Christmas Trees in London

The most important ingredient to a perfect Christmas is getting the right Christmas tree. While some people prefer fake plastic trees which don't drop needles all over the sitting room floor, it has to be said that nothing quite beats the smell and the sight of an authentic Spruce or Fir. And you needn't drive out into the countryside to get your hands on the ideal tree here in London because there are places all over the capital selling all types and sizes of trees, whether you're after a small sapling or a 12ft giant. So, read our definitive guide to find the best and nearest places for you to buy trees, wreathes, holly and mistletoe...

Camden Garden Centre

Camden Garden Centre, London, NW1 0JW
25th November 2011 - 24th December 2011

With a client list including No. 11 Downing Street, the London Dungeon and Tower Bridge, Camden Garden Centre must be doing something right in the Christmas tree stakes. Whether you want a simple tabletop sapling or a five-metre giant, this North London spot is definitely the place to visit. Expert staff are on hand to answer your Christmas tree-related queries while all the specimens are nicely displayed and can be trimmed and netted to facilitate transportation back to your home. Types of tree include the traditional Norway Spruce, the guaranteed needle-holding Nordmann and Noble Firs, and the new compact Fraser Fir variety. Pot-grown trees are also available, as is a delivery service throughout London. While you're at it, make it a clean Christmas sweep with the wide selection of wreaths, holly and mistletoe on offer. Open from the end of November - but don't leave it too late because trees often run out well before Christmas Eve.

More info: Christmas Trees: Camden Garden Centre Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

London Wetland Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre, London, SW13 9WT
29th November 2011 - 22nd December 2011

For an ninth successive year, Christmas Fir is selling Christmas trees in the car park of the London Wetland Centre in Barnes. Noble and Nordmann Firs - both needlefast species - will be available in a range of sizes (between 3.5 to 10ft) as well as some smaller, pot-grown sizes. All the trees are from eco-friendly sustainable sources and £1 per tree is donated to the Wetland Centre. Deliveries are not possible but helpers will net your trees and help carry them to your car. Prices are not available until the last week of November. Wreaths, stands and some decorations are also on sale.

More info: Christmas Trees: London Wetland Centre Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Christmas Forest

Richmond, Putney, Islington, Stoke Newington, Dulwich, Kensal Green, Ealing, Brook Green
1st December 2011 - 24th December 2011

Offering an urban forest on seven farm-style sites around London, the Christmas Forest is London's largest independent "treetailer" ensuring that Londoners can enjoy their tree-browsing experience with their conscience appeased. For every tree that is sold, a donation is made to Tree Aid to plant and care for a new tree in their Forests for Food project in Ethiopia. The Christmas Forest is also saving on 'tree miles' by sourcing home-grown firs from special farms and sustainable plantations in the UK rather than flying them all the way from Scandinavia. Four different varieties are available, including the traditional aromatic Norway Spruce (from £9.50 for 3ft to £100 for 12ft) and the non-drop Nordmann, Fraser and Noble Firs (from £20 for 3ft to £130 for 12ft). The Christmas Forest brings the magic of visiting a country farm to the city and, once you've chosen the right tree, you can add a few more homely festive touches by shopping for wreaths, lights, mistletoe, holly, stands, logs for the fire and even special entwined reindeer sculptures.

Where: Richmond
Address: Pools on the Park, Old Deer Park, A316, Richmond, London, TW9 2SF
Phone: 07816 382573
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm

Where: Putney
Address: Putney Leisure Centre, Upper Richmond Road, A205, Putney, London, SW15 1BL
Phone: 07816 382651
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm

Where: Islington
Address: The Alwyne Pub, jct. of St Paul's & Highbury Grove, Islington, London, N1 2LY
Phone: 07816 382256
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm

Where: Stoke Newington
Address: St Paul's Church, Stoke Newington Road (corner of Amhurst Road), W Hackney, London, N16 7UE
Phone: 07929 255232
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm

Where: Dulwich
Address: Streatham and Marlborough Cricket Club, Jct of Dulwich Common (A205 South Circular) and Lordship Lane, Dulwich, London, London, SE21 7EX
Phone: 07870 533230
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm

