A POPULAR garden centre’s festive shop is now open following the success of last year’s displays - but a key feature will be missing. 

Perrywood Garden Centre in Tiptree has opened its Christmas store, which proves a big hit with customers every year.

The theme for this year's shop wil be Step Back In Time, with displays taking visitors on a journey back to some of Britain’s best-loved decades from the 1800s to the 1980s.

Unfortunately, unlike last year, Perrywood Garden Centre has opted to ommit the Santa's grotto element of this year's event.

A spokesman for the garden centre said: “After careful consideration, we have decided not to bring back Santa’s Grotto to Perrywood.

“Instead, we have put all our efforts into our Christmas Shop, where there is plenty of photo opportunities.”

Despite this, there will still be lots of new displays and events, including weekly late night shopping evenings.

On November 8 the garden centre will be open until 9pm for the Christmas late night launch event.

The coffee shop and restaurant will be serving Christmas treats until 8.30pm.

The Tiptree site will be open late every Wednesday from November 15 to December 6 until 7.30pm.

The coffee shop and restaurant will be open until 7pm serving Christmas treats for the weekly late night openings.

For those who struggle with loud noise, the music will be turned off every Monday from 8.30am to 9.30am and from 3.30pm to 5pm.

A spokesman for Perrywood Garden Centre said: “Our Christmas Shop at Perrywood Tiptree is now open.

“You told us you loved our ‘Step Back in Time’ theme last Christmas, so guess what, we have brought it back for a second time.

“Revisit our displays from through the decades, reimagined for 2023 with lots of new details, twists and ideas.

“We’ve kept the best bits and brought in some more history, drama and inspiration.

“It’s full of nostalgia, and we know you will love it.

“Take some festive selfies and pick up loads of ideas on how to decorate your home and garden this Christmas.”