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Pennells Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Introduction
Garden centres have changed a lot over the years. They used to be somewhere you went to buy a few plants, compost and perhaps a packet of seeds. These days, the best ones feel more like lifestyle destinations, combining gardening, outdoor furniture, home accessories, gifts, food and even restaurants under one roof.
Pennells is a great example of that evolution.
The Lincolnshire-based family business has an unusually long history. Pennells says it was established in 1780, making it one of the UK's oldest family-run garden centres and plant providers. Today, the eighth generation of the Pennell family is involved in running the business, with three garden centres in Lincoln, Cleethorpes and Sleaford.
And this isn't a tiny traditional nursery either.
The current online shop lists more than 3,500 products across gardening, outdoor living, furniture, homeware, gifts and other categories. Its gardening section alone contains hundreds of products covering compost, fertilisers, tools, pots, planters, lawn care, watering and pest control.
What I find particularly interesting about Pennells is the balance between its traditional garden-centre roots and its modern shopping experience. You can still visit a physical centre, talk to staff and browse plants, but you can also order products online for delivery or choose click and collect.
There is also a restaurant at each centre, adding another reason to visit beyond shopping.
But is Pennells actually worth your time and money in 2026?
After looking at its product range, services, physical centres and recent customer feedback, my answer is yes, with a few reservations.
The gardening selection is impressive, the heritage is hard to beat and the overall experience can be excellent. However, customer feedback is mixed in certain areas, particularly around restaurant value and the condition of some plant displays.
So let's get into the details.
Quick Verdict Table
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Gardening Range | 9.4/10 |
| Plant Selection | 9.2/10 |
| Outdoor Furniture | 9.1/10 |
| Home & Gifts | 9.0/10 |
| Online Shop | 8.8/10 |
| Physical Centres | 9.2/10 |
| Staff & Service | 8.7/10 |
| Restaurant | 8.0/10 |
| Value for Money | 8.4/10 |
| Reputation | 7.8/10 |
| Overall | 8.8/10 |
My verdict: Pennells is well worth visiting if you're shopping for plants, gardening supplies, outdoor furniture or home-and-garden products, especially if you're in Lincolnshire. The online shop makes things easier, while the physical centres add the browsing experience that you simply can't get online.
What Is Pennells?
Pennells is a family-owned garden-centre business operating in Lincolnshire.
Its history dates back to 1780, and the company describes itself as one of the oldest family-run garden centres in the UK. The business is now in its eighth generation, with William Pennell involved alongside his father and company chairman Richard Pennell.
The three current locations are:
- Lincoln
- Cleethorpes
- Sleaford
Each centre offers gardening products alongside other retail categories, while the Lincoln and Cleethorpes sites currently list restaurants and their own opening hours.
More Than a Garden Centre
This is where Pennells becomes interesting.
The online store isn't limited to plants and compost. Current categories include garden furniture, outdoor living, gardening products, home and kitchenware, gifts and other seasonal items. The catalogue currently contains thousands of products.
You can find everything from basic compost and lawn products to large outdoor furniture sets costing well over £1,000.
That makes Pennells much closer to a modern lifestyle garden centre than a traditional plant nursery.
Why Is Pennells Popular?
1. A Huge Amount of Experience
You don't get more than two centuries of family history without learning a thing or two about plants.
The 1780 heritage is one of Pennells' biggest differentiators. It gives the company a story that most modern garden retailers simply cannot replicate.
2. Strong Gardening Selection
This is still the heart of the business.
Pennells currently offers compost, bark, fertilisers, tools, pots, planters, propagation products, lawn care, watering equipment and pest-control products.
For anyone starting a gardening project, that's incredibly convenient.
3. Outdoor Furniture
The furniture selection is surprisingly extensive.
Current online listings include corner sofas, dining sets, bistro furniture, benches, parasols and pergolas. Prices range from relatively accessible pieces to premium outdoor furniture costing several thousand pounds.
4. Physical Shopping Experience
I'm a big fan of online shopping when I know exactly what I need.
But garden furniture is one of those categories where seeing something in person can completely change your decision.
You want to sit on the chair. You want to see whether the cushions feel substantial. You want to understand the actual size of a dining table.
Pennells' physical centres make that possible.
5. Restaurant and Lifestyle Experience
The restaurant gives people another reason to spend time at the centre.
