Gift shop and & plant centre
Our beautiful Gift Shop and well-stocked Plant Centre are located at the Visitor Entrance and are therefore open to all.
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
Something for everyone
Our Gift Shop stocks a wide range of books, homewares, gardening gifts and souvenirs inspired by the gardens, their history and their wildlife. For children you’ll find imaginative ideas for rainy day activities and outdoor adventures alike.
The Plant Centre is stocked with an array of herbaceous plants, shrubs and of course rhododendrons and azaleas, reflecting the seasons at Exbury. You’ll find both familiar names and a host of rare and unusual varieties, allowing you to buy a plant as a growing memento of your visit.
Explore Exbury —
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
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?