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The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need for the Hulme Community Garden Centre

| Last Updated: November 2024

Gardening is such an underrated hobby that many of us have totally overlooked. Not only does it let you get your hands dirty (in a good way) and connect with nature, but it’s also been scientifically proven to boost your mental health by reducing stress and sharpening your mind.

We love gardening because it makes the day sunshiney-better! We’re glad that there are actual community gardens where one can make new friends and build meaningful connections, even with an activity this “mundane.”

If you’re living in the great Mancunian neighbourhoods of Hulme, Whalley Range, or Chorlton, surely you’ve at least heard about the Hulme Community Garden Centre (HCGC).  Keep reading to find out why this garden is the perfect spot for both plants and people. 

What is the Hulme Community Garden Centre?

The Hulme Community Garden Centre is a two-acre (around 8,000 sq.m.) garden and non-profit organisation in Hulme, Manchester. Since its establishment in 2000, it has been a key player in promoting gardening and eco-friendly practices in the Manchester area.

Essentially, it’s a community garden that organises gardening events, offers horticultural education, and provides opportunities for socialising and volunteering for residents of Hulme and nearby neighbourhoods.

Where is the Hulme Community Garden Centre located?

hulme-community-garden-centre-manchester-map
Image Source: Google Maps

The HCGC is at 28 Old Birley Street in Hulme, just south of Manchester’s city centre. It’s a favourite spot for people from Hulme and nearby areas like Bradford, Chorlton, and Whalley Range to escape into nature, even just for a little while.

Best Time to Visit the Hulme Community Garden Centre 

The HCGC is open every day. However, do note these nuances in the garden’s business hours:

  • Monday to Saturdays – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sundays and Bank Holidays -10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The best days most people look forward to visiting are during the annual Summer Party and the Halloween-themed Apple and Pumpkin Day. For updates and more details on these events, check HCGC’s Facebook page.

How to Get to the Hulme Community Garden Centre

Getting to the Hulme Community Garden Centre from Manchester city centre is simple. If you’re driving, it’s just a 10-15 minute trip.

Closest bus stop: Riding the bus to the HCGC is easy, too. Hop on the 86 stagecoach to Ashton (or the 256 stagecoach going to Flixton) at Piccadilly Gardens (Stop M) and get off at the stop at Hulme, near Royce Road. 

From there, walk a few minutes towards Royce Road and Old Birley Street to get to the community garden centre.

The return trip is easier—there’s a bus stop right in front of the garden centre for buses heading back to Manchester city centre. In particular, the 86 bus stops right here on the way back to Piccadilly from Ashton.

Things Good to Know Before Going

While there’s not a whole bunch of things to consider before giving the Hulme Community Garden Centre a visit, we think it’s still best to know these stuff:

  • No entrance fees. Making a visit to the HCGC is totally free of charge but we urge you to help the garden’s cause by volunteering (more on this below) or making a purchase at the HCGC gift shop.
  • There’s accessible toilets (with baby changing facilities). As the HCGC works with individuals with special and accessibility needs, the facilities are designed to accommodate them.
  • Street parking is available. No need to worry on where to leave your car while in the HCGC, since there is free parking just across the premises (do note the local parking rules on the street posts).

What to Do and See in the Hulme Community Garden Centre

The HCGC is a great venue for people who simply love to be with nature or have green-thumbed interests. Check out what the centre has in store for everyone, below:

Stroll around the garden

Media from HCGC

Stop and smell the roses (or any other flower you’ll see) at HCGC. 

You’ll find a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetable plants growing here throughout the year. This makes every visit a delightful experience for your senses.

Whether you come alone, with friends, or with your significant other, HCGC is the perfect place to relax your mind and refresh your soul. Take a leisurely stroll around the garden and enjoy the beauty of nature—all for free!

Learn all about gardening

Media from HCGC

The friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers at HCGC are always happy to answer your gardening questions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll definitely pick up some new tips to help your plants thrive—just ask!

On the other hand, if you’re scouting for formal training on horticulture, HCGC also offers bespoke training for schools, companies, and other organisations.

Lastly, if you’re looking for professional gardening advice or are looking to commission work for say, your home’s landscaping, HCGC has also got you covered. Easily book a consultation or site visit with them to get started.

Buy a plant to start or add to your garden

Media from HCGC

The Hulme Community Garden Centre offers a wide variety of plants, from seeds to tall trees, as well as garden and pond plants, and other gardening supplies. 

Different kinds of seeds can be bought from the gift shop, while seedlings and other older plants are always available for purchase.

The centre’s plant roster is frequently updated, so be sure to follow its Facebook page for the latest updates.

Shop local crafts at the gift shop

Media from HCGC

If you want to take something home besides plants, check out the gift shop. It offers a wonderful selection of gifts, cards, and handcrafted items made by local artisans. 

As of this writing, there are postcards, handmade soaps, and eco-friendly laundry supplies available in the Hulme Community Garden Centre gift shop.

By purchasing from the shop, you’ll get to support both the HCGC and Manchester’s local artists.

