Exploring the outdoors is a great way to boost your mood and energy levels, it offers a benefit to physical wellbeing as well as helping improve little ones confidence, imagination and motor skills.
This Easter half term we took a trip to Exbury Gardens, situated alongside the Beaulieu River the 200 acre site is in full bloom in Spring time with bright and beautiful hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.
There are several pathed routes all well sign posted to take you on your journey around the gardens. Most of the paths were easily accessible with the pushchair and wheelchair friendly. On the South side you can wander the River Walk along the Beaulieu River and up and around the Daffodil field. We took the Camellia walk back to set up a picnic by Top Pond, a picturesque spot with giant koi carpe happily swimming and towering trees offering shade for the boys.
On the North Side of the gardens you’ll find the Hydrangea Walk taking you past the Jubilee Pond and all the way up to Dragonfly Pond. If you take the Steam Engine which departs from
the Central Station by the main entrance or Exbury North nearer to the wildlife gardens you can experience the journey on a narrow gauge steam railway which will pass the Summer Lane Garden which is only accessible by train. You will pass through a tunnel, over a bridge and circle the Dragonfly Pond giving you a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy the view and spot some wildlife! On peak times the train will run every half an hour, the timetable is available to view online to plan ahead. The trip is an additional £5.50 per person (under 3’s go free)
on top of your ticket fee which can be purchased
online or at the main entrance on arrival. At the centre of the gardens by the main entrance you’ll find a play park and food catered by The Little Kitchen Company supplying delicious breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and snack options alongside coffee, soft drinks and wine. There are dine in options or food available to take away into the gardens. We had a beautiful day spent at Exbury Gardens with plenty to
see with great weather. The gardens change with the season but we are told the best time is Spring and Summer before the garden changes to Autumn and takes on the typical Autumnal colours which I’m sure will be beautiful as well. Pricing With gift aid, Adults are £14.85 between 1st April — 30thJune, reducing your £12.10 between 1st July until the end of the 2022 season. Children between the ages of 3-15 are £5.50 and under 3’s enter for free. If you are likely to visit throughout the season then the Friends of Exbury Membership is a great option, their family membership can include up to 3 children and is priced at £100 for a two adult family or £60 for a single adult family. Individual adults are £50 and a joint is £90. A child is considered 3-15 years so if you have an under 3 they would not require membership. With the membership you get unlimited entrance AND unlimited Steam Railway rides as well as discounts in the shop and for food. Pre booking is essential for all visitors including members for enquiries call 02380 891203 or email info@exbury.co.uk
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