Exbury Gardens
Exbury Gardens are located in the south-eastern corner of the New Forest National Park, just a few miles from the well known centre of Beaulieu.
The gardens are big and are the realisation of a dream of the late Lionel Nathan de Rothschild, from the famous family of banking and wealth.
Created over many years (and continued long after his death) and then restored after much wartime damage, Exbury Gardens were primarily made so that Rothschild could grow his vast collection of exotic shrubs, particularly the rhododendron bushes, that were being discovered and brought to England at the time.
The gardens, once overgrown woodland, hug the eastern bank of the Beaulieu River and feature several large ponds and impressively landscaped areas and walking tracks.
A narrow gauge steam railway is also a major feature of the place, the 20 minute journey takes you through some of the best spots of Exbury and is a great way to see the huge diversity of plants.
Located within the car park area is the Exbury Plant Sales. Here you can purchase from a wide selection of flowers and shrubs found in the gardens, including some of the hybrid rhododendrons that are unique to Exbury.
A licensed restaurant and tearoom are located at the garden entrance, along with a well stocked gift shop.
Exbury Gardens, officially open March - November, hosts events throughout the year and as you can imagine each season brings a completely different feel and atmosphere.
In December, for example, children will love the 'Santa Special' train ride but without doubt late May / early June when the rhododendrons are in flower is one of the best times to visit.
Opening times, admission prices & contact details
- 10am - 5.30pm from 1st March - 5th November
Admission prices:
(high season prices shown)- Adults £7.50 / £6.50
- Children 3-15 yrs £1.50 / £1.50
- Children under 3 yrs free
- Family £17.50 / £15.00 (2 adults + 3 children)
- Senior Citizens £7.00 / £6.00
- Groups / concessions £7.00 / £6.00
- Exbury Railway fare £3.00
Location: Exbury ,south-eastern corner of the National Park, 3 miles south-east of Beaulieu towards Lepe Country Park.
Telephone: 02380 891203
Exbury Gardens location map
You can see this area in more detail by opening this PDF map of the south eastern corner of the National Park (approx. 30 sec download time on 1Mbps connection).
The Exbury Gardens grid reference is:422998 [How do I read a map?]
(A larger scale map of the whole National Park can be found on the area maps page).
Visit the official Exbury Gardens web site.
Read about the azaleas at Exbury.
Return to main New Forest attractions page.
