Visitor FAQs
Please find below the answers to frequently asked questions concerning a visit to Exbury. Our staff on site are “Welcome Host” trained and are on-hand to assist with your visit. You are welcome to call the Main Estate Office on 023 8089 1203 during office hours with any queries you may have.
The Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons and azaleas looks at its best during April and May. The flowering season is a moveable feast, with evergreen azaleas, early flowering rhododendrons and primroses giving way to deciduous azaleas, late flowering rhododendrons and bluebells. The Exbury website gives up-to-date news on flowering conditions - please check the Head Gardener's Notice Board. Also see the wonderful current images on the home page which are frequently updated
Yes. There are two approved picnic sites within the Gardens – one overlooking Jubilee Pond in Yard Wood, and the other situated between the Gilbury Bridge and the Five Arrows Gallery. Litter bins are provided at these sites, though where possible we request that any litter be taken home after a visit.
Yes. There is an extensive car park for approx. 250 vehicles, and a parking area for approx. 50 coaches. During our busiest times car park attendants will direct traffic into the site or an overflow facility across the road from the main entrance. Blue badge holders are parked as close to the main entrance as possible.
Yes. Exbury is dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome into the Gardens and on the Steam Railway, but only if kept on a short lead. There are many miles of pathways in the Gardens. Please be considerate and use the available dog waste bins (leaflet provided shows their locations).
We regret that dogs are not allowed inside Mr Eddy’s Restaurant, though bowls of water are available outside.
No. Exbury Gardens is renowned for its peace and tranquility therefore we request that radios and footballs, and children’s bicycles and scooters, are not brought into the Gardens.
Exbury Gardens has sixteen push wheelchairs which are available on a first come, first served basis. The best time to arrive to collect wheelchairs is early in the morning (the Gardens open from 10am) or from mid-afternoon, when more people are leaving than arriving (the Car Park closes at 6pm).
Although we do not hire out mobility scooters, Exbury has a number of chauffeur-driven buggies, offering an enjoyable means of seeing the Gardens “with your feet up”.
30/45 minute tours with commentary cost £3.50/£4.00 after entering the Gardens. Simply take a ticket from the buggy kiosk “supermarket deli” style, and wait for your number to be called. There can be queues for this popular service in May.
The Exbury Gardens Steam Railway has up to four fully accessible carriages and operates a 20 min journey around the north east corner of the Gardens. It is another great way of seeing a hidden part of the Gardens without involving lots of walking. A steam railway journey costs £3.50.
Any queries concerning lost property are handled by our Gate Team on 023 8089 8625 during opening hours. Any found property should be handed in at the Gate.
The New Forest District Council granted planning permission for the Exbury Steam Railway on condition that it was not a stand-alone attraction – ie. only people paying to enter the Gardens could ride the train. For this reason, we purposely keep the entrance price for children to just £2.00, recognising that most at this age will be predominantly interested in the train. All tickets for the train are £3.50, although an unlimited ride “Rover ticket” is available outside of peak times for £4.50.