GOOGLE MAP: Click here for a Google map showing the location of Lanes Garden Centre in Risley

EMAIL: info@lanesopenfarm.co.uk

The official name is Lanes Garden Centre Open Farm and that is exactly what it is. First though this is probably best described as an open farm which sells plants when in season. The best time to visit for plants is probably late Spring when the bedding plants and hanging baskets are at their best. They do also sell a few shrubs but the range is limited. Fresh eggs and duck eggs are a speciality and of course they are free-range.

The open farm side of the business is aimed at young children. The animals include peacocks, geese, hens, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, cows, guinea pigs and lots more. The kids can pet them and possibly even learn that sausages and bacon come from pigs and beef from cattle! For a pound they can buy a bag of animal feed to spread around as they see fit. Entrance to the farm and garden centre is free.

JAMES' CAFE

Serves a full menu of cakes, snacks and lunch time meals all of which are homemade. The cafe has its own website which can be found here. Unusually the website contains pictures of the meals which are served, a very brave and bold testament to the owners confidence in the business!

As well as the main cafe are there is a family room where kids can run about as much as they care without upsetting adults. James has produced a video outlining some of the methods he has used to achieve their five star rating. Well worth a look if food safety features high on your list when eating out. The cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Other garden centres nearby include Derby Garden Centre, Collyer's Nurseries which is family run and Swakestone Nursery.