Pennells' current restaurant menu includes breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, snacks and other dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
That transforms a quick garden-shopping trip into more of a day out.
Product/Service Categories Overview
| Category | What You'll Find | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Plants | Garden plants and seasonal selections | 9.2/10 |
| Compost & Bark | Compost, soil, bark and growing products | 9.5/10 |
| Gardening Tools | Hand tools and garden equipment | 9.0/10 |
| Lawn Care | Lawn seed, feeds and maintenance products | 9.2/10 |
| Pots & Planters | Indoor and outdoor planters | 9.3/10 |
| Garden Furniture | Tables, chairs, sofas and dining sets | 9.1/10 |
| Parasols & Shade | Parasols and outdoor shade solutions | 9.0/10 |
| Outdoor Living | Pergolas and garden-lifestyle products | 9.2/10 |
| Home & Kitchenware | Household products and accessories | 8.8/10 |
| Gifts | Gift cards, seasonal items and presents | 9.0/10 |
| Restaurant | Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks | 8.0/10 |
The selection is broad enough that you can easily go in for compost and somehow leave an hour later considering a new garden sofa.
That's both the charm and the danger of a good garden centre.
Key Features and Benefits
Five-Year Hardy Plant Guarantee
One particularly attractive feature is Pennells' five-year hardy plant guarantee at its Lincoln centre.
For gardeners, that's meaningful.
Plants are not like buying a lamp. You can do everything correctly and still occasionally have problems.
A guarantee provides additional confidence when spending more on established plants.
Knowledgeable Staff
Pennells highlights knowledgeable staff with years of experience as one of the benefits of its Lincoln centre.
That human expertise is one of the reasons I would choose a specialist garden centre over a generic retailer.
Delivery and Click & Collect
The online store allows customers to choose between home delivery and click and collect from its centres.
That flexibility is particularly useful for larger purchases.
Local Delivery
The Lincoln centre also advertises a delivery service to the local area.
This is handy for bulky items such as furniture, compost or planters.
Accessibility
The Lincoln centre describes itself as wheelchair accessible, with ramps, wide walkways, an accessible toilet and suitable restaurant tables.
Environmental Efforts
Pennells says a large majority of waste at its Lincoln centre is recycled rather than burned for fuel.
It's a small detail, but one I appreciate from a business built around nature and gardening.
My First Impressions of Pennells
My first impression of Pennells is that it feels much more like a destination than a conventional shop.
That's what I personally want from a garden centre.
If I'm buying compost, I want to get what I need quickly. But if I'm looking for plants, garden furniture or ideas for redesigning an outdoor space, I want somewhere that encourages me to browse.
Pennells seems built around that second experience.
The product range is broad, and the combination of gardening products, outdoor furniture, gifts and food means there is plenty to explore.
I also like the fact that the business hasn't abandoned its traditional identity.
The 1780 heritage is not just a marketing gimmick; it is part of the company's family ownership story, with the eighth generation currently involved.
At the same time, the webshop gives Pennells a much more modern feel.
If you already know you need 50 litres of compost or a particular lawn product, you don't necessarily need to drive to the garden centre.
You can order online instead.
That combination works well.
Product Quality and Performance Analysis
Plants — 9.2/10
Plants should be the category where a garden centre earns its reputation, and Pennells generally receives positive feedback for plant quality.
One 2024 reviewer described the plants at the Lincoln centre as being in excellent condition and praised the overall garden-centre experience.
There is a caveat, though.
A 2025 reviewer with extensive experience in the garden-centre trade criticized the Lincoln plant area, reporting dry plants, weeds and poorly managed climbing plants.
That contrast tells me something useful: plant quality and presentation may vary by visit and season.
I'd still rate the category highly, but I wouldn't assume every plant will always be perfect.
Gardening Supplies — 9.5/10
This is arguably Pennells' strongest category.
The current gardening section includes 762 listed products, covering everything from compost and bark to tools, fertilisers, watering equipment and lawn care.
That's a serious selection.
Whether you're a beginner planting a few pots or an experienced gardener renovating an entire border, you'll probably find something useful.
Garden Furniture — 9.1/10
The furniture range is impressive.
Current listings include adjustable corner sets, lounge sets, dining furniture, bistro sets, benches and parasols.
The main thing I'd recommend is seeing expensive furniture in person before buying where possible.
A £1,500 outdoor sofa deserves more than a quick look at a product photograph.
