Exbury Gardens drop child entry charge for 2012

Children under 16 will be welcomed free of charge into award-winning Exbury Gardens in 2012. The New Forest Gardens, which won a ‘best in Britain’ accolade from tourist specialists Hudson’s Heritage in late 2011, open on Saturday 10 March.

“We know times are tough for families and we hope that by dropping the entrance charge for under-16s, more people will be able to enjoy this wonderful woodland garden which was created by my grandfather more than 90 years ago,” said Nicholas de Rothschild.  “We’re also offering those who visit before June 10th and buy tickets to ride the steam railway, free tickets to return to see the fabulous autumn colour,” he said.

Exbury offers 200 acres of woodland garden, bright in spring with the Rothschild Collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias, rare trees and shrubs, along the banks of the Beaulieu River. The Gardens may be explored on foot or by chauffeur-driven buggy.

The steam railway, whose 10th anniversary was celebrated in 2011 with a visit from HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, runs through a specially created naturalistic garden. There is a charge for adults and children to ride the railway or to use the buggy.

“Her Majesty The Queen has always enjoyed her visits to Exbury, so we are planning to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 by making some new paths for visitors to explore,” said Nicholas de Rothschild”. “We are also issuing a new tree guide, written by John Anderson, our head gardener and some interesting weekly plant trails for visitors to explore.”

Exbury’ main spring programme of events is shown below:

Exbury Gardens public events

Sat 10 March – Gardens open

Sat 10 March – Sunday 1 April – Lachenalia Exhibition
Exbury has a fine Lachenalia collection, which grows alongside our famous collection of Nerine sarniensis, the latter displayed during October. The lachenalias will be on show in the Gardens’ Five Arrows Gallery.
Lachenalias (also known as Leopard Lilies) are winter flowering bulbs, which originate from southern Africa, being dormant in summer, and growing and flowering in winter. At Exbury the bulk of the lachenalias flower from February to April. Our fine collection extends to more than 120 different species or variations.

Fri 6 April – Sun 10 June - Four Seasons Artists Exhibition, Five Arrows Gallery
A collection of top local artists are staging a delightful exhibition of paintings and sculpture in the Five Arrows Gallery. The artists will give demonstrations, answer questions and steward the show during the exhibition. The work will be on show just as the Gardens are coming into beautiful colour, making a visit a double pleasure.
Entry included within Gardens Admission price.

Sat 7 / Sun 8 / Mon 9 April – Easter at Exbury – Parrot (Tree) Trail and family train rides
Easter is a wonderful time at Exbury, with a beautiful ‘cloth of gold’ Daffodil Meadow leading down to the Beaulieu River. There are surprises in store on the Railway – who will spot the Easter Bunnies hiding in the woods? Special Garden trails and Easter treats for the children.
No extra charge for trail. Train rides are extra £3.50 per person, under 3s are free.

Sat 14 April – Sun 10 June – The Glory of the Garden
Exbury Gardens are world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and plants. The early spring Rock Garden and Heather Garden, daffodils, camellias, magnolias and primroses give way to bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas, with colour and birdsong at every turn. The spectacle of the Azalea Bowl in May is not to be missed. 20 miles of technicolour pathways lead to an average visit time in April and May of over 5 hours, although visitors can let "the train take the strain" on a 20 min journey into the north-east corner of the Gardens, or take a chauffeur driven buggy  to the best of the colour.

Sat 9 / Sun 10  June – Petal Fall Weekend
Children are welcomed into the Gardens this weekend to pick up fallen petals from the rhododendrons and azaleas. A giant collage will then be prepared by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS).
Prices within Gardens Admission. (Low Season)