Steam Railway

The Exbury Gardens Railway runs to a colour-coded timetable. The correct timetable for any particular day will be posted at the gate for visitors to see on arrival or you can check on reception, 023 8089 1203. During March and September weekdays,  a red timetable will run, with departures at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. On other dates an an amber timetable will run, with departures at 11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.15pm, 3pm & 4pm. On occasion the green timetable (with more departures) will operate. Round-trip journey time is approx. 20 mins.

The Railway follows a one and a quarter mile circular route on a 12 ¼” gauge and is a wonderful and evocative way to see the gardens. The sights and sounds of the liveried blue engines are a draw for visitors of all ages. After leaving Exbury Central Station, the train enters the Summer Lane Garden with a bridge, tunnel, causeway and series of individual themed gardens based on character and texture. The collection of plants reflect the seasons and can only be seen from the train. Children will enjoy spotting a number of woodland moss animals, including deer, rabbits, a squirrel, fox and frog, together with contemporary metal sculptures. Passing out of the Summer Lane Garden, the train travels on through a wooded area, revealing glimpses of the Rock Garden. A steep gradient leads to a curving timber viaduct, with fine views over the Wildlife Ponds.

The train then passes a Plant Nursery and a Pumpkin / Exotic Fruit Patch and on to a second lake, home to "Hump-phrey, The Lake Moss Monster." Close by is a Sunflower Field, at its peak in summer, before the train loops around the oldest tree in the Gardens, the Domesday Yew.

Exbury North Halt in the American Garden, so called because it contains rhododendron hybrids from the USA, enables visitors to hop off the train and explore this area before returning to Exbury Central on foot or by train.

The railway track has a journey time of approximately twenty minutes. Rover tickets are available most days except during May and during the running of certain special events, entitling holders to unlimited daily travel. The trains run according to colour timetables, indicated on our Garden Map and Railway Timetable (see link) which is given to visitors on arrival. Except for March and September weekdays (12 noon) the first train departs Exbury Central at 11am, with the last train generally at 4pm (3pm March and September weekdays). During the summer holidays a 4.30pm train will run.

From May 2010 onwards, visitors have also been able to enjoy the walk-through exhibition "A Dream Come True", opened by Mr Michael Portillo. The exhibition tells the story behind the construction of the Rhododendron Line, and is displayed within Exbury's roomy Engine Shed. The exhibition also features a number of railway posters and items of railway memorabilia. 

The Engine Shed is a licensed venue for civil weddings and parterships for up to 200 persons. It may also be used for receptions and corporate events with a 125 person capacity at table.

Garden Map and Railway Timetable 2011.