Homeware and Gifts — 9.0/10
This category gives Pennells broader appeal.
Gift cards, home accessories, seasonal products and small gifts make it easier to find something even when you're not shopping for the garden.
Restaurant — 8.0/10
The restaurant is more difficult to rate because customer experiences are mixed.
The current menu includes breakfast options such as the Gardener's Breakfast at £9.99 and Pennells Breakfast at £10.99, alongside vegetarian and vegan options.
Some customers praise the food and service, while others have criticized portion sizes, taste, prices or waiting times.
I'd treat the restaurant as a pleasant bonus rather than the main reason to choose Pennells.
Detailed Ratings Table
| Factor | Rating | My Take |
|---|---|---|
| Gardening Products | 9.5/10 | Excellent breadth |
| Plant Selection | 9.2/10 | Strong overall |
| Outdoor Furniture | 9.1/10 | Excellent variety |
| Home & Gifts | 9.0/10 | Good lifestyle selection |
| Online Shop | 8.8/10 | Convenient and broad |
| Physical Centres | 9.2/10 | Strong destination experience |
| Staff | 8.7/10 | Generally positive feedback |
| Delivery | 8.7/10 | Useful for large purchases |
| Restaurant | 8.0/10 | Mixed customer opinions |
| Value | 8.4/10 | Good selection, not always cheapest |
| Overall | 8.8/10 | Recommended |
Pros and Cons
Pros
| Pros | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Established in 1780 | Exceptional heritage and experience |
| Family-run business | Personal, independent character |
| Three Lincolnshire centres | Good regional accessibility |
| Excellent gardening range | Covers most gardening needs |
| Large outdoor furniture selection | Useful for garden makeovers |
| Five-year hardy plant guarantee | Added confidence on eligible plants |
| Online shopping | Convenient alternative to visiting |
| Click & collect | Flexible collection option |
| Restaurants | Makes visits more enjoyable |
| Gift cards and gifts | Useful for birthdays and special occasions |
Cons
| Cons | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Some products can feel expensive | Not every item will beat online prices |
| Restaurant feedback is mixed | Food and value aren't universally praised |
| Plant presentation can vary | Some customer visits have reported poor upkeep |
| Physical centres are regional | Mainly useful to Lincolnshire shoppers |
| Large furniture requires planning | Delivery and space need consideration |
| Online review score is mixed | Reputation isn't uniformly positive |
Performance Score Chart
Gardening Range ███████████████████░ 9.5/10 Plant Selection ██████████████████░░ 9.2/10 Garden Furniture ██████████████████░░ 9.1/10 Physical Centres ██████████████████░░ 9.2/10 Home & Gifts ██████████████████░░ 9.0/10 Online Shopping █████████████████░░░ 8.8/10 Staff & Service █████████████████░░░ 8.7/10 Delivery █████████████████░░░ 8.7/10 Value for Money ████████████████░░░░ 8.4/10 Restaurant ████████████████░░░░ 8.0/10 Overall ██████████████████░░ 8.8/10
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Pennells' reputation is probably the most complicated part of the review.
The business has a long history and plenty of loyal customers, but its current Trustpilot score isn't particularly strong.
The latest Trustpilot listing shows a score around 2.9/5 from 23 reviews, although Trustpilot also states that the company has not invited customers to leave reviews, so the reviews may not be representative of the wider customer base.
And when you actually read the reviews, the picture becomes more nuanced.
Some customers are extremely positive.
A 2024 reviewer described the Lincoln garden centre as fantastic, praising its product range, Christmas displays, plants, restaurant and friendly staff.
A May 2025 reviewer also praised the range of stock, reasonable prices, plants and café, while mentioning that staff handled a delayed garden-furniture delivery well.
There are also more recent four- and five-star experiences.
However, several customers have criticized the restaurant.
A May 2026 reviewer described the food as bland and the coffee as poor, while another 2026 review raised concerns about kitchen capacity and the pressure on restaurant staff.
A separate 2025 reviewer was highly critical of the Lincoln plant area, describing dry plants and poor housekeeping.
So I'd describe Pennells' reputation as mixed rather than poor.
The strongest feedback tends to focus on the shopping experience, plants, product range and staff.
The weaker feedback is more concentrated around restaurant experiences and occasional concerns about plant presentation.
Who Should Buy Pennells?
Gardeners
This is the obvious answer.
