Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

About

Now more than 100 years old, Exbury Gardens is a spectacular collection of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens. At over 200 acres, these impressive gardens (created and managed by the Rothschild family) border the Beaulieu River and boast a narrow-gauge steam railway, plus a newly refurbished restaurant and an outdoor cafe.

For families

Inspire a love of the outdoors in little ones by running, playing and discovering in Exbury's expansive gardens. Feed giant koi carp and golden orfe fish at Top Pond, complete a range of free activity sheets for children aged 3-11 and blow off steam in the wooden play area that includes sky walk trail, bucket swings and play hut. Visiting during the school holidays? Check out our brilliant events tailored to children and families.

For garden lovers

Capture Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways lined with rare trees and shrubs at your own pace. Seasonal highlights include:

Spring

1. Camellia Walk
2. Azalea Bowl
3. Home Wood (magnolias and hybrid rhododendrons)
4. Daffodil Meadow/River of gold (spring bulbs)
5. Sundial Garden (wisteria)

Summer

1. Centenary Garden (ginkgos, roses and ornamental grasses) NEW FOR 2019!
2. Iris Garden (replanted and refurbished in 2018)
3. Sundial Garden (dahlias, salvias and ornamental gingers)
4. Hydrangea Walk
5. Herbaceous Garden (peonies, rudbeckias and kniphofias)

Autumn

1. Top Pond (swamp cypress, nyssa and deciduous acers)
2. Jubilee Hill (nyssas and acers)
3. Mrs Lionel's Seat (gunneras, acers and tree ferns)
4. Maple Walk
5. The Park (tulip tree, oriental plane tree and red oaks)

Plant center open in spring selling rhododendrons, azaleas and other spring shrubs.

For everyone

A large number of Exbury's paths are wheelchair accessible and are marked clearly around the gardens. The steam railway has carriages specially adapted to accomodate wheelchair users and their family members. There's also free wheelchair hire, disabled parking, free carer gardens entry and a disabled toilet at all lavatory facilities. Exbury also offers guided buggy tours for just £5.50 per person that aims to show all the seasonal highlights in a 45 minute round trip.

Are you a dog owner? Four-legged friends are welcome at Exbury and can even ride the train!