Things to Do

A good range of garden centres and nurseries can be found throughout the county, here is a flavour of what’s on offer. 

At Barnsdale Gardens, there is a dedicated nursery stocking many of the species found in the gardens themselves.  There’s also a gift shop selling exclusive Barnsdale souvenirs as well as dvd’s and books.

Gates Nurseries is set just 4 miles from Oakham in Cold Overton, in an original Victorian Walled Garden (formerly part of Cold Overton Hall).  The Nursery is still a family business and features a range of plants and garden furniture.  There is a tea room serving light lunches and afternoon tea.  In addition, a children’s play area will keep younger visitors occupied while parents take a look around.

Another family run nursery is The Herb Nursery, in Thistleton near Oakham.  Specialists in herbs, wild flowers, cottage garden plants and Pelargoniums, the owners are proud to confirm that 95% of all plants sold are propagated and grown on site.  The Herb Nursery is open every day except at Christmas and New Year.

Greetham Garden Centre & Tea Room specialises in Clematis, but also sells a wide range of shrubs and houseplants.  The team at Greetham are happy to offer advice to all gardeners whatever their horticultural problem. In addition to plants, the garden centre offers wrought iron garden furniture and range of sheds for sale.  The tea room serves hot and cold food as well as coffee and afternoon tea.

The Rutland Garden Centre, in Oakham is proud to claim itself as being the gardener’s garden centre and leading horticultural centre in the region.  Spread over 4.5 acres, the centre offers over 5,000 plants, shrubs and trees.  A specialty of the garden centre is hanging baskets, designed and produced onsite. Open every day except Christmas and New Year.

Many private gardens in Rutland take part in The National Garden Scheme, take a look at www.ngs.org.uk for further information and to find out where your nearest open garden is situated.