With December fast approaching garden centres across North Wales are busy getting into the Christmas spirit.

For many of us, a trip to one marks the beginning of the Christmas period as we look for new decorations and replacements for our battered old trees, whether real or fake.

And for younger members of the family, there is of course the obligatory visit to Father Christmas' Grotto.

But trip to the garden centre is not complete without a stop off at the cafe which is especially true during Christmas time with most centres putting on a special Christmas menu.

So if you're thinking of things to do this Christmas, look no further as here are some of the best garden centres with cafes to visit across North Wales this Christmas season according to TripAdvisor.

Anglesey

Holland Arms

Where? Pentre Berw, Gaerwen, LL60 6LA.

When is it open? 9am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday; 10.30am-4.30pm Sunday. The cafe normally closes 30 minutes earlier than the rest of the garden centre which will be closed on December 25 and 26,  January 1 and Easter Sunday. The centre will close at 4pm on December 24 and 31 and 5.30pm on December 27.

What are they doing? You will be able to visit Santa's Grotto every weekend from November 23 as well as on December 23 and 24 December. A special Christmas menu will also be available at the cafe from November 25.

TripAdvisor rating: The garden centre itself has a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor but this is based on only two reviews. The cafe, however, has a rating of 2.5 based on 69 reviews.

Recent reviews of the cafe are mixed with one user writing: "The new cafe look is brilliant but the food and selection has taken a huge nose dive. The cake selection isn’t anything like it was. The food is not as tasty and the choice isn’t as good.

"The prices here are way to high for what you get. Even the centre had terrible choice in christmas decs not what it was before."

Another reviewer wrote: "The restaurant has been upgraded since my last visit, it is now light,bright and airy with plenty of seating and tables. Service was prompt and friendly.

"I ordered the full Welsh breakfast and friend had scrambled eggs on toast, both meals were delicious and plentiful. Can definitely recommend!"

Gwynedd

Fron Goch Garden Centre

Fron Goch Garden Centre, near Caernarfon
Fron Goch Garden Centre, near Caernarfon

 

Where? Fron Goch, Pant Rd, Caernarfon LL54 5RL.

When is it open? 9am-5:30pm Monday to Saturday; restaurant closes 30 minutes before the centre. On bank holidays, the centre is open 9.30am-5pm. The centre is closed on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day and closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

What are they doing? The restaurant will serve Christmas dinner throughout December. There will also be Santa Claus events running through December including Breakfast with Santa and Santa's Afternoon Tea Party.

TripAdvisor rating: The garden centre and cafe currently have a TripAdvisor rating of four based on 280 reviews.

Recent reviews have been quite effusive with several five star reviews submitted over the past few weeks. One reviewer wrote: "Met friends for breakfast,was delighted with the quality of the food.

"The service throughout was superb,every single member of staff was friendly,smiling and helpful. An absolute delight to encounter so many happy helpful staff in one restaurant. Will visit again if ever in this area."

Another reviewer wrote: "Three of us called in on Monday 18/11/19 for the Festive Tea - I would rate what we had on par with some teas which we had paid a lot more for. The Restaurant was worm [sic] and comfortable and fortunately when we visited was not overly crowded."

Abersoch Garden Centre

Where? Abersoch, Pwllheli LL53 7UD.

When is it open? 11am-4pm Thursday to Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday to Sunday.

What are they doing? Abersoch Garden Centre has a range of Christmas lawn decorations as well as real Christmas trees. There is also a tea room and bistro on site.

TripAdvisor rating: The garden centre's cafe has a TripAdvisor rating of 4.5 based on 91 reviews. Reviewers describe the cafe as "pleasant and relaxing."

One reviewer wrote: "We had a lovely lunch sat in the sunny courtyard surrounded by flowers. Service was very quick and the food was delicious. Children’s sandwiches were a decent size and the Welsh Rarebit was particularly good.

"We’ll definitely return to sample the enormous slices of cake as we couldn’t fit them in this time."

Conwy

Bodnant Garden Centre

Bodnant Garden Centre
Bodnant Garden Centre

 

Where? Tal y Cafn, Colwyn Bay, LL28 5RE.

When is it open? 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday

What are they doing? There will be a Santa's grotto every weekend from November 30 to December 22 from 11am-2pm. Entry is £3 per child with proceeds going to Tŷ Gobaith and Ysgol y Gogarth.

TripAdvisor rating: Bodnant Garden has a TripAdvisor rating of five based on 2,222 reviews. The tearoom on site has a rating of 3.5 although recent reviews have been mostly four and five.

In a four star review, one reviewer wrote: "We have visited a few times because of the different colours in the garden at different times of the year. We have never had a bad meal."

Another reviewer wrote: "Just outside the gardens and close to the car park and public toilets. Good selection of hot and cold food similar to most National Trust cafes. Quality of food was good and there was ample sitting.

"Very conveniently located to refuel yourself after a long journey before going to the gardens."

Snowdonia Nurseries

Snowdonia Nurseries
Snowdonia Nurseries

 

Where? Conway Rd, Llansanffraid Glan Conwy, Conwy LL28 5SR.

When is it open? 9am-5:30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. The centre will be closed on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The cafe closes 30 minutes before the centre.

What are they doing? There is currently a Christmas Wonderland in Snowdonia Nurseries. From December 6 until Christmas Eve there will be a free Santa's Grotto every Friday and Saturday. The on-site cafe will have a Christmas menu throughout December.

TripAdvisor rating: The garden centre cafe has a Tripadvisor rating of 4 based on 103 reviews.

