From great cafés to house plants and homeware sections, garden centres have become more than just seeds and shrubbery in recent years.

If you're looking for one to visit near Southampton, there are plenty you can find within a relatively short driving distance.

For many, the opportunity to sit down for a coffee or a quick bite to eat is a great selling point.

If that's what you're looking for in your next garden centre trip, then here are some of the best near Southampton.

5 of the best garden centres with cafes/restaurants near Southampton

Brambridge Park Garden Centre

Address: Kiln Lane, Brambridge, Colden Common, Eastleigh SO50 6HT

Rating: 4.3/5 (from 2,636 Google Reviews)

Brambridge Park Garden Centre is located within the "beautiful walled gardens of the Brambridge estate" and offers an extensive range of products.

This includes gardening items such as tools, compost, fertilisers, homeware, kitchenware and an "exclusive ladies fashion department".

Additionally, it has the Country House Restaurant, which offers "a relaxing atmosphere with a sunny garden and a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options".

Its website adds: "Start your day with a classic Full English Breakfast, or choose from lighter bites like our delicious Eggs Benedict, American-style pancakes, or the ever-popular Breakfast Sundae."

Other options include various cakes, a deli menu and a lunch menu, where you can enjoy burgers, fish and chips and more.

Mayfield Garden Centre

Address: Mayfield Park, Weston Lane, Southampton SO19 9HL

Rating: 4.8/5 (from 435 ratings on Google Reviews) and 4.8/5 (from 58 Tripadvisor reviews)

Mayfield Garden Centre is a not-for-profit garden centre in Southampton, which is run in partnership with the mental health charity Mind.

Its website adds: "Every penny we make from our sales is invested back into helping people with mental health problems."

The centre stocks a wide range of plants, has an independent fresh fruit and vegetable shop on site and a cafe too.

It states: "We offer a range of hot and cold drinks and food, along with a selection of tasty cakes and ice cream, with vegan and gluten-free options available."

You can also book a cream tea here if you fancy.

The Garden Society

Address: Allington Lane, Southampton SO50 7DE

Rating: 4.2/5 (from 1,436 Google Reviews)

The Garden Society offers various gardening items such as water features, planters, outdoor furniture, sculpture, outdoor lights and more.

It also has the Orangery Tea Room on site, which has indoor and outdoor dining for guests.

The menu has all-day brunch, salads, burgers, catch of the day, various coffees and cocktails.

Garthowen Garden Centre

Address: Garthowen Garden Centre, Alton Lane, Four Marks, Alton GU34 5AJ

Rating: 4.6/5 (from 511 Google Reviews)

This independent and family-run garden centre has been in operation since 1957 and has the Treehouse Coffee Shop on site.

Its website adds: "Our menu features a delicious selection, from hearty jacket potatoes to seasonal specials and currently we are offering burgers.

"During the summer, our outdoor seating area is the perfect spot to relax and catch up with friends."

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Haskins Garden Centre

Address: Gaters Mill, Mansbridge Road, West End, Southampton SO18 3HW

Rating: 4.3/5 (from 3,679 reviews)

Haskins in West End is a large store that offers a wide range of gardening products that will cover almost anything you need.

Additional features include its Plant Advice Centre, restaurant and dogs being allowed in the centre.

There's plenty of hot and cold food at the restaurant, including freshly baked cakes, pizza, jacket potatoes, salads and breakfast items.