If you're serious about gardening, Pennells' range is one of its strongest reasons to shop there.
New Gardeners
Beginners can also benefit because you can find compost, tools, pots, plants, fertilisers and other essentials in one place.
And having knowledgeable staff available is useful when you're not entirely sure what you need.
Homeowners Redesigning Outdoor Spaces
The combination of plants, planters, furniture, parasols and outdoor-living products makes Pennells particularly useful for a complete garden makeover.
Gift Shoppers
Gift cards, plants, garden accessories and seasonal products give you plenty of options.
Families Looking for a Day Out
Because the centres combine shopping with restaurants and seasonal displays, they're more suitable for browsing than a simple online garden retailer.
Who Might Want to Shop Elsewhere?
If you're purely price-driven, compare Pennells against online retailers before buying.
Likewise, if you live far outside Lincolnshire, an online specialist or local garden centre may be more convenient.
Comparison With Competitors
| Retailer Type | Gardening Range | Plants | Furniture | Personal Experience | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennells | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| National Garden Centre Chain | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Online Garden Retailer | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Local Independent Nursery | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| DIY/Home Improvement Chain | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
Pennells' sweet spot is somewhere between an independent nursery and a major lifestyle garden centre.
It has the range of a larger retailer but retains the family-run identity and specialist gardening focus.
That's a combination I really like.
8 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Pennells?
Pennells is a family-owned garden-centre business in Lincolnshire, operating centres in Lincoln, Cleethorpes and Sleaford. The business dates back to 1780.
2. Where are Pennells garden centres located?
Pennells currently operates centres in Lincoln, Cleethorpes and Sleaford.
3. Does Pennells sell plants?
Yes. Plants remain one of the central parts of its garden-centre offering, alongside gardening supplies and equipment.
4. Does Pennells sell garden furniture?
Yes. Its online shop currently includes dining sets, lounge furniture, corner sofas, bistro sets, benches and parasols.
5. Can I shop at Pennells online?
Yes. Pennells has an online shop offering thousands of products, with options for home delivery or click and collect.
6. Does Pennells have restaurants?
Yes. Its centres have restaurants, with menus including breakfast, lunch, snacks, sandwiches and other food options.
7. Does Pennells offer a plant guarantee?
The Lincoln centre advertises a five-year hardy plant guarantee.
8. Is Pennells worth it in 2026?
Yes, particularly if you want a broad gardening selection, outdoor furniture and the experience of shopping at an established family-run garden centre. I'd compare prices on expensive purchases and treat restaurant reviews with a little caution because customer experiences vary.
Final Verdict
So, is Pennells worth it in 2026?
For me, the answer is yes — especially if you're a gardener rather than simply someone looking to buy a cheap plant.
The 1780 heritage gives Pennells an identity that is difficult for newer garden retailers to replicate. It's now an eighth-generation family business with three Lincolnshire centres, an online shop and a huge range of gardening, outdoor-living and home products.
The gardening selection is the real star.
From compost and bark to lawn care, tools, pots, planters, watering equipment and pest control, the current online catalogue covers a remarkable amount of ground.
I also like the outdoor-living side of the business.
If you're planning a complete garden makeover, being able to browse plants, furniture, parasols and accessories in the same place is genuinely useful.
The online store adds another layer of convenience, especially with delivery and click-and-collect options.
The biggest area I'd approach with slightly lower expectations is the restaurant.
There are plenty of positive comments about the food and staff, but recent reviews also criticize taste, coffee quality, pricing and service.
I'd also remember that garden-centre experiences can vary by season and location. A plant display that looks fantastic in spring may look completely different during a busy summer weekend.
That's why I wouldn't let one negative review put me off the entire business.
The overall proposition is simply too strong.
Final Rating: 8.8/10
Best for: Gardeners, homeowners, outdoor-living shoppers, plant lovers and anyone who enjoys browsing a traditional garden centre with modern retail options.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who only care about the lowest price or customers who live far from Lincolnshire and don't benefit from the physical centres.
My personal recommendation? If you're anywhere near one of the three Pennells centres, I'd make the visit rather than simply shopping online. The real advantage is being able to see the plants, furniture and seasonal displays in person.
And if you go for “just a bag of compost,” don't blame me when you come home with three plants, a planter and ideas for completely redesigning the garden.
That, ultimately, is what Pennells does best: it makes gardening feel less like a chore and more like something you actually want to spend time doing.
