Exbury Gardens Including Steam Train

Approximate Journey Time: 1 Hr

Time at Destination: 5 Hours

Comfort Stop: No

Drop off Point: Coach Park

 

 

Discover one of the UK’s most enchanting garden landscapes — where horticultural splendour meets nostalgic adventure. Set within 200 acres of scenic woodland beside the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, Exbury Gardens boasts a stunning collection of plants and gardens that evolve through the seasons. From breathtaking displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias in spring, to serene summer borders and vibrant autumn colours, there’s always something new to explore at every turn.

Wander along peaceful paths through themed garden spaces — from the Sundial and Iris Gardens to tranquil riverside walks — and soak up the beauty and biodiversity of this historic landscape originally created by Lionel de Rothschild.

 

Included in your day is a delightful journey on the Exbury Steam Railway. Climb aboard the narrow-gauge steam train for a scenic 20-minute adventure that traverses parts of the gardens that can’t be seen on foot, passing over bridges, through woodland and around dragonfly ponds.

This day trip promises a refreshing blend of natural beauty and leisurely exploration, ideal for garden lovers and those seeking a peaceful day out.

 

Accessibility

Exbury Gardens offers good accessibility with many wheelchair-friendly paths and accessible facilities throughout the site. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to borrow or hire. The Steam Railway includes specially adapted carriages for wheelchair users. Some garden areas include gravel, slopes or uneven surfaces, which may make manoeuvring a little more challenging.

 

 

Exbury Gardens, located in the New Forest of Hampshire, was created in the 1920s by Lionel de Rothschild, a passionate horticulturist and member of the renowned banking family. Rothschild invested immense time and resources into transforming Exbury’s woodlands into an extraordinary botanical garden, assembling a vast collection of rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas, many of which were brought back from plant-hunting expeditions to the Himalayas and East Asia. The gardens were initially a private family retreat, a place where Lionel could indulge in his love of rare plants and landscape design. By the 1930s, Exbury had become one of the finest woodland gardens in England, featuring meticulously planned landscapes, rock gardens, and a thriving array of exotic plants that showcased Rothschild's expertise and vision.

 

After falling into decline during World War II, the gardens were restored by Lionel's descendants and later opened to the public in 1955. Today, Exbury Gardens continues to attract visitors worldwide, offering an ever-changing display of seasonal blooms across 200 acres. It is particularly renowned for its spring displays, where thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas burst into vibrant color, along with other rare specimens planted by the Rothschild family. In recent years, the addition of the Exbury Steam Railway has added a unique element to the garden experience, taking visitors on a scenic journey through its woodlands and alongside beautiful water features. Exbury Gardens remains a cherished example of British horticultural heritage, blending historical significance with breathtaking natural beauty.

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