For railway enthusiasts

Home | Explore | Steam Railway

The steam railway is currently closed, further information here.

Experience the sights and sounds of a working narrow-gauge steam railway at Exbury! Witness the turnstile in action and marvel at the attention to detail on our repica train station before boarding the train.

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.

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

exburycentral

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.

‘What could be better on a trip down to the New Forest than a walk in a beautiful garden, a ride on a steam train (which my grandson adored!) and a chance to see the Beaulieu river close up? A memorable day out and a gem of a place’

Rob Gregory, Oxford