Lanchester Garden Centre

Lanchester Garden Centre sits just outside Derecroft in County Durham, and it's the sort of place that rewards a proper browse rather than a quick dash in and out. You'll find the usual suspects - plants, seeds, gardening kit - but what makes it worth a visit is the genuinely decent selection and the fact that the staff actually know what they're talking about. No pretentious nonsense, just proper horticulture advice if you need it.

The centre works well for families. Kids won't be transfixed for hours, but there's usually a café where you can grab a cuppa while the adults poke around the perennials. If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Derecroft Glamping Luxury Lodgepods or West Hall Glamping, it's an easy side trip - three miles or so from your base. Same goes if you're at Haystax or Manor Park Caravan Park; all are within easy reach.

If you're the sort who genuinely enjoys pottering through plants, this gives you a solid hour or more. Walkers passing through the area might find it a bit of a diversion unless you're after something specific. Garden enthusiasts will appreciate the range without the Chelsea nonsense. Opening times aren't widely advertised, so ring ahead or check their social media before you go - nothing worse than turning up somewhere and finding the gates shut.