Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway - New Forest family favourite attraction perfect for visitors of all ages

200-acre gardens with a steam railway, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs.

Welcome to Exbury

More than 100 years in the making, Exbury's glorious gardens, designed and curated by the de Rothschild family, have the power to delight and inspire in equal measure.

This spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens provide an ever-changing palette of colour that will entice you back to witness the seasons unfold. 

Steam Railway

Climb aboard at Exbury Central, our replica Victorian Station, and enjoy an elevated view of the Rock Garden on a journey that takes you through a tunnel, over a bridge and around Dragonfly Pond.

We also organise seasonal family events on the Steam Railway, such as our Halloween Ghost Train and Festive Express as part of Christmas at Exbury. 

Families

Inspire a love of the outdoors in children of all ages as they explore our gardens, playu area and log trail.  And, when it’s time to slow the pace a little, travel by steam train to Dragonfly Pond, an official British Dragonfly Society ‘hotspot’, in search of dragonflies and damselflies.

Food & Drink

Mr Eddy’s restaurant, the Old Tennis Courts outdoor café, the Potting Shed and Rhodo Pizza takeaways, and Charlotte’s Little Ice Cream Kitchen are managed by award-winning local caterers The Little Kitchen Company.  Enjoy good and drink to suits all tastes and appetites from hot meals, sandwiches, daily deli-counter specials, cakes and ice cream, as well as barista coffee, soft drinks, smoothies, wine, beers and cider.

Gallery

A full programme of art and floral exhibition is being held at the Five Arrows Gallery, all included free of charge with your visit.

Dog Friendly

Dogs on short leads are welcome at Exbury – they can even travel on the train.  We supply water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly ice cream in our restaurant, as well as special Devoted to Dogs days as part of our events programme.

Shopping

Our Gift Shop stocks a wide range of books, homewares, gardening gifts and souvenirs inspired by the gardens, their history and their wildlife.  For children you’ll find imaginative ideas for rainy day activities and outdoor adventures alike.

The Plant Centre is stocked with an array of herbaceous plants, shrubs and of course rhododendrons and azaleas, reflecting the seasons of Exbury.  You’ll find both familiar names and a host of rare and unusual varieties, allowing you to buy a plant as a growing memento of your visit.

Accessibility

We offer free wheelchair loan, mobility scooter hire, accessible parking, free garden admission for carers, and accessible toilet facilities.  Our Steam Railway has carriages specially adapted to accommodate wheelchair users and their companions.