Let The Magic Begin
When it comes to Christmas, there is one Lancashire business that consistently delivers on providing the most magical festive experience, writes Kate Ford. Photographer: Roger Moore
There’s no denying that, for many, Christmas shopping can become a bit of a chore. As the big day approaches and your list just seems to be getting longer, you can be forgiven for feeling grateful that Christmas comes but once a year.
If this sounds like you, perhaps you should consider visiting a place where the shopping is just one small part of the festive experience. Step into Barton Grange Garden Centre and you begin a journey through a magical winter wonderland of colours, lights, foliage and festive characters in the most imaginative Christmas displays you may ever have seen.
“Every year without fail, the creative team behind Christmas here at Barton Grange pull out all the stops to deliver the most jaw-dropping displays,” says Becky Hughes who looks after the marketing at the Garden Centre.
“Our reputation goes before us and from September onwards, people just cannot wait to come along to see what this year has in store for them.”
Inspired by nature, the main themed displays have names such as ‘Mystical Forest’, ‘Polar Ice’ and ‘Blush’. Each one has its own colour scheme and all stylishly combine tree decorations with furnishings, seasonal floristry, ribbon, decor and Christmas figures. Whether you’re looking for traditional reds and greens, flamboyant pinks and purples, on-trend greys and silvers or more muted bronzes and creams, you’ll find what you want here.
Alongside the colour-themed displays, there is a Christmas toy shop, a dining collection, food collection and the famous Barton Grange Lemax Village display, which always draws a crowd.
Barton Grange offers five whole weeks of late-night shopping in the run up to Christmas, when customers can avoid the weekend rush and shop when the Garden Centre is relatively quiet. Called simply ‘Christmas Nights’ these late openings have the added benefit of a fabulous light display in the outdoor area and some excellent, great value food on offer.
“There is just a lovely, relaxed and festive atmosphere on our Christmas Nights,” says Becky. “Whether you’re buying decorations and lights, or looking for Christmas presents, there’s time and space to browse, enjoy the light show and even sit down for a bite to eat.
“For a bit of family fun, an after-work treat or just some serious list ticking off, it’s perfect.”
Barton Grange Christmas Nights are well known for the Riverside Café’s delicious hot pot supper for just £5.95 and its Sage, Onion and Cranberry-flavoured Pulled Turkey Sandwich, also £5.95. For the first time this year, Willows Restaurant will also be open serving a special ‘Christmas Nights’ menu.
Christmas Nights begin on Monday 18th November when the Garden Centre will be open Monday to Friday until 8pm, ending Friday 20th December
Barton Grange Garden Centre
Garstang Road, Brock, Preston PR3 0BT
01995 642900
www.bartongrange.co.uk
