Exbury Gardens
A 200-acre horticultural gem with world-famous rhododendrons, azaleas, and a charming steam railway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bloom for rhododendrons
Exbury Gardens
Best Time
Peak bloom for rhododendrons
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 200-acre horticultural gem with world-famous rhododendrons, azaleas, and a charming steam railway.
"A fairytale garden bursting with color, peaceful ponds, and an unforgettable steam railway experience."
🎯 Use Gardener's World 2:1
Great value! Check if your Gardener's World card is accepted for discounted entry .
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Paths vary; good footwear is essential for exploring the 200 acres .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World-Famous Rhododendrons & Azaleas
Throughout the gardens
A breathtaking spectacle of vibrant colors, especially in spring. A true floral paradise!
Exbury Steam Railway
Gardens perimeter
A charming 1.25-mile ride through woodland glades, perfect for all ages.
Sundial Garden
Near the cafe
A tranquil and picturesque spot, often highlighted for its charm and peaceful atmosphere.
Woodland Walks & Fungi
Various trails
Explore 200 acres of diverse landscapes, with autumn bringing delightful fungi displays .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Blooms
+1 Autumn offers stunning tree colors.Accessibility & Dog-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Use Gardener's World 2:1
Great value! Check if your Gardener's World card is accepted for discounted entry.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Paths vary; good footwear is essential for exploring the 200 acres.
🐶 Dogs on leads welcome!
Your furry friends can enjoy the gardens and even the steam train.
📸 Capture the magic
Bring your camera for stunning floral displays and scenic views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Use Gardener's World 2:1
Great value! Check if your Gardener's World card is accepted for discounted entry.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Paths vary; good footwear is essential for exploring the 200 acres.
🐶 Dogs on leads welcome!
Your furry friends can enjoy the gardens and even the steam train.
📸 Capture the magic
Bring your camera for stunning floral displays and scenic views.
⏰ Arrive at opening
Make the most of the large gardens and avoid peak crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Exbury Gardens for its stunning beauty, especially its world-famous rhododendrons and azaleas, and the charming steam railway. The vast 200-acre site offers plenty to explore for an entire day, with well-maintained facilities and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs and families. While entry fees are noted as being on the higher side, the overall quality and experience are widely considered to justify the cost.
"Spent an absolutely cracking day visiting Exbury. It's an enormous site, 80-ish hectares. You can easily spend the entire day here exploring. Obviously, different things are going to be in bloom at different times so there's always going to be something interesting to see throughout the year. Paths are a mixture of surfaces: e.g., tarmac/pebble so book/hire an all terrain scooter if you or someone with you needs it. Dogs on a lead are welcome. Doggos are even allowed on the choo-choo (£7/per person extra). Loads of space for kids to exhaust themselves plus they have a dedicated play area and log trail. The usual amenities: loads of parking, restaurant, gift shop, plants for sale. Toilets are modern and everything works. Top tip: Gardener's World 2:1 is accepted and provides great VFM. Loads of activities throughout the year so check what's on via their website. All in all, a brilliant place to visit. Would deffo visit again...it must look stunning in the spring."
Robert Marshall
"Had a really great day out in the gardens. Lots of lovely walking trails with fantastic views across the river. The gardens look very good even though it is the end of the summer. Had drinks and a snack in the old tennis courts. The restaurant looks nice as well. Ride on the steam train was very enjoyable. Dogs are welcome in all areas. You can also use the Gardener's World 241 card, what a great place."
Amanda Fletcher
"We had such a wonderful time at Exbury Gardens. The combination of the beautiful gardens and the steam railway was perfect for me and my son. He absolutely loved the train ride, and we enjoyed the scenic walks. It's a great place for children to run around and explore. A truly memorable day!"
Sam Mankotia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From London Waterloo, take a train to Southampton Central (approx. 1h 16m) and then a Bluestar 9 bus towards Lymington, alighting at Exbury.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available on-site. The car park is described as uncompacted gravel.
Yes, you can reach Exbury Gardens by train to Southampton Central followed by a bus service.
Paths are a mix of tarmac, gravel, and grass. Tarmac paths offer great wheelchair access, while gravel can be variable depending on conditions. Consider an all-terrain scooter for easier navigation.
