Tates of Sussex

Tates of Sussex is a family-run group of garden centers and lifestyle shops across East and West Sussex. It brings together South Downs Nurseries, Mayberry Garden Centre, Old Barn Garden Centre and Paradise Park Garden Centre. Alongside in-store shopping, its online catalog covers plants, practical gardening supplies, landscaping and furnishings for outdoor spaces.

Plants and gardening supplies

The group says most of its plants are grown in its own Sussex nurseries and at selected British nurseries. Its outdoor range includes bedding plants, bulbs and seeds, climbers, roses, shrubs, perennials, hedging, herbs, pond plants and fruit and ornamental trees. Indoor options include flowering and foliage plants, ferns, palms, trailing plants, carnivorous plants and plants for terrariums.

Composts, soil conditioners, plant food, pots, propagation supplies, tools, watering equipment and lawn-care products support planting and ongoing maintenance. Landscaping ranges extend to paving, decorative aggregates, fencing, trellis, screening and lawn edging. Furniture, outdoor cooking and heating, lighting, garden storage, gazebos and water features form the outdoor living offer. Homewares, gifts and supplies for pets and garden wildlife broaden the departments beyond gardening.

Four garden centers

The stores have their own enquiry numbers: South Downs Nurseries uses 01273 845232; Mayberry Garden Centre, 01273 422747; Old Barn Garden Centre, 01403 710000; and Paradise Park Garden Centre, 01273 512123. Product enquiries can also be directed to a chosen store through the group’s contact form.

Tates Administration Offices at Avis Road, Newhaven, BN9 0DH is the group’s registered address. It is distinct from the four garden centers.

Restaurants, coffee shops and visiting with dogs

Dining is part of the garden center experience. Tables are generally allocated on arrival, although large groups may arrange a booking with the individual center. Afternoon tea can be booked in advance and is served between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed in the centers, but dining arrangements differ. At South Downs Nurseries, dogs may use the coffee-shop seating behind the Heritage Centre and the gardens, rather than the main barn restaurant. Paradise Park provides dog-friendly outdoor tables; dogs may pass through between the terrace and store but are otherwise excluded from the indoor coffee shop and restaurant. Dogs are also excluded from Paradise Park Attractions & Gardens. At Old Barn they are permitted in the coffee pod, rather than the restaurant, while Mayberry has dog-friendly tables inside its coffee shop. Dogs must stay on leads and at ground level around tables.

Rewards and gift options

Tates Rewards links shopping to a customer account; app users need to sign in through the Shop tab to collect points on online purchases. eGift vouchers arrive by email and can be forwarded or printed, then presented on a phone or on paper at any branch. The stated validity is two years from purchase. Paradise Park annual-pass gift vouchers use a separate process: the paper voucher is exchanged at admission for a named annual ID pass.