Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has confirmed the sale of Moorland Nurseries & Garden Centre, a long‑established retail horticultural business located between Harrogate and Knaresborough in North Yorkshire.

Founded in 1947, Moorland Nurseries & Garden Centre has been in the same family for 79 years, spanning three generations. The Merrin family have built a highly regarded, community‑focused business featuring a popular garden centre, glasshouses, extensive retail areas, and successful concession partnerships. The 2.54‑acre freehold site also includes a well‑presented 75‑space car park and a café, attracting strong and loyal customer footfall.

The site has been acquired by British Garden Centres, the largest family-owned garden centre group in the UK, bringing the group’s national portfolio to 79 garden centres. The acquisition marks the next chapter for the site, bringing new investment and opportunities to build on the family’s decades of dedication to horticulture and retail in the region.  The site will now operate as Knaresborough Garden Centre and the existing team will remain in place following the acquisition.

The Merrin family commented, “We would like to thank our loyal and valued customers for all their support over the years and wish Charles and his family all the best for the future.”

A spokesperson for British Garden Centres, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Knaresborough Garden Centre to our Family. We are looking forward to continuing the great horticultural background of the site, while developing some of our other ranges in there. The Lime Cafe will stay and be run as a concession.”

Andrew Birnie, Director – Retail & Leisure at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, commented: “Moorland Nurseries & Garden Centre is a much‑loved, long‑standing family business. We received interest from a wide range of potential buyers however we are delighted to have supported its sale to British Garden Centres, whose experience and scale will ensure the site continues to thrive.”