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Gardens in Southampton, Hampshire
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Exbury
Southampton
Hampshire
SO45 1AZ
023 8089 1203
Email: click here
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway online: information and bookings
THE GARDENS - Exbury Gardens were the inspiration of Lionel Nathan de Rothschild. It was his vision, his dedication and his resources which have created one of the finest woodland gardens in the country.
A visitor once described Exbury as “Heaven with the gates open.” It is a garden for people young and old, horticulturalist or enthusiastic gardener, or just a lover of beautiful places. From botanical rarities to masses of spectacular colour, there is something for all to enjoy – a place to escape from the cares of the world.
Lionel de Rothschild was a keen collector of plants, particularly rhododendrons and azaleas. He was also a highly successful hybridizer of many different species and Exbury is still filled with his creations. This tradition has been continued by his descendants, his sons Edmund and Leopold and grandsons Nicholas and Lionel, who actively continue to develop the gardens to this day.
Leopold de Rothschild has had a love affair with steam trains since early childhood - "but my parents did not allow me to have an electric train set, believing I would electrocute myself, so it was run-off a six-volt accumulator."
THE RAILWAY - Mr Leo's original plan for an Exbury 2ft-gauge line failed to win planning approval in 1994 and an appeal was lost. However, a year later a visit by Mr Leo to Ffestiniog director Michael Schumann's private 7 1/4in-gauge railway in Norfolk reaffirmed his desire to build a railway at Exbury. On Mr Schumann's advice he consulted Trevor Stirland at Devon's Exmoor Steam Railway.
Facilities
Choose from our selection of gift ideas, postcards, videos and DVD’s, plus a range of railway souvenirs including prints of the Exbury Engines Rosemary, Naomi and Mariloo, and Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise. The shopping facility is located within Mr Eddy's Tea Rooms. Tel (023) 8089 8737.
A wide range of colourful plants are available to purchase from the Plant Centre located near the Visitor Entrance. The Plant Centre is open daily throughout March, April and May from 10:30am - 4:30pm.
Restaurant
Mr Eddy's Team Room
Weddings and Conferences
Exbury Gardens in the New Forest offers you a stunning location for your wedding. The 200-acre garden hosts the world famous Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, as well as extensive lawns, fine trees, glorious herbaceous borders, an exotic Sundial garden with a romantic wisteria covered pagoda, a statuesque rock garden, tranquil cascades and riverside setting. It even has its own 12¼” gauge steam railway, which you can use to celebrate your big day in style!
Additional Services
Dogs are very welcome to visit Exbury Gardens, we simply ask they are kept on a short lead and leave nothing behind but paw prints! There are over 22 miles of pathways in the Gardens, with a variety of walking surfaces and different habitats to explore. The majority of pathways are flat and it is very easy walking. A leaflet given to visitors on arrival shows the location of dog bins. Waste collection bags are available from the entrance.
In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting
