Coates English Willow Visitor Centre - Image 1

Coates English Willow Visitor Centre

Meare Green, United Kingdom•4.6(735)•Museum

Explore the art and craft of English willow basket making at this working visitor centre with interactive workshops and traditional demonstrations.

Coates English Willow Visitor Centre is a unique heritage attraction dedicated to the centuries-old craft of willow basket making. The centre operates as both a working production facility and educational museum, allowing visitors to observe skilled craftspeople creating traditional baskets using time-honoured techniques. The venue offers hands-on basket making workshops and willow sculpture classes, providing families with the opportunity to learn and create their own pieces under expert guidance. The centre features an extensive range of willow products, from practical storage baskets and log carriers to decorative garden features and bespoke creations. Visitors can explore the different types of baskets and their traditional uses, gaining insight into this important English craft heritage. The Lemon Tree Cafe provides refreshments, making it easy to spend quality time at the venue. Coates English Willow is family-friendly and welcoming to visitors of all ages. The venue is dog-friendly and pushchair-accessible, making it convenient for families with young children or pets. Whether you're interested in traditional crafts, looking for a unique activity, or simply wish to appreciate skilled artisanal work, this visitor centre offers an engaging and educational experience.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Lemon Tree Cafe

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Google Reviews

4.6(735 reviews)
T
Trudy exploring

Trudy exploring

a month ago

Didn't know much about willow, but do now. The museum here is very interesting, well layed out and incredible clean. A great way to learn understand how flexible willow is. The items and functions it has worked/been used in is unbelievable. Well done museum /cleaning team. the elephant that greated us is incredible. We didn't get to go on the nature walk but it looked very interesting.

C
Clare Weber

Clare Weber

2 months ago

This is a beautiful centre. Lovely willow shop and workshops are offered, booking is essential. There is a beautiful shop and museum onsite. We browsed the maritime musuem, it was fantastic. The detail on the mini ships, frigates and more was amazing. Owner is very knowlegeable and super friendly. A great day out!

S
steve Willliams

steve Willliams

4 months ago

Nice place to visit for old and young. We took our 3 year old granddaughter there and she enjoyed the trail set up for children to hunt Jungle book characters linked with a word search. After which the child gets a small free gift. For adults there's the walk , a nice coffee shop and some nice shops selling wicker products and other well made souvenirs. No tat or mass produced articles.

D
David Jones

David Jones

a year ago

Really fascinating museum. Done really well. There is a fantastic film at the end, 40 minutes long but well worth persevering with. Great little cafe and gift shop. All the staff were very friendly.

D
Dido Gunner

Dido Gunner

a year ago

We had a first visit here and were not disappointed. We arrived to see the dinosaur trail and my lo was super excited. Entrance is free. The trail cost £3.50 which was excellent value. The sculptures were amazing and the trail took you around the forest area which is not too far for little legs. There were other walks which were more suited to older kids. On the day we went we were lucky enough to see some of the newborn lambs which we got to stroke and even fed their mum's 😊 We took a picnic and there were plenty of places to eat. Staff were super friendly - would highly recommend a visit 👍

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Coates English Willow Visitor Centre

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Coates English Willow Visitor Centre

Is Coates English Willow Visitor Centre free to visit?

Coates English Willow Visitor Centre is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Coates English Willow Visitor Centre dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Coates English Willow Visitor Centre.

Is there parking at Coates English Willow Visitor Centre?

Coates English Willow Visitor Centre doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at Coates English Willow Visitor Centre?

Yes, Lemon Tree Cafe is on site at Coates English Willow Visitor Centre.

Is Coates English Willow Visitor Centre pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Coates English Willow Visitor Centre is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Coates English Willow Visitor Centre?

Coates English Willow Visitor Centre is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Coates English Willow Visitor Centre by public transport?

Coates English Willow Visitor Centre isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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