With Christmas fast approaching, we have prepared a list of the five best garden centres for holiday shopping.

From Summerhill Garden Centre to Thurrock Garden Centre, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.

Summerhill Garden Centre

If you are looking for festive wares, Summerhill, on the A127, has stocked up on trees, bright lights, sparkly tinsel and all things distinctly Christmas.

Bosses at the garden centre have said they have been receiving enquiries from customers since June, and opened the Winter Wonderland in August in preparation for the oncoming shoppers.

A spokesman for Summerhill Garden Centre said: “We open our Christmas department over the August Bank Holiday each year, and have done so for many years now.

“We receive many enquiries as early as June from customers wanting to know when the department will be open and this year has been no exception.“

In August, Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council: “I know not everyone loves Christmas, but I really think Summerhill is a jewel in our borough’s crown. I must go ten times a year to look through the decorations.”

Meadow Croft Garden Centre

Meadow Croft,  on Woodham Rd, Battlesbridge, opened the doors to its German Christmas market on September 28, and customers will be able to experience the successful for what is now its tenth year.

It sports more than 30 stalls offering seasonal treats and unique yuletide gifts and decorations.

The stalls are handcrafted by owner Roland Smith, and each year, the garden centre bosses go to Germany to find new crafts and suppliers and many of their products.

Scott’s of Southend

The popular Scott’s garden centre, located on Sutton Road in Rochford, will be hosting its Christmas Afternoon Tea from November 15 to December 24.

In terms of other seasonal fun, the garden centre has its pumpkin patch on offer.

Attendees will need to pay a £5 pass to take a stroll through the patch and select something of any size and any colour.

The £10 per person pumpkin pass that allows people to enjoy unlimited visits to the barn and their outdoor patch throughout the month.

Alton Garden Centre

Alton Garden Centre, on Arterial Road, Wickford, offers a range of festive options for customers to buy including Christmas trees, lights, and decorations.

The centre also offers a range of Christmas trees including artificial trees, pre-lit trees, non-lit trees, real trees, and mini trees.

Decorations range from the Santa carousel, Santa’s toy shop, and toy trains.

Thurrock Garden Centre

Tickets are now available for Thurrock Garden Centre’s Christmas shopping showcase taking place on October 23.

They have said attendees will not be guaranteed entry on the night without a ticket.

Outside of this, the centre offers shopping options for the whole family including seasonal jigsaw puzzles, and various other Christmas trinkets.

The garden centre will also be hosting a Breakfast with Santa event on December 1.