Business Details
Heaton Fold Garden Centre in Bolton
Heaton Fold Garden Centre is a Bolton-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities through meaningful work experience. Established over 25 years ago, we provide vocational training in horticulture and retail, enabling participants to develop practical skills through tasks such as planting, stock management, and community projects. Our garden centre offers a comprehensive range of plants, garden supplies, and artisan gifts, while our on-site cafe, Claude's Cafe, serves seasonal meals and artisanal treats.As a council facility, all profits directly support our mission to enhance facilities and sustain our students' placements. We host monthly Artisan Markets celebrating local businesses and charities, reinforcing our commitment to community engagement. Our team prioritises accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring a welcoming environment for customers and participants alike.
Services
Garden plants
Garden supplies
Bird and pet products
Seasonal items
Gift shop
Cafe services
Artisan markets
Work experience program
Highlights and features
- We empower adults with disabilities through vocational training programs
- Offering a wide range of plants, garden supplies, and artisan gifts
- Hosting monthly Artisan Markets supporting local businesses and charities
- Accepting secure card payments across all facilities
- Combining horticultural expertise with community-focused initiatives
Associations and certifications
- HTA National Gift Voucher Scheme
What people say
Supports local charities
Excellent plant selection
Delicious artisan cakes
Friendly staff
Charming community atmosphere
Services
Garden Centre
Our garden centre offers bedding plants, perennials, trees, shrubs, and horticultural supplies. We provide compost, aggregates, and garden sundries alongside specialist pet and bird care products. Seasonal displays feature Christmas decorations and rock salt.
Claude's Cafe
Claude's Cafe serves hot meals, artisan cakes, and beverages Wednesday-Sunday. Our menu includes toasties, sandwiches, fish and chips, and seasonal specials. We offer gluten-free and vegan options with Kelly's Cornish Ice Cream available.
Artisan Markets
Monthly Artisan Markets showcase 25+ local businesses and charities. Events occur on the fourth Sunday of each month featuring handmade gifts, crafts, and community-focused initiatives supporting small enterprises.
Work Experience
We provide structured work experience for adults with disabilities. Participants gain skills in planting, stock management, and community projects while developing social and employment capabilities through practical horticultural tasks.
Gift Shop
Our gift shop offers unique homeware, fashion accessories, and artisan products. Seasonal Christmas displays feature bespoke hampers, decorations, and specialty gifts with a selection of indoor plants and gardening accessories.
Questions
Why does Heaton Fold only accept card payments?
For security reasons, we operate a card-only policy across all facilities to ensure safe transactions and staff protection.
What work experience opportunities do you offer?
We provide structured horticultural training for adults with disabilities, including planting, stock management, and community projects.
When is Claude's Cafe open?
Our cafe operates Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00-15:00, serving seasonal meals and artisanal beverages.
What are your Artisan Markets?
Monthly events showcasing 25+ local businesses and charities, featuring handmade gifts and community-focused initiatives.
Can I purchase gift vouchers?
Yes, we participate in the HTA National Gift Voucher Scheme for convenient gifting options.
Reviews (4)
Ann Prax
Dec 16, 2021
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Not the best value for money, but a lovely garden centre to visit and always a nice selection of plants. They used to welcome dogs, but sadly no longer. Haven't used the cafe, but seems to be popular.
Dee Lister
Nov 21, 2021
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Great little cafe to sit and enjoy the view of a nearby nature reserve. Nice selection of food and drink for many tastes. My scone and the lemon meringue was yummy.
Spacious layout, well managed service with friendly and efficient staff. Toilets in the building. Only a quick look around the garden centre as we cycled there. Saw everything I'd be after for the garden whilst perusing. There's some festive scenes (Nov 2021) and things for the kids at at the moment. Do pop in the shop whilst you're there for handmade small business goods.
Spacious layout, well managed service with friendly and efficient staff. Toilets in the building. Only a quick look around the garden centre as we cycled there. Saw everything I'd be after for the garden whilst perusing. There's some festive scenes (Nov 2021) and things for the kids at at the moment. Do pop in the shop whilst you're there for handmade small business goods.
Michelle Parkinson
Nov 05, 2021
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Lovely little place hidden behind the crematorium. Not the cheapest of places but very nice food and very pleasant and helpful staff x
Susan Green
Oct 15, 2021
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Lovely cuppa in this new restaurant area. Very clean and well maintained, good selection of plants and various other goods
