New Forest Business Directory
<< Start < Prev 1 Next > End >>
|
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Event date: 10 March 2012
Google Map 
PLAY VIDEO
Summer LaneExburyNr SouthamptonHampshireSO45 1AZ
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.exbury.co.ukPhone: 02380 891203We are a spectacular 200-acre woodland garden world-famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, rare trees and plants, a riot of colour in spring, and a dazzling sight in the autumn. Visitors can enjoy exploring twenty miles of pathways, or “let the train take the strain and ride on a 20 min journey, or take a buggy tour to see the best of the colour.
The Exbury Gardens Steam Railway follows a one and a quarter mile circular route on a 12 ” gauge and is a wonderful and evocative way to see the gardens. The sights and sounds of the liveried blue engines are a draw for visitors of all ages. After leaving Exbury Central Station, the train enters the Summer Lane Garden with a bridge, tunnel, causeway and series of individual themed gardens based on character and texture. The collection of plants reflect the seasons and can only be seen from the train. Children will enjoy spotting a number of woodland moss animals, including deer, rabbits, a squirrel, fox and frog, together with contemporary metal sculptures.
Passing out of the Summer Lane Garden, the train travels on through a wooded area, revealing glimpses of the Rock Garden. A steep gradient leads to a curving timber viaduct, with fine views over the Wildlife Ponds.
The train then passes a Plant Nursery and a Pumpkin / Exotic Fruit Patch and on to a second lake, home to "Hump-phrey, The Lake Moss Monster." Close by is a Sunflower Field, at its peak in summer, before the train loops around the oldest tree in the Gardens, the Domesday Yew.
Exbury North Halt in the American Garden, so called because it contains rhododendron hybrids from the USA, enables visitors to hop off the train and explore this area before returning to Exbury Central on foot or by train.
The railway track has a journey time of approximately twenty minutes. Rover tickets are available most days except during May and during the running of certain special events. The trains run according to colour timetables, indicated on our Garden Map and Railway Timetable (see link) which is given to visitors on arrival. Except for March and September weekdays (12 noon) the first train departs Exbury Central at 11am, with the last train generally at 4pm (3pm March and September weekdays). During the summer holidays a 4.30pm train will run.
2012 opening: Saturday 10 March - Sunday 4th Nov, daily 10am - 5.00pm last admission. Car Park gates close at 6pm (or dusk if earlier)
A charming New Forest Attraction. Rd the Exbury Gardens Tripadvisor Review
|
<< Start < Prev 1 Next > End >>
