Hillers Garden Centre Warwickshire

I am always on the look out for new places to visit. Often Garden centres have lots of hidden gems that are perfect for children to have fun! From soft play, fairy gardens, miniature railways, animals and super large sandpits - there is so much fun to be had. 

Today I wanted to try somewhere new. I often find places to visit on Instagram. I always share on my instalive stories where we are so be sure to find us on there - Instagram @learningthroughplay8.

Back to today. We pulled on the car park and I saw parents coming out from a fenced area up ahead. Can you imagine my excitement when I discovered a huge sandpit filled with buckets, spades, diggers and tractors? Not only was it somewhere all 3 of my children would enjoy playing - it was fenced so I hadn't got to be on edge waiting for my 200mph sprinters to just take off without warning.




They stayed playing for ages while me and Mom sat on the benches, under our parasols, sipping a hot chocolate that we picked up from the Farm Shop.

Once the children had played for around an hour we went to grab some lunch from the restaurant. I didn't find out till later but the Farm Shop sell large baps and baguettes at a fraction of the price in the restaurant, perhaps that would suit people who are wishing to eat while their children are running around playing outside.

The food was delicious. We had sandwiches and a huge teapot of tea! Sandwiches were accompanied with salad drizzles in sauce and there was a few crisps on the side! We ate outside but the restaurant itself boasts lots of seating so I would imagine it would be rare to not be able to get a seat, especially if there is only a couple of you. They do accept bookings so you could call ahead of time to make sure. They have a stack of wooden highchairs so if you have younger children you don't need to worry about getting them somewhere to sit.

After we had devoured our dinner we were ready to hit the gardens. Free of charge. The gardens are done beautifully. Copious amounts of flowers, thriving at every glance.




The roses in particular were stunning!




Tucked away in the gardens is a wildlife hide out where badgers, deer, squirrels and all types of birds had been spotted. A dark hut with a small seating area is the perfect quiet spot to enjoy nature spotting with the children.

We continued walking around the gardens. The scent from the roses was delightful! There are a few seating areas dotted around. I fantasied about sitting there with a book and a cake and just passing a few hours by there.

From the gardens we spotted a Miniature Railway. It sadly wasn't in operation. From the leaflet I spotted on the counter in the farm shop it appears to run on a selection of weekends, not during the week. Something to possibly check out further before you visit if that is something that would really make your trip, to avoid disappointment. Rides are only 90p and children under 2 travel for free!

There is a Maze to enjoy at an extra fee I believe. We didn't check that out. I didn't think it was the wisest place to take the twins right now. But perhaps in the future.

We looked at the sheep in a field next to the Railway. 

I regretted not bring the footballs along as there was a huge field that would have been perfect to fun off some more energy! I shall remember them next time!

The children were asking to return to the sandpit which we did. Me and Mom took it in turns to visit the shops in sight whilst the other supervised the children playing. The shop was full of lovely items. Gifts, clothing, books, jewellery, baby items, soaps, candles - plus much more. 

I found the prices to be incredibly reasonable and ended up purchasing a couple of books for the children. 

I was also very suprized at the cost of the plants. They were all so healthy and a fraction of the price I have seen at other centres! It will be my go to place in future years for additions to my garden. 

The staff were all so helpful and talkative. I'm not sure if the centre is family run but that is the feel I got there. I was greeted with smiles from all areas of the centre and I found they couldn't do enough to welcome us and pay an interest in asking us questions, which I really liked. 

Lets take a look at our visit in action: