Here are five of the best garden centres in the county to enjoy a brew and a sweet treat.
1. Thetford Garden Centre
Where: Kilverstone, Thetford, IP24 2RL
Baked goods at Thetford Garden Centre (Image: Thetford Garden Centre)
Lime Kiln Kitchen at Thetford Garden Centre is a strong shout for a coffee and cake because it treats the café as a destination in its own right, not just a bolt‑on to the plants.
The café has its own bakery on site and offers a wide variety of homemade cakes, pastries and gelato.
Customers can enjoy views over Kilverstone Estate’s parkland, plentiful seating and dog‑friendly spots outside.
2. Fakenham Garden Centre
Where: Mill Road, Hempton, Fakenham, NR21 7LH
One of the cakes on offer at Fakenham Garden Centre (Image: Instagram/Fakenham Garden Centre)
Fakenham Garden Centre is a family-run, reliable spot for a proper slice of cake and a good coffee, with enough choice on the counter to turn a quick pit‑stop into a lingering treat.
The café leans into homely, classic bakes rather than frills, so you’re more likely to find a generous wedge of sponge or traybake than something fussy.
The garden centre on the outskirts of the market town was named the best in the east of England at an awards ceremony last year.
3. Urban Jungle
Where: Ringland Lane, Costessey, NR8 5BG
Urban Jungle in Costessey (Image: Denise Bradley)
Urban Jungle in Costessey feels more like stepping into a tropical glasshouse than a conventional garden centre – and the café leans into that atmosphere.
Tucked among foliage and statement plants, it’s the sort of place where you drink your coffee surrounded by greenery.
With indoor and outdoor seating, you can perch under the canopy of jungle‑style planting or sit out on warmer days, making it a handy stop whether you’re plant‑hunting or just after somewhere a bit different for coffee and cake near Norwich.
4. Holt Garden Centre
Where: Holgate Hill, Kelling, Holt, NR25 7ER
The café at Holt Garden Centre (Image: Newsquest)
Holt Garden Centre’s Garden Terrace Café serves everything from home‑cooked food, freshly baked cakes and breakfasts, set against a backdrop of countryside views.
You can sit inside or out, watch the occasional steam train roll by and let the children loose in the play area while you linger over a coffee and a sweet treat.
An in‑house bakery turns out scones, cakes and desserts, and the menu runs from brunch and light lunches to Sunday roasts and afternoon tea.
5. Moulton Nurseries
Where: Acle Road, Moulton St Mary, Norwich, NR13 3AP
The coffee shop at Moulton Nurseries (Image: Newsquest)
Moulton Nurseries, just outside Acle at Moulton St Mary, is a traditional, family‑run garden centre where the focus is still very much on plants.
Its Greenhouse Coffee Shop is a big part of the draw, serving homemade cakes cooked breakfasts, traditional meals, sandwiches and paninis.
It also has a takeaway menu for people heading back to the Broads and there is free parking, free Wi‑Fi, with a covered dog‑friendly seating area.