Van Hage is a large garden centre in Hertfordshire. It has a massive free car park and the garden centre itself covers a very generous sized area, both indoors and outside. In addition to the huge selection of brands and items for sale, there is also a restaurant, miniature railway (small additional charge), free animal gardens and various events.
![Van Hage animal gardens Van Hage, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire, places to go, things to do, days out, garden centre, animal gardens](https://frankenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/photogrid_1478559852066-1024x1024.jpg)
![Van Hage Animal Gardens Van Hage, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire, places to go, things to do, days out, garden centre, animal gardens, wildlife](https://frankenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/wp-image-1801889600jpg-1024x1024.jpeg)
During the festive season, they also have a very popular ice rink. Sessions can be booked online in advance, which is essential during busier periods. There are dedicated parent and toddler slots and a very limited number of SEND sessions too. Prices vary, but most sessions cost £10 per adult or £8 per adults, with certain concessions available, plus there is an additional charge for supports from £5 each. Further details are on the website.
Van Hage has a great Christmas selection, with cute displays and a Santa’s Grotto. I don’t know what the actual grotto experience is like as we haven’t visited, but the rest of the garden centre certainly helps us to get into the Christmas spirit!
![Van Hage at Christmas Van Hage, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire, places to go, things to do, days out, garden centre, reindeer, family fun, festive, Christmas, winter](https://frankenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/wp-image-186710994jpg-819x1024.jpeg)
![Van Hage at Christmas Van Hage, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire, places to go, things to do, days out, garden centre, festive, winter, Christmas, family fun](https://frankenlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/photogrid_1478560411768-1024x1024.jpg)
More photos from a previous visit can be found here.