Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular 200-acre woodland garden and narrow-gauge steam railway located on the edge of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, Hampshire. Exbury is renowned for its spring colour, set apart from other gardens by its world- famous collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. In summertime, Exbury’s 200 acres provide a shady sanctuary of tranquillity, characterised by the rare trees and shrubs that line the paths. During autumn, careful planting showcases the cardinal red and orange of the acers and the National Plant Collection of nyssa and oxydendrum.

Exbury’s 12 ¼ inch steam railway takes a 1 ½ mile journey through the northern part of the gardens, some of which is only accessible by train. Exbury also has an adventure play area for children to climb, educational trails for families to complete and fish to feed at Top Pond. You’ll also discover a range of great food and drink options at Mr Eddy’s restaurant, the Old Tennis Courts outdoor café and VGF’s vegan and gluten-free pop-up.

Opening times: 18 March – 30 October (4.30pm last admission)
Admission rates: Adult £15.00 (Standard) £16.50 (gift aid), Child £5.50 (standard) £6.05 (gift aid), Under 3s FREE, Railway £6.00. Group rates £10 garden entry, £5 steam train (for pre-booked groups of 15 or more people) Annual membership also available.
Facilities: Restaurant, dog friendly, free parking, picnic benches.
Disabled access: Accessible toilets, gravel paths accessible for most wheelchairs (clearly marked on map), wheelchair accessible train carriages, disabled parking spaces, free wheelchair hire.
Tours/events: Seasonal family events during school holidays, varying levels of guided tour available starting at £50 Full details on events and tours available at www.exbury.co.uk
Coach parking: Yes, free.
Length of visit: 2.5 hour minimum, although full day needed at least to experience everything.
Booking contact: Louise Cooper
Telephone: 02380891203
Email: info@exbury.co.uk
Location: Summer Lane, Exbury, New Forest, SO45 1AZ. Take junction 2 west on M27, follow A326 towards Fawley and then follow brown signs.