About Exbury Gardens

What started as the vision of one man soon became the work of 150 labourers, 60 specially trained gardeners, plant hunters, propagators and countless other contributors to what was to become one of the world’s finest gardens.

Extreme weather measures. Due to the significant risk of fire, we are currently using our diesel engine instead of steam. The trains will be running half hourly from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm. Please do not smoke in the gardens.

History & timeline

On 23rd April 1923, just four years into its construction, the plant hunter Frank Kingdon-Ward wrote to the Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh saying that Exbury Gardens will be “the eighth wonder of the world.” We like to think he was right!

For further reading, pick up a copy of The History of Exbury Gardens or The Eighth Wonder of the World, both available from the Exbury Gardens Gift Shop.

The de Rothschild Family

The family rose to prominence in the early nineteenth century when the five sons of Mayer Amschel Rothschild established a partnership of banking businesses in Frankfurt, Vienna, Naples, Paris and London. Whilst the senior partner of the London bank, Lionel de Rothschild, great-grandson of Nathan Mayer Rothschild, the third son of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, declared himself to be a “a banker by hobby and a gardener by profession.” The rest, as they say, is history…

Corporate & media

We are always keen to work with influencers, journalists and photographers who share our passion for horticulture, and for Exbury in particular.

About Exbury 

Garden news

Visit England quality assessment to be proud of!

Visit England quality assessment to be proud of!

We are immensely proud to share that we have been awarded 95% in our latest Visit England quality ...
Days of Steam – Full steam ahead for 25th anniversary!

Days of Steam – Full steam ahead for 25th anniversary!

Days of Steam returned this year, bigger and better than before in celebration of the Exbury Steam Railway’s 25th ...
A Wonderful Weekend of Wellness

A Wonderful Weekend of Wellness

The first Exbury Wellness Festival, on 13th-14th June, was a huge success with busy sessions across a wide range ...
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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.

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