchen ware, etc. The list goes on. Yes you may find some ghastly looking bits and pieces, but one mans treasure is another mans gold, and with the difference in ages and tastes that frequent Cadbury they need to keep it as varied as possible. I myself have found plenty there that I love but just can't afford.
This is an expensive place to shop. Make no mistake. But I go there often, and I still come out smiling when I rarely purchase anything..well..'cept maybe a hot chocolate and cake. This isn't about money, they don't charge to pet the animals or look at the fish. To a child under 10 this is the best free zoo ever and if your parents are push overs you may actually have a chance of taking one of the many birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, tortoises, tarantulas, snakes, lizards, parrots, chinchillas, or fish home.. (see how I listed those so you got a better idea of just how much more they have to offer than just rabbits?) They don't charge your dad or fella to mosy around the barbecues and fishing equipment while the missus is off looking at candles. Or maybe even barbecues and fishing equipment too if they are anything like me. This is just a fun day, money or no money, and when you cant afford Puxton Park and have enough for a couple of drinks and maybe a childs lunch pack (as they do sell kids lunch meal deals) this is the perfect place to go (in fact even if you cant afford drinks and a lunch pack, jut bring your own). No one will badger you to buy anything, the staff only approach when needed. You can wander through unnoticed if that is your wish. If you have pets that you can't leave at home they allow pets in certain places around the building, we take the dogs regularly, and as they have a sheltered outdoor eating and seating area (with a kids playground may I add even if it is small) your dogs are more than welcome there.
OK so you just want the garden essentials and to get the hell out? Cool, no worries, they have so many different ways to get around the store just ask for the quickest way and they will let you know.
It has everything you could want in a store, it has everything you could want in a day trip. You have such a selection. As well as animals, hot tubs, a cafe, where they do sell breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a carvery to boot on certain days. It has a food shop for locally sourced produce just before you get to the tills, clothing, books, toys, and inevitably, garden ware. Garden features, garden plants, trees, even whole mini gardens for you to go and sit in. They even sell Starbucks coffee and my ex's favourite? As I mentioned before, they have a fishing store, for all types, sea, fly, or coarse.. the list goes on. Selling poles, lines, flies, bivvies, even clothing. They sell so much there that you find yourself walking over and inspecting some contraption you thought never existed and wonder how the hell you ever lived your life without it..you then swiftly put it down realising that you lived about £10 or £20 pounds better off all your life without it. But it is still something to make you smile and say in that passing tone that you do so well whilst browsing "Oh come look at this, that is a great idea huh?"
The best time to go though? Christmas, no better in fact, it is what us localites wait for from that shop. Every year you have a Santas Grotto of epic proportions created for you and your family to visit, and to be honest, even if you can't afford it the displays they put on around the store are enough! You have some very strange looking tree decorations, but that makes it all the better, especially for a child! I am in my 20s and I have never grown out of loving what they do there. They even had an ice rink last year, and mulled wine and roasted nuts outside! and lets not forget Mr Doughnut man, who sits outside until 4.30pm everyday to catch us on our way out. You are right, it isn't a garden centre. It is Cadbury Garden Centre, and it is a brilliant place to visit - day trip or otherwise. Suitable for all ages and all backgrounds.
I actually challenge you to visit Cadbury and walk out saying there wasn't one thing, one single thing you didn't love about the place read more
