Endsleigh Garden Centre started life in the 1960s when a nursery was started by one of the gardeners at nearby Endsleigh House. In 1972 business was booming and the nursery moved to its current site to allow for expansion. Garden and Leisure bought the business in 1998 and ran it for four years before a major redevelopment in 2002 into the current garden centre.

Endsleigh Garden Centre is one of seven garden centres in the Garden and Leisure Group which was bought by Wyevale Garden Centres in 2014. In 2013 it was the 12th largest garden centre (judged by turnover) in the UK and the second largest in Devon after Otter Nurseries. Endsleigh definitely is not just a large garden centre but almost a local tourist attraction. The plants area has been designed beautifully and in a modern sense, it is one of the best we have seen.

The plants come with a life time hardy plant guarantee and look in great condition. We would feel happier if they advertised the origins of the plants though, UK sourced rather than from the continent is what we would optimistically hope for. Condition aside, the plants are over-priced, the same plants in the same condition are cheaper at almost any other local garden centre.

The interior sales area is modern, well designed and rather like a department store. The choice is breath-taking for a garden centre, it's almost a shopping mall in its own right. We won't list everything you will find for sale at Endsleigh because anything you would expect to find at a garden centre will definitely be here! A couple of areas do stand out though. First clothing, the choice is vast for this type of retail outlet. Garden, conservatory and home furniture is also well represented with an excellent choice and well displayed.

Our only criticism of the goods for sale is the price. Everything is more expensive compared to the same items at nearby stores. So, we suggest a visit to Endsleigh Garden Centre is a very good way to gain ideas and inspiration for your purchases but buy the items themselves either online or elsewhere and save pounds.

That leaves the cafe, and again, high prices are evident as well. The menu is extensive and the quality of the food is just above average. However, the cafe is very popular especially at peak times when overcrowding becomes a major problem. Also, there appears to be a lack of staff because tables are left un-cleared for far too long.

The cafe at Endsleigh garden centre was given a four star (out of five) rating by the Foods Standard Agency (see here). The last inspection date was 21 March 2012.