End of season announcement. With the exception of our Christmas events, the gardens and steam railway will close for the winter from 5.30pm on Saturday 31st October. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who visited us this season and we hope to see you again next year. The Christmas dates for this year are 28 November to 6 December. More information can be found here What's On
Winter at Exbury Gardens
In winter, Exbury transforms into a winter wonderland for two special festive weekends. Join us for our Christmas Fair, featuring a wide range of local producers offering all manner of wonderful gift ideas; meet Father Christmas; climb aboard our Festive Express Steam Railway experience to help the elves prevent another Christmas catastrophe; and, of course, enjoy the gardens at their wintery best.
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Between our two Christmas Fair weekends you can also enjoy the Christmas Night Train – an enchanting illuminated woodland journey powered by steam and the magic of Christmas.
Take a look at our What’s On page to see what’s in store.
Our events —
Coming up at Exbury
Christmas Night Train
November 30, 2026
December 4, 2026
Meet Father Christmas in the Evening
November 30, 2026
December 4, 2026
Meet Father Christmas
November 28, 2026
December 6, 2026
Book your visit
Tickets may be purchased on the day of your visit, but did you know that you qualify for a 10% discount if you book your visit online in advance? (Excludes Halloween Ghost train and Christmas at Exbury).
Explore Exbury —
Something for everyone
Gardens
There is always something new to see at Exbury. In spring, our world-famous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas sets us apart from other gardens.
Café & restaurant
Mr Eddy’s Restaurant, the Old Tennis Courts outdoor café, the Potting Shed*, and Charlotte’s Little Ice Cream Kitchen* are managed by award-winning local caterers The Little Kitchen Company.
Events & activities
We will be hosting a varied programme of events throughout the season, including school holiday workshops, family games and trails, creative workshops for adults, and theatre and music events.
Explore Exbury
More than 100 years in the making, Exbury offers a wealth of features to delight garden and nature lovers alike.
Visit the steam railway
Nothing beats the thrill of a real steam train ride.
Testimonials —
What visitors say
I went with my partner and her daughter. We had planned the day to (hopefully) get to see the Daffodil fields and the start of the Magnolias, Camellias and Rhododendrons.The three of us (all with health restrictions) had ordered mobility scooters (from Exbury) to assist us getting around the gardens. This was indeed a wise choice as we spent a very enjoyable 4 hours around the gardens even venturing to 'lookout point' that I had never been able to visit before!
The staff were friendly and helpful and we had the best day out.
Steve T
I had a delightful day at Exbury. The weather was pleasant, and the gardens were stunning. It was a busy Mother's Day, but all the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly.
Pamella
The gardens were just stunning. Magnolias and Camellias in bloom, some rhododendrons in flower, but loads more to come. A beautiful garden. Plus everyone working there were amazing.
Chris
Wonderful for a long leisurely stroll around beautiful greenery. Huge array of different plants and trees. Lucky to see an array of wildlife including very friendly robins. Some nice activities for children dotted about which is a nice touch to keep the kids entertained. Nice cafes. Plenty of toilets including accessible ones. The train is reasonably priced and a lovely addition to the venue.
All in all, worth a visit.
Bishop-Jones
Visited last weekend whilst on holiday in Dorset. We took the New Forest open bus tour from Brockenhurst which stops at Exbury Gardens and so pleased we did. Really beautiful gardens with extensive walks and a huge variety of plants and trees, excellent catering available on site and the added bonus of a ride on the cute little steam train. Thoroughly recommended.
Martin B
Beautiful and well kept extensive gardens. So much to see with wonderful rambling paths down to the river, where there are seats to sit and watch the wildlife on the shore.
Jacky R
We enjoyed a great day out celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary! A stunning garden with fantastic displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camelias and a wonderful walk down to the Beaulieu River. All this plus friendly staff, delicious food in Mr Eddy's Restaurant and of course the steam railway.
Katy C
Visitors —
Group visits
Exbury offers the perfect day out for all groups, large and small.
Whether you’re a local garden society, coach operator, WI group or a big family wanting to take advantage of discounted admission, what better place to enjoy a group day out than at Exbury?
Get social —