Where: Kensal Green
Address: St John's Church, Kilburn Lane, London, W10 4AA (corner of Harrow Rd)
Phone: 07816 382625
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm

Where: Ealing
Address: Ealing Common, Hanger Lane (Opposite Ramada Hotel) London, W5 3HN
Phone: 07816 382641
Open: 1st - 24th December, 8am to 10pm

Head office: 020 7348 9080
Website: www.christmasforest.co.uk

Christmas Trees: Clifton Nurseries

Clifton Nurseries, London, W9 2PH
22nd November 2011 - 24th December 2011

For those who like to do Christmas with a touch of class, a visit to Clifton Nurseries (or merely to their online shop) is a real festive treat. The Warwick Avenue garden centre is open seven days a week and will be selling Christmas trees of all shapes and size through to Christmas Eve (although supplies usually run out well before, so head early to avoid disappointment). For an extra cost, the Nurseries will adorn your tree with their own special balls, lights and decoration - you can even get the tree delivered and installed for you. But if you're after a basic package (ie. a tree tout simple) then prices start from around £25. The trees of up to five metres, it goes without saying, are renowned for their freshness and quality. Available again this year is the 'Edible Wreath' made with an assortment of fresh herbs, topped with ginger, chillies and whole bulbs of garlic: a visual and aromatic treat.

More info: Christmas Trees: Clifton Nurseries Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Christmas Trees: Fulham Palace Garden Centre

Fulham Palace Garden Centre, London, SW6 6EE
25th November 2011 - 24th December 2011

Located in the superb riverside stretch of greenery that is Bishops Park, Fulham Palace Garden Centre is a popular destination for Christmas tree hunters because it can be combined with a nice stroll by the Thames. Trees are in store from the last weekend in November (potted Blue Spruces a little earlier) until they run out, so early birds catch the right Yuletide worm, so to speak. There's a huge choice in all varieties (Nordman, Spruce, Noble) and size (1.2m to 3m), with potted trees starting at £15.95 and cut trees from £35 upwards (profits go to a London youth charity called Fairbridge). The centre also stocks a huge supply of festive decorations, wreaths, candles, present ideas and gourmet food such as chutneys and mince - so it's definitely worth a visit even if you're not in the market for a strapping six-foot Nordic Fir.

More info: Christmas Trees: Fulham Palace Garden Centre Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Christmas Trees: Green's Trees

26-30 Buckhold Road, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4WW
Based in Wandsworth, Green's Trees specialises in premier Nordman Firs, a type of tree which is renowned for its needle-retention - which means you won't be spending the whole of the festive season vacuuming your sitting room floor! The long and soft needles are not as spiky as those on a Norway Spruce tree and are ideal for dangling decorations from. Green's Trees also stock special cast iron tree stands with an inbuilt water reservoir - an ideal piece of equipment for Christmas every year. Prices start at £20.95 for a small 2-3ft sapling and rise to £55.95 for a 7-8ft giant. Trees bigger than 8ft are available so do enquire. Stands range from £19.95 to £24.95 depending on the size of your tree. For a fee you can get your tree delivered to your door (within a two-mile radius) any day of the week. Also available: bunches of mistletoe (£5.99 - £12.99) and a range of wreaths (£27.99 - £64.99).

More info: Christmas Trees: Green's Trees Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Pines and Needles

