Tucked away along Ringland Lane in Old Costessey, just a short drive from Norwich, Urban Jungle Norfolk feels less like a traditional garden centre and more like stepping into a hidden tropical retreat. Known locally as one of Norfolk’s most distinctive destinations, it blends an exotic plant nursery with an eco conscious café, creating an experience that attracts gardeners, coffee lovers and curious visitors.
From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere shifts. Instead of orderly rows of predictable bedding plants, visitors are greeted by dense greenery, architectural foliage and winding pathways that encourage exploration. Towering palms, bamboo, climbers, succulents and large specimen trees fill the space, creating layers of texture and colour rarely associated with a Norfolk setting. The nursery specialises in unusual and exotic species, widening the palette of plants available to gardeners and inspiring people to think more creatively about their outdoor and indoor spaces.
Urban Jungle began life in 2001 when an enthusiastic gardening hobby slowly transformed an overgrown two acre site into something far more ambitious. Land was painstakingly reclaimed from brambles and undergrowth, and what started as a personal passion soon evolved into a thriving horticultural business. The founders’ fascination with evergreen, architectural and uncommon plants resonated with visitors searching for something different from conventional garden centres. As interest grew, the nursery expanded its range into houseplants and rare specimens, building a loyal following across Norfolk and beyond.
Walking through the nursery today still carries that original sense of discovery. Paths weave between collections of cacti and ferns, past a rose garden and through a striking grass tunnel that feels almost cinematic in its design. A large indoor koi pond adds to the tranquil atmosphere, drawing visitors to pause and watch the slow movement of fish beneath reflections of greenhouse glass and surrounding foliage. The setting encourages people to linger rather than rush, making it as much an experience as a place to shop.
Sustainability sits quietly at the heart of Urban Jungle’s philosophy. The gardens are maintained without chemical pesticides, relying instead on organic feeds and environmentally responsible growing methods. This approach reflects a wider belief that gardens should work in harmony with nature while remaining bold and imaginative. Canopy management and creative planting compositions play an important role here, helping customers understand how layering plants and experimenting with structure can transform ordinary spaces into lush environments filled with life.
The café developed naturally alongside the nursery’s success. In the early days, visitors were welcomed with little more than a kettle, a tin of biscuits and an honesty box set up inside the greenhouse. Over time, as word spread and visitor numbers increased, that simple hospitality evolved into a full restaurant before later becoming the relaxed coffee focused café that operates today.
Cafe Jungle now sits comfortably within the greenery, constructed using reclaimed materials that complement the nursery’s eco friendly ethos. Seating areas are surrounded by plants, giving the feeling of dining inside a greenhouse garden rather than a conventional café. Natural light filters through glass panels while greenery frames every table, creating an atmosphere that feels calm, informal and quietly restorative.
The food offering focuses on light bites suited to the surroundings. Fresh cakes, pastries, paninis and afternoon tea options draw visitors looking for a relaxed treat after exploring the nursery. Coffee remains central to the experience, encouraging guests to slow down, take in their surroundings and enjoy the peaceful environment. Indoor seating offers shelter year round, while outdoor areas become especially popular in warmer months when Norfolk sunshine brings the gardens fully to life.
Urban Jungle’s appeal lies in its ability to attract a wide range of visitors. Garden enthusiasts arrive seeking rare plants and expert advice, while others come purely for the café experience and leave unexpectedly inspired to start their own planting projects. Staff are widely appreciated for their knowledge and enthusiasm, often helping newcomers feel confident experimenting with species they may never have considered growing before.
As the Costessey site gained popularity, expansion became inevitable. In 2017 the business acquired a second nursery near Beccles in Suffolk, allowing the Urban Jungle approach to reach a broader audience while relieving pressure on the original location. The new site was redesigned to reflect the same immersive style that had made Costessey so successful.
Like many hospitality businesses, Urban Jungle faced challenges during the coronavirus pandemic when cafés were forced to close temporarily in 2020. When reopening became possible, the spaces returned as coffee shops rather than full restaurants, allowing the team to focus energy on horticultural development while continuing to welcome visitors back into the gardens they loved. The emphasis now remains on strengthening the plant collections and refining the nursery experience while maintaining the relaxed café atmosphere that has become such an important part of the destination.
Today, Urban Jungle stands as more than a nursery or café. It represents an alternative approach to gardening and leisure, one that encourages creativity, sustainability and a deeper connection with nature. Visitors leave not only with plants or pastries but with fresh ideas and renewed appreciation for green spaces.
In a county celebrated for wide skies and coastal landscapes, Urban Jungle offers something unexpected. It provides a botanical escape without leaving Norfolk, a place where tropical inspiration meets local community and where a simple visit for coffee can easily turn into an afternoon of exploration. For anyone searching for a peaceful yet inspiring day out near Norwich, Urban Jungle Norfolk continues to prove that a love of plants can transform both landscapes and lifestyles.
Location: Ringland Lane Old, Ringland Ln, Costessey, Norwich NR8 5BG
Website: https://www.urbanjungle.uk.com/