Exbury Gardens, Hampshire (Hampshire)

Summary 18th century buildings No smoking Gift shop Gardens Children's play area Woodland walks Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Restaurant Tea Room Picnic area

Introduction

The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (100 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs. This earthly paradise offers a riot of colour in spring, an oasis of tranquility in summer followed by a splendid show as the leaves change in the autumn. Discover Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways. Take a journey on the Exbury Steam Railway to tour the Gardens.

History to the present day

The first recorded reference to Exbury is in the Domesday Book of 1086. The next known reference to Exbury was in 1217, when the small town of Exbury, at that time owned by the Berkeley family, was destroyed by the French, retreating following their defeat at the Battle of Lincoln. Only a small chapel and a number of scattered farmsteads remained. There is little recorded history between the Battle of Lincoln and the purchase of the estate in 1726 by William Mitford. One of his first acts was to plant the cedars of Lebanon near his farm, later to become Exbury House, plus many avenues of trees radiating out from the House. However many of these avenues did not survive his grandson William Mitford, who was an avid follower of the Reverend William Gilpin M.A. and the “Picturesque” movement. The Top Pond formed part of William Mitford’s “Ladies Walk”. The “Gentleman’s Ride” has now become the public highway that loops through the centre of Exbury, each corner of which is designed to frame a view of the Isle of Wight.

Food and Drinks

Mr Eddy’s Restaurant & Tearooms offers  a variety of hot and cold food, eaten inside or outside in the pretty terrace garden. The Tennis Court Tea Gardens are located in the Gardens. Here visitors can enjoy sandwiches and refreshments in a lovely open-air location, this facility is open seasonally.

Grounds and gardens

Exbury is one of the finest Rhododendron Gardens in the World, holding an enormous collection of over ten thousand specimens which at their flowering peak in May are truly breathtaking. There are over 20 miles of pathways, three woods and parkland to explore.

The Exbury steam railway was opened in August 2001.  Visitors to the Gardens can also view the walk-through exhibition in Exbury's roomy Engine Shed, which also features posters and displays of railway memorabilia. 

Other facilities

 Free parking. Gift shop.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , Hampshire, , United Kingdom

Address: Exbury Gardens, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ

Opening Times: 19th March - Sunday 6th November, daily 10.00am - 5.00pm 

Directions: 20 minutes from junction 2 of the M27.

More photos of Exbury Gardens, Hampshire

Walks