Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019. The 200-acre site boasts extensive woodland and riverside areas lined with the world-famous Rothschild rhododendron and rare tree collections. Plus a newly-restored iris garden, one of the largest rock gardens in Europe, aromatic herbaceous borders and so much more! Exbury also includes a miniature steam railway.
Where is Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway located?
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is located on the edge of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, Hampshire. Roughly ten minutes from Lepe Beach, Exbury Gardens is located in a unique climate nestled in woodland, heathland, riverside and coast.
What style of garden is Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway?
Under the inspired eye of Lionel de Rothschild and his staff, Exbury was at the cutting edge of the woodland garden movement of the 1920s. Spring is set apart to other gardens by vibrant colour from magnolias, azaleas, camellias and of course the world-famous Rothschild rhododendrons. During summer the Sundial Garden and herbaceous border come into their own with exotic perennials. And Hydrangea Walk offers an joyful stroll past sweeping mauve and blues. Exbury is home to the National Collection of Nyssa and Oxydendrum, both of which produce vibrant russet tones in Autumn. These merge with maples, dog woods and sweet gums to produce layers of Autumn colour like nowhere else.
What can guests enjoy at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway?
Asides from exploring over 200 acres and marvelling at the rare collection of plants, guests to Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway can enjoy:
- Climbing the adventure play area
- Watching out for wildlife on the steam railway
- Climbing the Wiggly Tree and ringing the Burmese Bell in Home Wood
- Feeding the giant koi carp at Top Pond
- Eating a delicious seasonal main meal at Mr Eddy's Restaurant
- Grabbing tea and cake at Old Tennis Courts outdoor cafe
- Viewing art displays and exhibitions at the Five Arrows Gallery
Other Information
Famed for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, Exbury is the birth place of 1000s of unique rhododendron hybrids.
Exbury also boasts a number of rare trees and shrubs, obtained from great plant-hunting expeditions to Asia in the 1920s and 1930s.
