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Park 🐾 Dogs Welcome

Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

Summer Lane

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Photo: Stephen Grayson

About Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

Explore 200 acres of beautiful woodland gardens aboard a charming steam train, combining horticultural splendour with nostalgic railway adventure in the New Forest area.

What's nearby

  • Exbury House 200m away
  • Christopher Hoare Tree Services Ltd 450m away

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

Good to know

Parking

  • ✓Free car park
  • ✓Paid car park
  • ✓Free street

Accessibility

  • ✓Accessible parking
  • ✓Accessible entrance
  • ✓Accessible toilet
  • ✓Accessible seating

Payment

  • ✓Credit cards
  • ✓Debit cards
  • ✓Contactless

Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.

Photos

Photos via Google

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What visitors say

Andrew Thomas

Stunning gardens with a magnificent collection of plants, at their finest in late spring when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in bloom, but beautiful in every season. Late summer is also a great time to visit for the hydrangeas. Exbury is impeccably well kept, with easily accessible paths around most of the site, and the added attraction of a steam railway, a memorable way to see the gardens. There are numerous highlights to look out for while exploring the gardens, from the ornamental Sundial and Centenary Gardens to the Dragonfly Pond and Rock Garden. It's a photographer's paradise, with elegant bridges, magnificent trees and much more besides. Onsite facilities are very good, with a large café and restaurant by the entrance, gift shop, well maintained toilets and plenty of parking. Ticket prices vary, but aren't too expensive considering the size and exceptional quality of the gardens. Tickets to ride the railway are charged separately. Dogs on leads are welcome. Exbury is one of the largest, most impressive gardens I've visited, comparing well with the best in the country. Walking amongst the incredible rhododendrons in May was an unforgettable experience.

· via Google

Glynnis Stirton

Exbury Gardens was one of my most memorable experiences. If you love nature, gardening, appreciate art, photography & enjoy scenic walks, then this place is for you! The magnificent colour & sounds of nature are at their best in Spring. This excursion was a taste of heaven! I was thrilled to discover thst Laguna Coach Tours picked up in Ringwood for many of their day tours. The scenery on the journey through the New Forest was lovely. The entry point was through the shop that was filled with souvenirs, gifts & interesting items. We arrived in time for morning coffee & one of their freshly made treats. A map of the gardens is important. Signs will guide you & help you find your way to the art exhibition & Steam railway. .

· via Google

Jayne Rea

Absolutely stunning gardens and tree walks. Beautiful lawns in front of the main house, which looked stunning. Lovely art gallery to look around. There's a few fountains which looked pretty. A steam train ride is £7 each for a 20 minute ride around the beautiful gardens. A lovely resturant which offers hot/cold meals. Including icecreams and cakes. The staff were friendly and polite. Large carpark available. I would recommend visiting Exbury House.

· via Google

Sharon Adams

Had such a lovely day at Exbury Gardens 🌸 Absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. The gardens are stunning, so much colour and so many gorgeous plants and flowers to admire. We spent ages just wandering around taking it all in. The little steam train was such a lovely touch too! Everything was really well looked after and the staff were friendly and helpful. If you love gardens, plants or just fancy a relaxing day out, I’d definitely recommend it. Can’t wait to go back 🌿

· via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Visitors say this garden features stunning, well-maintained grounds with a wide variety of plants, especially azaleas and rhododendrons, and a fun steam railway. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the accessible paths and ample parking. Guests mention the cafe offers good food at reasonable prices, and the gardens are dog-friendly.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
Exbury, Southampton, SO45 1AZ Get directions
Category
Railways & Transport
Guest rating
4.7 / 5 (3,883 reviews)
Suitable for
All Ages
Setting
Indoor & outdoor
Dogs allowed
Yes
Good for children
Yes
Destination
Exbury