Thornes Garden Nursery is a family-run business operating since December 2000.

Our centre is an extremely pleasant place to visit for all of the family.  You are welcome to walk around, see our extensive range of plants, pots, garden ornaments and our great range of hens for the garden.  We even have a family of Rhia on site.

Why not then drop into the Potting Shed Café for a bite to eat?  We offer cooked breakfasts, delicious lunches, homemade soups and daily specials, scrumptious handmade made cakes (including gluten free/dairy free and vegan), plus a great range of teas, soft drinks and real coffee.  We even have a dog-friendly area in our Orangery, so you can sit and eat your lunch or have a coffee and bring your pooch with you.  We are close to many walks and cycle paths in the area such as the Letchworth GC Greenway (http://www.greenway.org.uk), handy for a stop for refreshment!

Our site is mostly wheelchair friendly, although to get to some chicken areas it is necessary to travel over (short) grass.  We also welcome well-behaved dogs around the centre, but we ask that they are kept on a lead at all times because of the livestock.

Our Christmas Market for 2024 Is Here!

It’s our second-ever Christmas craft market event and we’re excited for the day!
With free entry to the public, join us for a festive day filled with local crafts, artisan products, delicious food, and Christmas cheer. Free entry for the public and a fantastic opportunity to shop local this holiday season!

What Time & When?
Sunday, December 1st   | 11AM – 3PM
Want to run a stall? We’d love to have you join us! To secure your stall, please send an email to: thornesmarket@gmail.com

Next time you visit this page may look a little different – Webpage changes are underway but may take some time to be implemented 🙂


We are very proud to announce that we have been awarded a Certificate of Excellence in 2017, 2018 and 2019 by Trip Advisor because of our wonderful customers and their great reviews. Everyone at Thorne’s would like to thank you all and look forward to seeing you soon.   Click to see more…


Stuart C

"Second visit to this great little garden centre café and this time with the wife! Great location, excellent food and friendly staff. Shop has great gift ideas, plant selection is very good and café superb! Definitely worth a visit."

Martin P

Good food all home cooked, always clean and tidy, and great staff what more do you want in a café.

 Phillip S

Good snacks and lunches with a friendly atmosphere . Once you've been a few times the staff usually know what you'd like as soon as you arrive . Unless you change your mind of course!