Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is home to a stunning collection of flowers and trees across 200 acres (81 hectares) of gardens and woodland. Nestled at the edge of the New Forest, the tranquil site is home to rhododendrons, camellias and rare and exotic flora. A charming steam engine takes passengers on an relaxing journey through several sections of the gardens.
Amble around the site’s vibrant gardens. The rhododendron section is the pride of Exbury Gardens, particularly in May when its collection of more than 10,000 specimens is in full bloom. Check out the tree and shrub collection, planted in the early 20th century. Climb aboard the Exbury Gardens Railway, which leaves roughly once per hour. Spot wildlife and flora on the atmospheric journey, which takes around 20 minutes.
The elderly and those with small children will also appreciate the buggy service that takes visitors around key parts of the gardens. The service stops 10 times along the 40-minute route, allowing passengers to get out and capture photos of the displays.
Take a pit stop at Mr Eddy’s Tea Rooms for food and drinks. Enjoy a typically English menu featuring jacket potatoes and fish and chips. Browse Mr Eddy’s Shop for souvenirs and floral and train-themed books and gifts. Keen gardeners can also select from an array of plants for sale.The gardens are open from mid-March until the beginning of November from morning until late afternoon. There is an entrance fee for both the gardens and the railway section of the site. If you have the time, considering visiting nearby Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.
Exbury Gardens is located just north of the Isle of Wight, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Southampton’s city center. It sits on England’s south coast in the southeastern part of the picturesque New Forest area.