The Exbury Steam Railway
Climb aboard our narrow-gauge steam railway at Exbury Central and enjoy an elevated view of the Rock Garden on a twenty-minute adventure that also takes you through a tunnel, over a bridge and around Dragonfly Pond.
About our Steam Railway
Experience the sights and sounds of a working narrow-gauge steam railway by stepping aboard The Rhododendron Line.
Visitors must have a valid gardens admission ticket or membership, and a train ticket to ride the Steam Railway. All tickets are available to book online in advance, with a 10% discount.
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.
Please note that children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on the steam train.
Steam Railway Facts
Built in 2001
1 1/2 miles of track
Station inspired by Aviemore Station in Scotland
Inspiration of enthusiast Leopold de Rothschild
Seats up to 90
12 1/4” gauge
The Footplate Experience
£495
Learn to drive a steam locomotive on our picturesque Rhododendron line. The footplate experience gives you a whole day of 1:1 tuition and also includes garden admission and steam train tickets for two friends or family.
Ride with the driver
£50
Experience our wonderful steam engines from the driver’s footplate, for two full circuits of our Rhododendron line.
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
Explore Exbury
More than 100 years in the making, Exbury offers a wealth of features to delight garden and nature lovers alike.
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?