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Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

Attractions, Places2go
Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, Places to go for families, dog friendly

Exbury Gardens look forward to welcoming you back from 18th March 2024

Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, Places to go for families, dog friendlyMore than 100 years in the making, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location. Exbury also boasts a narrow-gauge steam railway that travels through the gardens, plus a play area, a variety of catering outlets to suit all appetites and much more!

Gardens

There is always something new to see at Exbury. In Spring, our world- famous collection of colourful rhododendrons- and azaleas set us apart from other gardens. These stunning shrubs are at their best in April and May, lining the paths with elegant flowers. Spring also sees a spectacular display of camellias and magnolias, and a stunning show of Spring bulbs in daffodil meadow and the River of Gold.

In Summer our 200 acres transform into a shady sanctuary of tranquility. Don’t miss our collection of hydrangeas, and the Iris, Herbaceous, Sundial and Centenary Gardens, all in bloom with a heady mix of perennials and exotic flowers.

Families

Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, Places to go for families, dog friendlyInspire a love of the outdoors in children of all ages as they explore our gardens,  run along woodland paths, play area and log trail. And when it’s time to slow the pace a little, travel by steam train to Dragonfly Pond, an official Dragonfly Society ‘hotspot’; in search of dragonflies and damselflies.

Exbury’s exciting trails and events programme provides further opportunities for the whole family to get closer to nature.

Steam Railway

 Exbury’s narrow-gauge railway departs from replica Victorian station ‘Exbury Central’ and travels through a tunnel, over a bridge, round the Dragonfly Pond and through the Summer Lane Garden, which is only accessible by train.

Accessibility

Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, Places to go for families, dog friendlyMany of Exbury’s paths are wheelchair accessible and are signposted on visitor maps. The steam railway has carriages specially adapted to accommodate wheelchair users and their companions. There’s also free wheelchair hire, accessible parking, free gardens admission for carers and accessible lavatory facilities.

Food and Drink

Exbury boasts several catering options: Mr Eddy’s Restaurant serving delicious hot meals and hot and cold snacks and refreshments, the Old Tennis Courts outdoor café; serving sandwiches, drinks and cakes. Bringing your own lunch? Exbury also has a number of picnic tables in beautiful surroundings for visitors to use.

Whether you’re visiting for a quiet riverside walk, a delightful family day out or to admire their unique plants, a fantastic day can be had by all at Exbury!

Open daily 2nd March-3rd November 2024, between 10am-5.30pm*.

*Last admission 4.30pm, will close at dusk if earlier. The last steam train will usually depart at 3pm.

Prices

Adult (peak season) – £17.60 (gift aid) £16 (standard)

Child – £6.60 (gift aid) £6(standard)

Under 3s – Free

Railway – £6.50

For more ideas of places to go nearby see our What’s On Guide

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