Gates Garden Centre is getting ready to celebrate its 75th anniversary next month.

Established in 1948 by Fred and Ivy Gates, the Gates Garden Centre was originally created within the walls of a large Victorian kitchen garden belonging to Cold Overton Hall. Still on the same site today, the centre has expanded considerably over the years, but still retains its traditional family values.

Gates can be found on the Rutland-Leicestershire border and offers over 12,000 square metres of retail and leisure facilities, from indoor and outdoor plants, water features and garden products, to patio furniture, barbecues, clothing, gifts, homeware and pet care.

There's also a large, farm shop, a restaurant with sunny balcony, a cosy coffee shop, play area for the kids and dedicated dog walking field.

The centre also hosts an annual Christmas display, making it a popular spot for families and Christmas-lovers from Rutland and the surrounding counties. 

Have you ever been to visit the Gates Garden Centre Christmas displays? Image credit: Gates Garden Centre.

Last year's Christmas display was awarded the GCA award for Best Destination Garden Centre.

At the start of July, the centre celebrated another prestigious award from the GCA, having been recognised for top customer service and its outdoor living and lifestyle stock.

The team were also recognised in the Rutland and Melton Independent Shop competition hosted by MP Alicia Kearns.

The team at Gates have celebrated multiple award wins in recent months. Image credit: Gates Garden Centre.

Now, they are getting ready to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the family-run garden centre.

As such, on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August 2023, the team will be hosting a family fun day to mark the occasion.

From 10am until 4pm, join the team to celebrate their 75th anniversary at Gates Garden Centre in Cold Overton near Oakham.

The team said: "The Gates Family Fun Weekend is an opportunity for us to say thank you to all our customers, old and new, who have supported our business over the past 75 years. Share in our celebrations and enjoy a fun day out with the family."

Events and attractions on the day will include:

Traditional Children's Fun Fair

Including a carousel, boat swings, chairoplanes, high striker, hook-a-duck and coconut shy.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Delight in expansive rural countryside views from a tethered hot air balloon (weather depending).

Falconry and Owl Experience

Experience the joy of seeing these magnificent birds close up and in flight.

Charity Raffle

Win prizes worth over £2,500, including a stunning Hartman Singapore 4-piece dining set worth £1,679, in our Charity Raffle with ALL proceeds going to the Gates Annual Charity for 2023 - Dove Cottage Day Hospice.

Vintage Tractors and Classic Cars

Wander around some fine examples of Rutland and Leicestershire's best vintage tractors and classic cars.

Live Music

Bask in the sun whilst listening to 1940s inspired live music throughout the day.

Pimm's Bar

Enjoy a refreshing, fruity Pimm's from our Pimm's Bar

Barbecue and Pizza Oven Demos

Learn how to barbecue like a pro and create the perfect pizza, enjoy scrumptious tasters from Weber and Ooni and be in with a chance to win your very own Weber barbecue and Ooni pizza oven.

Gates 1948 Gin Sampling and Cocktail Tasting

Watch as we create perfect summer cocktails with Gates own 1948 Gin, launched to mark our 75th Anniversary and inspired by English country garden botanicals.

Delicious Food and Drink

Enjoy a wide range of food and drink options in various locations across our site, including delicious Afternoon Tea in the Garden Restaurant.

Gates Garden Centre, Somerby Road, Cold Overton, Oakham. Image credit: Google Maps.

Parking, entry to the event and all fun fair rides are free.

The centre is also open every day of the week:

Monday - Saturday, 8am - 5:30pm

Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Alternatively, head to our What's On page for more local events, family fun days and school holiday activities.