Volunteer at the Hulme Community Garden

Media from HCGC

HCGC is a charity and it’s always looking for kind, helping hands! Spend your extra time volunteering—here are a couple of areas you can be of great help in:

  • Maintaining the garden. Plant seeds, trim bushes, and water plants—you’re in a community garden after all!
  • Woodworking. Mend broken planters, make new wooden creations, or pass on the knowledge how to do them to another person. 
  • Creating arts and crafts. Everyone can share their artistic skills and contribute to making the craft items sold at the gift shop.
  • Doing administrative stuff. Volunteer even for the boring stuff and assist all-around the HCGC or help out as volunteer office support personnel.

Do remember to first submit a registration form (in-person or via email), as it’s a requirement before you can volunteer. Get a copy onsite or download one on the HCGC website.

Join SEN-supported group sessions

Media from HCGC

The Hulme Community Garden Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, including those with special education needs (SEN).

Join in the fun by putting on your gardening gloves to care for the plants, or try your hand at woodworking during the SEN group sessions every Friday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon. There’s a small fee of £3 fee and pre-registration is needed, but it’s always a blast!

Make the kids plant

Media from HCGC

You read that right! Even the youngsters can explore their interests in gardening at HCGC. 

There’s a Parent & Toddler Club every Thursday from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Register your spot for just for £4 (inclusive of materials and a drink for the kiddos).

HCGC also offers home education sessions for older kids (aged six to 11), especially those who are homeschooled. This can be a great addition to their life skills and development.

Enjoy the community events

Media from HCGC

Aside from the plants, the community events are the life of the Hulme Community Garden.

There are numerous events all-year round like the staple Summer Party every July and the Apple and Pumpkin day near Halloween. Our team’s favourite recent event was the Green Island Festival—it had a great lineup of musical acts this year!

You’ll never run out of opportunities for connecting with new people or simply just having fun.

Hold your own parties at the Hulme Community Garden

Media from HCGC

The HCGC is offering a couple of its facilities for hire to use in meetings and events. Who knows, maybe you’ll have an event so popular that it lands on our next list of festivals in Manchester you shouldn’t miss!

You can book the Strawbale Classroom, Garden Tunnel, Marquee, or even the whole community garden itself for your special day. 

Send an inquiry to the HCGC anytime.

Where to Eat near the Hulme Community Garden Centre

Cafe Sorrel

Media from Cafe Sorrel Manchester

Address: Hulme Community Garden Centre, 28 Old Birley St, Hulme, Manchester M15 5RG
Phone: 7979 396295
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Good to know: Great for kids and pets; the menu changes regularly
Website
Menu

Cafe Sorrel is the cosy on-site cafe at the Hulme Community Garden Centre. 

Its charming and homey decor adds to the garden’s relaxing atmosphere. You can dine inside for comfort or enjoy your meal on the veranda for an al fresco experience.

The cafe offers several vegan and vegetarian options. You might want to try their vegan cheesecake with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy a veggie cheeseburger for a more filling meal.

Remember, the cafe closes at the same time as the garden, so plan your visit accordingly.

Kim’s Kitchen & Bar

Media from Kim’s Kitchen Manchester

Address: 9 Old Birley St, Hulme, Manchester M15 5RF. 
Phone: 0161 392 6054
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Wednesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
  • Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Tuesday – CLOSED

Good to know: Local arts and culture hub; with outdoor beer garden
Website
Menu

Kim’s Kitchen & Bar is a restaurant just across the road from the Hulme Community Garden Centre. It’s a favourite spot for Hulme residents and students, known for its friendly atmosphere and great Caribbean and English food.

Kim’s is more than just a restaurant, though; it’s a community hub. You can watch football on TV, enjoy live music events regularly hosted here, or simply have a pint or two over great conversation with your closest mates at the outdoor beer garden.

When it comes to food, don’t miss the classic Bob’s Ba Jun Curry Goat. If you’re late for breakfast, the hearty Propatop English Breakfast is served until 4:00 PM.

Make Well

Media from Make Well

Address: Hulme High St, Hulme, Market Hall, Manchester M15 5JT 
Phone: 0161 222 0202
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Sunday – CLOSED

Good to know: Limited seating 
Menu

Head over the Make Well at Hulme High Street if you’re into unique cuisines. This eatery sure lacks the floor area and seating, but it packs a lot of punch with its diverse mix of British, Italian, Spanish, Caribbean, and African specialties.

Grab the crowd-favourite Egusi Soup, a savoury Nigerian stew made from ground melon seeds and served with pounded yams—this is indeed one well-made dish. Get the “Remix” version if you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous and want some meat with the melon.

The locals say that it’s been operating for over 20 years. We hope it continues to thrive with its modest yet tasty food.

BOXCO

Media from Boxco

Address: 42 Hulme High St, Hulme, Manchester M15 5JP
Phone: 0161 342 0879
Pricing: £ 
Operating hours: 

  • Monday and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
  • Saturday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday – CLOSED

Good to know: Great for athletes and health buffs
Website

BOXCO in Hulme is known for its healthy and balanced meals. If you’re not yet tired of seeing veggies after visiting the Hulme Community Garden, then this is a great place to spend the rest of the day in.

The restaurant has a refreshing atmosphere with an all-wooden design, making it clear that health is a priority here. Athletes and health enthusiasts love BOXCO for its wide range of nutritious shakes and light, yet filling, meal bowls.

We recommend trying the Salmon Rice Bowl or the Spicy Beef Burrito—they’re some of the best items on the menu. There are also vegan options available.

FAQs about Hulme Garden Centre

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