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Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

New Forest National Park | Exbury, New Forest SO45 1AZ, England
023 8089 1203
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Ranked #3 of 29 attractions in New Forest
Type: Gardens, Scenic Railroads
Owner description: Exbury Gardens is home to the world-famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs, in the beautiful New... more » Owner description: Exbury Gardens is home to the world-famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs, in the beautiful New Forest. Offering peace, relaxation and tranquility - a day spent at Exbury is a day spent in paradise. Created in the 1920s, the gardens extend over 200 acres of natural beauty that echo to the names of the famous plant hunters. Explore on foot, by chauffeur-driven buggy tour or travel on the Exbury Gardens Steam Railway. Mr Eddy's Restaurant and Tearooms; Plant Centre and Gift Shop; free parking. VAQAS assessed. « less
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194 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

3rd visit and the same issue all the time, never enough ticket people at the entrance and the system is so slow. Arrived at 11am on Saturday with 1 cashier and about 20 people in q. No one else came to help and this was the same on both other trips. Was very surprised as we had just had coffee... More

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Essex
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

We loved Exbury Gardens - it wasn't busy as it was a dull chilly day, but itfelt we had the whole gardens to ourselves. I would be mindful of the weather as the lady on the desk mentioned that they close if it is very windy, so it could be a wasted trip. The rhododendrons are stunning and the areas... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Midlands
Top Contributor
133 reviews 133 reviews
48 attraction reviews
Reviews in 69 cities Reviews in 69 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 June 2013 NEW

We visited when the rhododendrons were at their peak. The gardens were full of colour and the scent of bluebells that were in flower very late filled the air. Getting round the garden with a wheelchair was easy and all the best parts where accessible. The café was struggling to cope with the crowds but the gardens are so large... More

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Surrey, Angleterre
Top Contributor
78 reviews 78 reviews
51 attraction reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

We visited here on the recommendation of our host at the b & b where we were staying - so glad we did ! I think we visited at probably the best time of the year as the azaleas and rhododendrons were simply stunning. It was quite busy the day we went but the gardens are very extensive and you... More

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Crookham, United Kingdom
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

Wow, what a place! Absolutely loved it - were really disappointed we'd only arrived at 3 and only had 3 hours to look round. Will definitely be back.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Witham, England, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013 via mobile

A huge garden almost exclusively full of Rhododendron and Azaleas. Beautiful as they are in bloom, all but the most dedicated of fans is liable to get sick of them. There are SMALL pockets like the herbaceous and sundial gardens where they are kept out. Otherwise it's a fairly dull garden design. The railway's lovely, with a short talk at... More

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Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013 via mobile

Rather expensive for what you get. The gardens were pleasant certainly & in some places exceptionally beautiful but I still don't think it's worth the price of admission. Fortunately we took our own lunch as even a small sandwich cost over £3. I don't think we will be back.

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Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

when the azaleas and rodedendrums are in bloom the smell and colourful beaty is amazing. To walk leisurely around the peaceful grounds is a fantastic way to chill out away from the hustle bustle of everyday life. A ride on the steam train is like a step back in time recalling many happy childhood moments.

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Southampton, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

Beautiful place, if you find yourself there in May-June, just when all the azaleas bloom. We visited the gardens just at the time of flowering, beautiful colors, same garden after that there is some special attractions and other flowers, that I was a bit disappointed. Good place for a family holiday. Slightly quite expensive tickets for admission.

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Lymington
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Exbury Gardens is famous for the incredible collection of azaleas and rhododendrons. But for me it is more than admiring the superb array of vibrant colours, it is the sense of wellbeing you experience when walking these beautifully tended gardens. The erotic smells of the plants mingle with bird song and butterflies and, even on a wet day it is... More

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