Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, 20 mins
South of M27 J2 West, New Forest, SO45 1AH
T: 023 8089 1203

Open 13 March till 7 November 2010, 10am - 5.00pm last admission. Car park gates close 6pm.

Visit the world-famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, cameliias, rare trees and plants, in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Hampshire. A day spent at Exbury is a day spent in paradise. Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920's, the gardens offer over 200 acres of natural beauty that echo to the names of the famous plant hunters - Kingdon-Ward, Forrest and Wilson. The early spring Rock Garden and Heather Garden, daffodils, magnolias and primroses give way to bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas, with colour and birdsong at every turn. The spectacle of the Azalea Bowl is not to be missed in May. The summer months bring cool and shady riverside walks, hydrangeas and showpiece exotic and herbaceous gardens. Picnic next to ponds with golden orfe, carp and dragonflies. Take the family for a steam railway ride through the Summer Lane Garden. Autumn arrives in a blaze of colour from waterside maples, acers and dogwoods. Discover fabulous fungi and toadstools and be dazzled by Exbury's nerines (jewel lilies) in the Five Arrows Gallery.

Explore the Gardens on foot, by chauffeur driven buggy or travel on the Exbury Gardens Steam Railway. Offering peace, tranquility and relaxation year round. Next special events: Petal Fall Weekend, children free Sat/Sun 5/6 June; Wartime Walks Weekend Sat/Sun 5/6 June.