15 sites in and around London
20th November 2011 - 24th December 2011

A rose-nosed reindeer walks into a bar and the elf barman says: "Why the long face?" Rudolf duly replies: "I've got pines and needles". Yes, yes... it's a shocker - but it's presumably the inspiration behind this London-based premier Christmas tree service. Pines and Needles was set up by brothers Josh and Sam Lyle 12 years ago when the pair were still studying for their GCSEs. Now it's a veritable festive topiary giant, with 11 outlets all over London, including new stalls at Westfield, Fulham and Brick Lane. The Brothers Lyle believe in sustainable forestry and all their trees come from a site in Scotland where a triple-fold re-planting policy is in force. What's more, 10% of all profits go to the Great Ormond Street Hospital - and the boys will even come collect your tree after Christmas for recycling. It's an astoundingly accommodating service and they have a long loyal list of customers who faithfully return to them every year. And hats off must go to the friendly and ever-helpful staff, all of whom wear kilts even on the most freezing of days. Traditional Norway Spruces range from £21.95 for 3ft to £109.95 for 12ft; non-drop Nordmann Fir are £24.95 for 3ft to £134.95 for 12ft. Potted Fraser Fir are available from £34.95 and there is a huge selection of stands, lights, decorations, wreaths, holly, mistletoe, and garlands. The flagship stall is in Maida Vale where the Lyles started selling trees outside their older brother's laundrette. Same-day delivery (£15) if you live in the local area.

Address: Maida Vale, 123 Shirland Road, London, W9 2EW
Phone: 0752 800 1899
Date: 19th November - 24th December
Time: 9am-9pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)

Address: Battersea Park, Chelsea Car Park, Carriage Drive North, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4HJ
Phone: 0752 800 1889
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-8pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)

Address: Ealing, Christ the Saviour Church, Ealing Broadway, London, W5 5DX
Phone: 0752 800 1867
Date: 19th November - 24th December
Time: 9am-8pm Mon to Sat, 11am-8pm Sun
Same-day delivery if you live within 5 minutes drive (£10).

Address: Brick Lane, Ely's Yard Car Park, 15 Hanbury Street, London, E1 6QR
Phone: 0752 800 1732
Date: 19th November - 23rd December
Time: Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thurs-Sun 9am-8pm

Address: Bushy Park, London, KT8 9DD
Phone: 0752 800 1760
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-6.45pm

Address: Richmond Park, 142 Priory Lane, Wandsworth, London, SW15 5JR
Phone: 0753 179 1018
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 8am-3.45pm

Address: Westfield car park, Ariel Way, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 7LS
Phone: 0752 741 2168
Date: 19th November - 24th December
Time: 10am-9pm (Sundays 12noon-6pm)

Address: Wimbledon Park, Wimbledon Park Road, London, SW19 7HX
Phone: 0753 188 3118
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 8.30am-7pm

Address: Notting Hill, Church of St John, London, W11 2PD
Phone: 0752 829 9687
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 8.30am-8pm

Address: Islington, Barnard Park, Copenhagen Street, London, N1 0JN
Phone: 0752 743 0894
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-9pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)

Address: Pimlico, St Georges Square, Lupus Street, SW1V 3QW
Phone: 0752 800 1912
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 8.30am-8pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)

Address: Greenwich Park, just inside the park on Blackheath Avenue, London, SE10 8X5
Phone: 0752 829 9801
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-7pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)

Address: Turnham Green, Chiswick Back Common, London, W4 1QN
Phone: 0752 743 1133
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-9pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)

Address: Normand Park, Lillic Road, London, SW6 7ST
Phone: 0752 743 1055
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-9pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)

Address: Chiswick Bridge, Dan Mason Drive, Great Chertsey Road, London, W4 2SH
Phone: 0753 188 3353
Date: 19th & 20th Nov, 26th & 27th Nov, 1st-24th Dec
Time: 9am-9pm
Same-day delivery if you live in the local area (£15)

Website: www.pinesandneedles.com

Deliver Me A Christmas Tree

The Kent Countryside
Ongoing

If you can't spare any time to get out and about in your hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree then you can do worse than call Deliver Me A Christmas Tree or put in an order online. The Kent-based company promotes sustainable growing practices and grows fields of beautiful non-drop and traditional real Christmas trees in the heart of the Kent countryside (where every freshly cut tree is replaced with two transplants). Polite and punctual drivers will deliver to London and the Home counties and £1 of every sale will be donated to Barnardo's. The three types available are Nordmann Firs (from £34.95 for 4ft to £179.95 for 12ft), Norway Spruce (£24.95 for 4ft to £119.95 for 12ft) and Blue Spruce (£26.95 for 4ft to £59.95 for 7ft). You can also get a special made-to-match stand delivered to your door as well.

Phone: 0845 519 6447
Website: www.delivermeachristmastree.com