A recent five star review reads: "As my last experience was so good and I was in the area again I decided to pop in for lunch. The food was lovely and the service was great, the staff are so friendly and helpful. Again I was impressed by the gluten free options available, although my non g.f cake made a delicious dessert!

"It is also good to see a local business offering local produce. A warm and welcoming break on a nasty cold Autumn day."

Denbighshire

Jackson's Garden Centre

Jacksons Garden Centre
Jacksons Garden Centre

 

Where? Marian, Nr Dyserth, Rhyl, LL18 6EB.

When is it open? 8.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am-4.30pm on Sunday.

What are they doing? You can have Tea with Santa at 6pm on December 5, 12 and 13. There will also be plenty of Christmas decorations and the Potting Shed cafe will be open until the big day.

TripAdvisor rating: The garden centre has a TripAdvisor rating of four. In a five star review, one visitor wrote: "Holidaying in the area and always like to have a coffee at a garden centre and have a look around. Jackson’s is a delight to visit-packed with crafts,clothing,kitchen and household items and of course plants.

"The cafe was a great place to purchase a coffee and cake although there were plenty of other options to chose from. Great place to while away the time although the locals are lucky to have this place on their doorstep."

Flintshire

Daleside Garden Centre

Daleside Garden Centre
Daleside Garden Centre

 

Where? Gladstone Way, Mancot, Deeside CH5 3HF.

When is it open? 9am-5.30pm Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday, 9am-7.30pm on Thursday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. The centre is closed on Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day and closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

What are they doing?  There will be a Santa's Grotto every weekend throughout December until Christmas. A Christmas menu will also be available throughout December.

TripAdvisor rating: The garden centre has a TripAdvisor rating of 3.5 based on 134 reviews.

Recent reviews have been mixed with one customer writing: "Ordered a two course roast lunch. After 25 minute wait went to the service counter to complain. Meals provided within a couple of minutes. Quality not good; a junior hacksaw required to cut the parsnips.

"No front of house organisation whatsoever, no staff - a shambles. The senior management need to get a grip of this place. Very disappointed; this used to be a great place to dine out."

Another reviewer gave the centre a rating of 5, writing: "Sunday lunch with my mum plus 2 free hot drinks.
Lovely Sunday roast, it’s like a home made Sunday dinner. Brought to the table , so no worry if you can’t carry the tray.

"I get 2 free hot drink every month. The staff are all friendly. Reasonably priced."

Woodworks Garden Centre

The Woodworks Garden Centre in Mold

 

Where? Wrexham Road, Mold CH7 4HE.

When is it open? 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Cafe closes an hour before the centre.

What are they doing? You can visit Father Christmas in his Grotto on November 30 and December 1, 7, 14 and 15 from 11am-2pm for £6 per child. There will also be a Christmas menu running throughout December.

TripAdvisor rating: The Woodworks cafe has a rating of 4.5 from 216 reviews out of which 161 are 'excellent'.

Recent reviews have been full of praise for the garden centre cafe. One reviewer wrote: "Visited the cafe having heard good reports. The eating area is part of the garden centre shop with tasty, relaxing decor, rustic furnishings.

"The interesting menu changes from breakfast to lunch midday ; the food is tasty served in a friendly atmosphere. Worth the drive out of town for a pleasant change."

Another five star review reads: "Delicious fresh homemade food. Friendly efficient service. Beautiful setting. Welcoming log burning stove. Disabled access."

Wrexham

Waterways Garden Centre

Waterways Garden Centre
Waterways Garden Centre

Where?  Holt Road, Llan-Y-Pwll, Wrexham, LL13 8NE.

When is it open? 9am-5pm  Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

What are they doing? You can visit Father Christmas every weekend for £5 or have breakfast with Santa every weekend for £10.

TripAdvisor rating: The garden centre cafe has a rating of 4 based on 42 reviews. The most recent review came in May and gave the cafe 5 stars. The visitor wrote: "Visited today, had the most amazing omlette, lovely herbal tea served in proper china tea cup!!! LOVED IT!!!

"Served by lovely ladies, nothing was too much trouble, everywhere was spotlessly clean, if you’ve never been your missing out! See you all again soon!"

Another reviewer wrote: "Visited with my family including 2 children and a baby the women who work there are really friendly and nothing is too much to them. The food was lovely and the service is brilliant. Would definitely recommend."

Bellis Brothers

Bellis Brothers Garden Centre
Bellis Brothers Garden Centre

Where? Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden Centre, Wrexham Road Farm, Wrexham Rd, Holt Village, Wrexham, LL13 9YU.

When is it open?  9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. The restaurant is serving until 4.30pm on the weekdays and 4pm on weekends and bank holidays. The centre will be closed on Christmas day and Boxing Day as well as New Year's Day.

What are they doing? There will be a Santa's Grotto from November 29 and every weekend from 11am until 4pm until December 22. The Strawberry Fields restaurant will be serving Christmas lunch throughout December and the farm shop will be full of festive treats.

TripAdvisor rating: The garden centre and shop has a rating of 4.5 based on 108 reviews, 94 of which are either 'excellent' or 'very good'.

One reviewer wrote: "Lovely place to spend a couple of hours, nice things to buy in shop and very nice lunch in restaurant."

Another five star review reads: "Today we came to pick our own pumpkin for Halloween and it was a fantastic experience. We went through the maze which was so much fun the kids loved it. Would definitely come here again and will be telling my friends about it!!!"

Missed out your favourite? Let us know by using the comments section below.