Conkers GardenCentre

Conkers Garden Centre opened on London Road, Basingstoke, in 1987 and remains an independent, family-run business, with the owning family having worked in horticulture since the 1930s. What began in a single small building has grown into a larger site selling outdoor and indoor plants, garden furniture, tools, gifts and homeware, plus a dedicated pet and wild bird section. The River Bank Tea Room serves sandwiches, cakes and hot food to shoppers and passers-by, though gift vouchers cannot be redeemed there. Staff give planting advice through the seasons and the plant range changes accordingly, from spring bedding to Christmas trees. The centre sits close to the Basingstoke Canal towpath, making it a regular stop for dog walkers and cyclists as well as gardeners. Conkers also runs seasonal events for children, including a Christmas grotto, and stocks a wider homeware and gift range than a typical nursery.