Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

About

More than 100 years in the making, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location. Exbury also boasts a narrow-gauge steam railway that travels through the gardens, plus a play area, fantastic restaurant and much more!

Unique riverside gardens

Exbury is renowned for spring colour, set apart from other gardens by their world-famous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. These stunning shrubs are at their height in April and May, lining the paths with elegant flowers. Spring also sees a spectacular display of camellias and magnolias, as well as hundreds of thousands of spring bulbs in Daffodil Meadow and the River of Gold.

Exbury's 200 acres transform into a shady sanctuary of tranquillity during summertime, with the Iris, Herbaceous, Sundial and Centenary Gardens coming into full bloom at this time of year.

During the colder months, expert planting showcases the vibrant red and orange of their acer and nyssa trees, of which we have a National Plant Collection.

Steam Railway

Exbury's narrow-gauge railway departs from a replica Victorian station ‘Exbury Central’ and travels through a tunnel, over a bridge, round the new Dragonfly Pond and through the Summer Lane Garden, which is only accessible by train.

Families

Inspire a love of the outdoors in little ones as they run, play and discover in Exbury's unique riverside gardens. Free activity sheets are available every day and themed family trails during the holidays add an extra level of engagement.

Children love our playground with swings and slides and the log trail made from old oak, beech and Scots pine trees, walking from one end of the trail to the other without touching the ground for the satisfaction of having  their photo taken when they have reached the end sitting on the oak ‘Throne’.

There are  baby changing facilities at all lavatory blocks. Check out a great season of events events tailored for children and families by clicking the link above.

Accessibility​​​​​​

Many of Exbury’s paths are wheelchair accessible and are signposted on visitor maps. The steam railway has carriages specially adapted to accommodate wheelchair users and their companions. There’s also free wheelchair hire, accessible parking, free gardens admission for carers and accessible lavatory facilities.

Food and Drink

Now managed by local caterer The Little Kitchen Company, Exbury boasts three catering options: Mr Eddy’s Restaurant serving delicious hot meals and hot and cold snacks and refreshments, the Old Tennis Courts outdoor café; serving sandwiches, drinks, and cakes, and pop-up food outlets; including Jude’s ice cream gluten-free and vegan caterers VGF’s and Rhodo’s Pizza.  Exbury also has several picnic tables, in beautiful surroundings, for visitors to use.

Dog-friendly

Four-legged friends are welcome at Exbury and can even ride the train! They have water bowls, dog bins and even sell dog-friendly ice cream in Mr Eddy’s Restaurant.

Whether you’re visiting for a quiet riverside walk, a delightful family day out or to admire their unique plants, a fantastic day can be had by all at Exbury!