Bicester Avenue Garden Centre has unveiled plans for a new children’s nursery and a refreshed indoor play experience, marking a significant investment in family-focused facilities ahead of 2026.
The Blue Diamond-owned garden centre will relocate its popular Eat & Play soft play area to a new location within the main restaurant, as part of a £100,000 investment designed to deliver a refreshed look and improved experience for visitors. The updated play area will continue to offer children’s party packages and private hire, with prices remaining unchanged.
As part of the redevelopment, the former Eat & Play space will be transformed through a new partnership with Canopy Children’s Nurseries. The move will see Canopy open its first nursery at the Bicester site, expanding its growing network of nine nurseries across the UK.
Canopy Children’s Nurseries provide a nurturing environment where children are supported to develop, learn and thrive. With a strong nature-focused ethos, children are encouraged to actively engage in caring for the environment.
The new nursery at Bicester Avenue Garden Centre will offer full-time provision for children from birth to five years old, featuring a yurt and forest school sessions alongside full day care.
Canopy Nurseries founder Sarah Charles said:
“It’s a real privilege for us to work with Blue Diamond to open this new nursery. Bicester Avenue is so much more than a garden centre and is becoming a real lifestyle and community hub.
“Our nurseries embrace a love of nature and we want to give parents the chance to see their children blossom in an exceptional environment.”
Alongside the nursery, Bicester Avenue Garden Centre is also planning to open a brand-new play area called Enchanted Garden, located in the centre’s glass atrium. Designed as a fun-filled and stimulating environment, the new attraction will feature slides on two tiers, a ball pit, and a range of twists and turns, helping children to build confidence and develop new skills in a safe setting.
Blue Diamond’s Group Events Manager Rebecca Gurnett said:
“This marks a really exciting new chapter of the Bicester Avenue journey. We know how much you love the play area and the Enchanted Garden will offer upgraded new facilities for families to enjoy all year round.”
Families visiting the garden centre can also enjoy food served directly to their tables from the main Café Théâtre, which offers a wide selection of child-friendly favourites made using fresh, seasonal produce.
The new play area is set to reopen on Monday 23 February, while the Canopy nursery is expected to open its doors in late summer.
