Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

HHA/Christies 'Garden of the Year 2001' STB Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2003 Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920's, the Gardens are a stunning vision of his inspiration, offering 200-acres of natural beauty & horticultural variety. Exbury reflects the changing moods of nature. Early spring sees the magnolias and camellias burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of vibrant gold. In mid-spring the rhododendrons and azaleas are at their peak & full of vibrant colour, and the woodland is carpeted in swathes of primroses and bluebells. The stunning Azalea Bowl is a magnet for visitors from around the world in early May. The full bloom of the Herbaceous and Grasses Garden and Exotic Garden announces the arrival of summer, with cool and shady riverside walks, family trails and picnics by the ponds favoured activities. During the summer holidays the "Exbury Maize Maze" offers an added attraction, opposite the main Gardens entrance. Autumn follows bringing spectacular displays of colour from the Japanese maples, deciduous azaleas & dogwoods that flourish. Exbury's spectacular nerine collection is not to be missed at this time of year - nor are the Gardens National Collection of Nyssa and Oxydendrum. The popular narrow gauge steam railway takes visitors on a magical journey around the northeast corner of the Gardens and through the Summer Lane Garden planted with bulbs, herbaceous perennials and grasses. The journey lasts 20 minutes & features include a bridge, tunnel, viaduct & 'Exbury North' halt. The railway runs journeys every day the Gardens are open, with a first journey time of 11am. Watch out for Exbury's events programme, including guided walks with the Head Gardener, exhibitions, theatre productions and popular Ghost Train and Santa Specials. Facilities at Exbury include a Gift Shop, Plant Centre, Restaurant and Tearooms & chauffeur driven buggy service. Parking is free. The Garden also has three venues licensed for Civil Weddings - The Five Arrows Gallery; The Engine Shed and Mr Eddy's Restaurant.

Opening Times

2010 - Opening 13 Mar 2010 - 7 Nov 2010

* Car Park gates close at 6pm (or dusk if earlier).

Grading

• VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

• Visit Britain Awards - Code of Practice 2010
• Tourism South East Award - Tourism South East Member 2010

Tickets Information

Railway fare extra £3.50. Rover ticket (unlimited train travel on day) £4.50 when available. Discount for OAPs.

Road Directions

Junction 2, M27 West, follow A326 to Fawley over series of roundabouts. At 7th roundabout follow signs to Exbury.