For a day trip from London, driving offers flexibility. Alternatively, the train to Southampton followed by a bus is a viable public transport option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Exbury Gardens is typically open from March to October.
Entry fees can be on the higher side, but many visitors feel the quality justifies the cost. Look out for potential discounts like the Gardener's World 2:1 offer.
Yes, the Gardener's World 2:1 card is often accepted, offering great value for money.
Exbury Gardens hosts various events throughout the year, including Christmas festivities
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to guarantee entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Families can enjoy the steam railway, a dedicated play area, a log trail, and plenty of space for kids to run around and explore.
Yes, dogs are welcome on leads throughout the gardens and can even ride the steam train for an additional fee.
Spring for vibrant rhododendrons and azaleas, are ideal for photographers.
Facilities include ample parking, a restaurant, a cafe, toilets, a gift shop, and plants for sale.
Exbury Gardens is a vast site (200 acres), and you can easily spend an entire day exploring its diverse landscapes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe and a restaurant on-site, offering a range of food options from lunches to cakes.
Yes, there are plenty of picnic spots available, making it a great option for a relaxed day out.
The cafe offers tasty options including hearty lunches and indulgent cakes, with outdoor seating available.
While specific menus can change, most cafes in such attractions offer a selection of vegetarian options. It's advisable to check their current menu or inquire on arrival.
Yes, the visitor centre is well-stocked with plants for sale, allowing you to take a piece of Exbury home with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer numerous picturesque spots, especially during spring bloom for rhododendrons and azaleas,
Absolutely! With its diverse flora, fauna, and scenic landscapes, it's a haven for nature photographers.
Drone usage is typically restricted in gardens and nature reserves to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check Exbury Gardens' specific drone policy.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more atmospheric look.
The steam railway,
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The vast 200 acres provide ample space for little ones to run around and burn off energy in a safe environment.🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers & Garden Enthusiasts
+1 while autumn offers stunning tree colors and fungi.🚶♀️ Budget-Conscious Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Horticultural Heritage of Exbury Gardens
Lionel Nathan de Rothschild purchased the estate in 1919 and began transforming it into the informal woodland garden we see today, meticulously planting species from around the globe. The garden's design emphasizes naturalistic beauty, with winding paths that reveal stunning vistas and hidden corners. Visitors are often struck by the sheer scale and diversity of the plant life, making it a must-visit for garden enthusiasts.The garden's layout is a testament to thoughtful design, with different areas offering unique experiences. The Sundial Garden provides a formal, tranquil space, while the Rock Garden showcases a more rugged, naturalistic planting style. The riverside walks offer serene views and a chance to observe local wildlife. Throughout the year, different sections come into their own, ensuring that a visit in spring, summer, or autumn will reveal a distinct and beautiful spectacle. The dedication to maintaining these collections is evident in the vibrant health and impressive size of the plants.
Beyond the iconic spring blooms, Exbury is a haven for autumnal color and fungi enthusiasts.
The diverse tree species create a breathtaking display of reds, oranges, and yellows as the seasons change. The damp woodland floors also become a habitat for a fascinating array of mushrooms, adding another layer of natural wonder to explore. This continuous cycle of beauty makes Exbury Gardens a destination that rewards repeat visits throughout the year.The Enchanting Exbury Steam Railway
This charming narrow-gauge railway offers a delightful 1.25-mile journey that winds through the gardens, providing a unique perspective on the landscape. The lovingly restored locomotives add a nostalgic touch, making the ride an enchanting experience for families and train enthusiasts alike.The railway is not just a ride; it's an integral part of the Exbury experience. It transports visitors through wooded glades and offers glimpses of the river, bridges, and various garden features.
The sound of the steam whistle and the gentle chugging of the engine create a magical atmosphere, reminiscent of a bygone era. It's particularly popular with children, who often find the train ride to be the highlight of their visit.Dogs are welcome on the steam train, making it a truly inclusive attraction for families with pets.
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
The gardens are extensive, covering 200 acres, so planning your route or utilizing the steam railway can help manage energy levels.
The facilities are well-maintained, with modern and clean toilets available across the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit