About our Steam Railway 

 

Experience the sights and sounds of a working narrow-gauge steam railway by stepping aboard The Rhododendron Line. 

Brainchild of the late Leopold de Rothschild 22 years ago, our narrow gauge engines that travel on the Rhododendron Line depart from Exbury Central, a replica of Aviemore Station as it would have appeared in Victorian times.

The trains travel on an extended 1.5 mile track through the gardens, meandering through the Summer Lane Garden (only accessible by train) before skirting past the Rock Garden, travelling through the tunnel and then stopping off at Exbury North to refuel. The return journey includes a loop around Dragonfly Pond, where passengers can watch out for wildlife, before heading back to Exbury Central.

 

Steam Railway Facts

Built in 2001

1 1/2 miles of track

Platform inspired by Aviemore Station in Scotland

Inspiration of enthusiast Leopold de Rothschild

Seats up to 90 

12 1/4" gauge

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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 £6.50 per person. Visitors must have a valid gardens admission ticket, or membership, and a train ticket to ride the steam railway, all of which can be booked online by clicking the button above.

Tickets for the steam railway can also be booked on the day of your visit from the Visitor Entrance, except the Halloween Ghost Train, or Christmas Festive Express.  Please book your tickets in advance for these events, as we cannot guarantee availability on the day.

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.