Exbury Gardens is a large landscaped garden in Hampshire, southern England, within the New Forest area. Covering around 200 acres, it is known for its ornamental plant collections, woodland paths, ponds and flowering shrubs.
History
The modern garden began to take shape in 1919, when financier and keen horticulturist Lionel de Rothschild purchased the Exbury estate. He invested heavily in transforming the grounds, employing gardeners and workers to create paths, install water infrastructure and plant unusual species. Plant-hunting expeditions helped expand the collection.
Rhododendrons and azaleas became particular specialities. The estate developed new varieties through breeding work, known as Exbury hybrids. After Lionel's death in 1942, his son Edmund continued the garden's development. Exbury opened to the public in 1955.
Plants and landscapes
Spring is one of the most colourful times to visit, when rhododendrons and azaleas bloom in shades of pink, red, white and purple. The collections also include camellias, acers, magnolias and a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Summer brings shaded walks beneath mature trees, peaceful ponds and quiet clearings, while autumn adds golden, red and orange foliage.
The grounds combine carefully designed garden areas with more natural woodland landscapes. Highlights include flower-filled glades, walking avenues and the Centenary Garden, opened in 2019 to mark the centenary of the garden's creation.
The steam railway
One of Exbury's distinctive attractions is its narrow-gauge Exbury Steam Railway. Built at the initiative of Leopold de Rothschild, it began operating in 2000. The route travels through scenic parts of the estate and offers a different view of the gardens. A separate ticket is required for the train.
Best time to visit
Spring is ideal for seeing the rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom. Summer is suited to longer walks, while autumn attracts visitors with its changing leaf colours. Flowering times depend on the weather, so check the official website before travelling for seasonal opening details and railway services.
Visitor information
The gardens are near the village of Exbury, not far from Southampton. More than 22 miles of paths cross the grounds, with places to rest and food outlets available. Driving is a convenient option. The nearest major railway station is Brockenhurst, from where visitors can continue by bus or taxi. Exbury is a rewarding destination for plant lovers, photographers and anyone seeking a peaceful day outdoors.
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