Exbury Gardens

Exbury Gardens in spring

Exbury Gardens is one of the New Forest’s premier visitor attractions. Although maybe a little off-the-beaten-track, tucked away close to the south-eastern edge of the New Forest National Park, Exbury Gardens offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy magnificently landscaped gardens in a timeless, tranquil setting overlooking the Beaulieu River.

Located a little over 3½ miles (5.5 kilometres) south-east of Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens can be found on the quaintly named Summer Lane, a short distance from Exbury Parish Church and Exbury village.

Exbury Gardens are on the route of New Forest Tour buses, which provide convenient, environmentally friendly methods of transport during the summer months.

Spread over 200 acres (100 hectares), Exbury Gardens are perhaps best known for world famous collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs that provide a profusion of spring and summer blooms and magnificent displays of autumnal colour.

Over 20 miles (32 kilometres) of pathways have been created along which visitors can wander at leisure, whilst a chauffeur driven buggy service is also available - this often appeals most to those with limited mobility.

Alternatively, as a further ever-popular means of getting about, visitors might wish to enjoy a trip on Exbury’s very own steam hauled, 1¼ mile (2 kilometre) railway. Steam enthusiasts can also sign up for a ‘Footplate Experience’, an opportunity to learn to drive one of the Exbury locomotives.

Mr. Eddy’s Tea Rooms and Gift Shop are open whenever the Gardens are open, picnic areas within the grounds cater for those who prefer to bring along their own refreshments and a range of special events, activities and exhibitions add increased variety to the ever-present attractions associated with this very special place.

All the details are here.