Dobbies Garden Centres - Beaconsfield Avis 120

We popped into dobbies Beaconsfield today because we were in the area, it was freezing not just outside but inside, we looked around very quickly and picked up a few items, when we went to pay the staff were completely freezing, they said they haven't had heat for 4 years in the winter, even their printer wouldn't work it gave an error of too cold.
They were having a delivery of house plants while we were there, and the staff were having to cover them in fleece it was so cold.
There is no way we could spend anymore time browsing it was so cold, but expecting staff to be able to function in that temperature is dreadful, dobbies...you need to do better

I have visited Dobbies in Wendover for the past few years and have always enjoyed the experience. 3 kids under 6 yrs old. However, this year we chose to visit the Beaconsfield store, which is closer to home, and the experience was extremely disappointing — especially given that it cost us over £50.

The walk-through area was much smaller than expected, despite there clearly being space for a larger and more engaging experience. The grotto where Santa sits was also far too small and could not comfortably fit our family inside.

I had booked months in advance to ensure a good time slot and had completely forgotten that I had pre-paid for the photo. This was not mentioned or offered during the grotto experience at all. Instead, a single photo was taken on our mobile phone by one of the elves. I only realised after leaving that I had actually pre-paid for a photo package that we never received.

Santa himself was very unconvincing. He spoke in a strong Cockney accent and did not stay in character, which made the experience feel inauthentic. He also pulled his beard down while talking and then insisted that Nanny sit on his lap, which made us very uncomfortable. As we left, my six-year-old was visibly shocked by Santa’s behaviour and began questioning her belief in Santa, which was upsetting for us as a family.

The elf who took the photo could clearly see my reaction and spent much of the time apologising for Santa’s behaviour.

Overall, the experience was not what we expected or paid for and was a significant let-down compared to previous visits to Dobbies.

Visit date: 20/12/25

Very disappointing.....coffee was lukewarm. Ordered jacket potato which was very small and overcooked and really hard to eat. Side salad consisted of salad leaves and a teapsoon of coleslaw? All in all very underwhelming which was a shame as I was looking forward to using the new cafe. Defintely not worth the £10.00 for the jacket. Was in a hurry otherwise I would have returned the food. Unlikely to revisit.

If I wanted to shop in Alaska, I would have gone by plane!
Seriously though. It was so cold there today I had no desire to shop. I felt sorry for the staff, no one should be expected to work in such . Apparently the existing heating had broken down and there is no intention to get it fixed. I can only hope this situation is temporary and the tons of Christmas goods will soon be packed away so it can be an actual garden centre again.

Wendy and Emma and Ben are amazing and I love visiting this site and have done for many years. But of late I am having to avoid this site until they get the heating fixed. I love to stay for a coffee but the place has no heating and hasn't for many months. It is just too cold to sit there and drink coffee and miserable trying to shop there - inside is colder than out. For now I am going to go elsewhere until this issue is fixed.

Really disappointed with Beaconsfield Dobbies - had booked SantaPaws visit with my dog. Whilst the Upon arrival the store was freezing cold as no heating so very uncomfortable. The staff were very friendly & lovely Santa. The downside was I paid in advance for the photos in order for me to download & print, but there seemed to be a 'glitch' which did not allow me to do so. I contacted via email on several occasions and they have ignored my requests for assistance and now the 30 days have passed so unable to retrieve the photos I paid in advance for. Would def not being using this service again. Very disappointed and money for nothing I paid!

VERY FRIENDLY HELPFUL STAFF AND EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD COFFEE ,JUST NEED SOME NICE CAKE TO GO WITH THE NICE COFFEE AT BEACONSFIELD DOBBIES

Already reviewed and gave comments on garden centre. This time just bought patio gas and was happy.

Amazing staff, great service and good products.

The Garden Centre was very well laid out the staff were helpful and friendly.

A generous and friendly firm. Cakes are too dear in the restaurants.

Beaconsfield Dobbies is always to pleasant to visit.
Know the staff well & always friendly.
Wendy & Emma are fantastic!!

Staff in Beaconsfield very friendly and helpful as usual.

Apart from the stellar service , I take an 88 year old to the coffee bar and today she said to me , I like coming here I feel like part of the family they chat to me and its nice, unfortunately we go other coffee shops and they see an older person and don't chat, dobbies beaconsfield staff are very welcoming and you make my lil old lady very happy for the rest of her day, thankyou

It is a nice little garden centre with friendly, helpful staff

Lovely lady on the till, who helped me locate the product I went in for.

Lots of bargain pansy plants to be found! Although the plants were rather straggly, at 20 for £2.39 it was certainly worth bringing them home for some TLC! Thank you Dobbies.

Very efficient and I gained a lot help from the staff who could not do enough to guide me. I had a lot of queries as I am doing up my garden for 2024 and I managed to make a number of purchases and was super pleased with all of my choices which I could not have made without the help of the staff who are very knowledgeable and approachable.

Lovely friendly staff & good choice of products

Staff have a very friendly and helpful knowledge of plants. Always receive the right advice when looking for a particular plant.