Exbury Gardens, Hampshire Inc. Steam Railway

Exbury Gardens, Exbury including the steam railway.

Near Beaulieu and Bucklers Hard, Hampshire

A visitor once described Exbury as "Heaven with the gates open." It is a garden for people young and old, horticulturalist or enthusiastic gardener, or just a lover of beautiful places. From botanical rarities to masses of spectacular colour, there is something for all to enjoy - a place to escape from the cares of the world. A spectacular 200 acre woodland garden on the east bank of the Beaulieu River, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias in spring. The daffodil meadow, rock garden, sundial garden, ponds, cascades and exotic trees ensure year round interest.

There are over 20 miles of pathways, three woods and parkland to explore, and surprises lying await behind every corner. Even the wet cannot spoil the fun - put on your waterproofs and see a new side to Exbury! We have the prettiest puddles for miles around when they reflect our beautiful flowers!

Summer is a favourite time for families to picnic in the Gardens, There are two designated picnic areas, one close to Jubilee Pond with its lazy koi carp and hovering dragonflies, and a second close to the Five Arrows Gallery. The fish at Jubilee and Top Ponds are an endless source of fascination for children - and also for the herons that regularly visit!

Children should keep their eyes peeled for all manner of wildlife - in addition to fish and herons they might expect to see pheasant, squirrels, dragonflies and butterflies in the summer, a range of birdlife including tree crawlers and kingfishers, and possibly New Forest deer. In the Gardens children can discover plants that existed before dinosaurs roamed the earth; plants dinosaurs liked to eat; a Chinese Coffin Tree and even the Devil's Walking Stick! A Family Trail, costing £1.50 is available to purchase at the Visitor Entrance. It includes a detailed, fun map guide with questions and a word search. Included with the map guide will be a packet of Exbury Gardens salad seed to take home and sow; an Exbury Plant Hunter pencil and the opportunity to win tickets for the Exbury Ghost Train.

The Gardens were listed amongst the top Gardens in England to visit with children, by readers of BBC Gardeners World Magazine, in April 2010.

Railway enthusiasts can enjoy a day with a difference at Exbury, where a superb 12 ¼” railway runs along a 1¼ mile track through the gorgeous gardens. At the moment, the train is running at 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm every day during the summer.

Child age for Entry (3-15Years)

Depart for home Approx 17.00