the gardens

More than 100 years in the making, Exbury's glorious gardens, designed and curated by the de Rothschild family, have the power to delight and inspire in equal measure. This spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens provide an ever-changing palette of colour that will entice you back to witness the seasons unfold.

We are currently asking that visitors book their visit online, in advance, wherever possible. This allows us to provide you with the best possible experience by controlling how many people arrive at any one time and by allowing us to deploy staff in response to visitor numbers.

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Click on the photographs below to learn about what to see throughout the seasons.

What to see - all year round

Exbury through the seasons

Spring

Exbury is renowned for spring colour, set apart from other gardens by our world-famous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. These stunning shrubs are at their height in April and May, lining the paths with elegant flowers. Spring also sees a spectacular display of camellias and magnolias, as well as hundreds of thousands of spring bulbs in Daffodil Meadow and the River of Gold.

Summer

Our 200 acres transform into a shady sanctuary of tranquility during summertime. In particular, the Iris, Herbaceous, Sundial and Centenary Gardens bloom at this time of year with herbaceous perennials and exotic flowers. Take the train to Dragonfly Halt to daydream amongst the dragonflies.

Autumn

During the colder months, expert planting showcases the vibrant red and orange of our fiery acers and National Plant Collection of nyssa trees, amidst a vibrant backdrop of dogwoods and majestic oak trees.

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Open Daily 19th March - 30th October

Exbury Gardens is open 10am-5.30pm (last admission 4.30pm, will close at dusk if earlier. The last steam railway journey will usually depart at 3pm).

Map of Exbury Gardens

Map - May 22

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‘We recently had some friends from London to visit and were looking for something to entertain our young children for the day. We decided to give Exbury Gardens a try and I thought it was wonderful. We had Sunday lunch in the restaurant and the food was far superior to other local attractions so compliments to the chef. Walking through the gardens was beautiful with lots of little pathways to explore. I have lived in the Romsey area for many years and always thought Exbury was a little out of the way but it only took me 20 minutes from the motorway. We will definitely be a regular visitor from now on.’

Philip Moulds, New Forest

Exbury Gardens, The Estate Office
Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ

+44 (0)23 8089 1203

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