Northallerton garden centre celebrates 60th anniversary

Whitegates Nursery has an almost perfect rating of 4.8 stars from more than 1,400 Google reviews.

The centre, in West Rounton, Northallerton, offers a diverse selection of plants, gifts and garden accessories.

(Image: WHITEGATES NURSERY)

One customer left a five-star review and said: “First trip to Whitegate’s Garden Centre today.

“I was blown away by the range of plants and how lush everything looked.

“Not a wilted leaf or snapped stem to be seen.

“Great value for money with this quality of plants.

“Staff were happy to chat and offer advice.

“The cafe was gorgeous, with a great atmosphere.

(Image: WHITEGATES NURSERY)

“Food and drinks were delicious and the range of cakes and treats is fab.

“I plan to visit again very soon (and with a bigger car).”

Whitegates Nursery was established in West Rounton in 1966 by Albert Grainge, his son Bryan and brother-in-law Colin Chapman, with two acres of new greenhouses; it initially grew soft fruit, salads and plants.

The business changed direction when third-generation family member Jonathan Grainge joined after university, switching its focus from flowers to plants.

(Image: WHITEGATES NURSERY)

A new shop opened in 2005, expanding the range of products on offer.

The café opened in April 2018.

In October 2018, BBC Gardeners’ World visited Whitegates, where presenter Adam Frost helped a young customer, Arthur, choose plants for a sensory garden for his sister Charlotte.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited the centre in December 2022, sampling coffee and cake before choosing his Christmas tree.

The café receives consistent praise from customers.

One review said: “We absolutely love Whitegates.

“It’s such a beautiful garden centre with a really amazing cafe.

“I took my mum there yesterday for afternoon tea for Mother’s Day and as always the food was so gorgeous we really couldn’t fault it at all and it was so beautifully presented .

(Image: WHITEGATES NURSERY)

“The staff in the cafe are fantastic, they are just so friendly and welcoming they always meet you with a smile and nothing is ever too much trouble for them.

“I highly recommend anyone to go and visit Whitegates and pop into the cafe and try it for themselves.

“It really doesn’t matter which part of the day you go you will always find the food and the staff amazing.

“The food is all homemade and you really want to see the selection of cakes they have on display.”

The café offers a selection of food including breakfast, pies, afternoon tea, sweet treats and more.

The garden centre is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week.

(Image: WHITEGATES NURSERY)

To mark the anniversary, gardening club members will get £5 off when they spend more than £30.

Gift cards are also available.

The opening times are:

• Garden Centre: Monday to Saturday – 9am-5pm, Sunday – 10am-4pm
• Café: 9.30am-4.30pm