Ride the Steam Train - New Forest Attractions

Exbury Steam Railway will reopen on Monday 12th April, in line with government guidelines.

Experience the sights and sounds of a working narrow-gauge steam railway at Exbury Gardens! Our narrow-gauge railway departs from replica Victorian station Exbury Central and travels through a tunnel, over a bridge, round the new Dragonfly Pond and through the Summer Lane Garden. See below for more facts and information about Exbury's steam railway.

You must have a valid gardens admission to ride the steam railway, this can be booked online here. However, tickets for the steam railway must be booked on the day of your visit from the Visitor Entrance.

Train timetable

Trains should run at the following times:

11am
11.45am
12.30pm
1.30pm
2.15pm
3pm

Train times are subject to change.

Key facts

Built in 2001	Inspiration of enthusiast Leopold de Rothschild
1 1/2 miles of track	Seats up to 90
Platform inspired by Aviemore Station in Scotland	12 1/4" gauge

Route

Departing from Exbury Central Station, the train meanders through the Summer Lane Garden (not accessible by foot) before skirting past the Rock Garden, travelling through the tunnel and then stopping off at Exbury North to refuel. The return journey includes a circle of Dragonfly Pond, where passengers can watch out for wildlife, before heading back to Exbury Central.

Route may change depending on weather or special events.

Engine shed

After their journey, passengers are encourages to explore the engine shed where graphics, videos and memorabilia line the walls, recalling steam's heyday and the construction of Exbury's railway.

Currently closed due to COVID-19 safety restrictions.

Accessibility

Our steam railway has two carriages adapted to accomodate wheelchair users and their families. These are larger than normal carriages and have a ramp to assist in getting on and off the train.

Dependent on availability, working on a first come first served basis.

turnstile

Additional information:

Admission onto the steam train is only permitted by visitors who have purchased admission to the gardens and paid for a railway ticket, costing £5.50 per person.
In exceptional circumstances, such as hot or dry weather, Exbury Gardens may use a diesel engine instead of a steam locomotive to reduce any risk of fire.

While Exbury Gardens Ltd have taken all reasonable care to follow government COVID-19 safety guidelines, visitors enter at their own risk. Click here for a comprehensive list of the safety measures we've implemented.

‘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

steam railway