Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

About

Hudson's Heritage Award Winner 2011 - Best Gardens
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.  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 and popular Ghost Train.

Facilities at Exbury include a gift shop and plant sales, restaurant and tearooms & chauffeur driven buggy service. Parking is free. The Garden also has licensed wedding venues available for civil weddings.

Marvel at Exbury’s autumn foliage as the National Collection of Nyssa and Oxydendrum, maples and liquidambars set the Gardens ablaze in shades of red and gold, and the Five Arrows Gallery hosts exhibitions of Nerine sarniensis and wild autumn art.