E X B U R Y G A R D E N S
Beaulieu, UK
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A Rainy Day Adventure at the Stunning Exbury Gardens
{AD} A Family Day Out in the Heart of the New Forest
We had the absolute pleasure of visiting the breathtaking Exbury Gardens, a true hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the New Forest, near Beaulieu. Despite the rain (and yes, there was a lot of it!), it turned out to be a magical day full of colour, exploration, and memory-making.
For those unfamiliar, Exbury Gardens is part of a historic estate purchased by Lionel de Rothschild in 1919. Over the decades, this visionary horticulturist transformed the land into a world-renowned garden, and walking through it today feels like stepping into a living, blooming piece of history.
Wandering Among Giants: Rhododendrons in Full Bloom
We began our adventure with a gentle stroll through the gardens, where towering rhododendrons burst into vibrant bloom all around us. The colours were nothing short of breathtaking—rich purples, fiery reds, glowing pinks and snowy whites seemed to glow against the moody skies.
Even as the skies opened and the rain poured, we simply popped our hoods up and kept going. There was something oddly calming about the rain tapping on leaves as we wandered through winding trails surrounded by nature’s springtime display. The kids thought it was brilliant—puddle jumping, leaf-spotting and all. It really was the perfect way to unwind and feel connected to the outdoors.
All Aboard the Exbury Steam Railway
Next up was something the kids had been looking forward to all morning: the Exbury Steam Railway. And let’s just say, it didn’t disappoint—Cass was beyond excited!
This charming miniature steam train winds its way through some of the gardens’ most scenic spots, including the rock garden, the peaceful dragonfly pond (my personal favourite), and a magical tunnel. The ride takes about 20 minutes and is a wonderfully relaxed way to see the gardens from a different perspective. There are even quirky little statues and sculptures hidden along the route for kids to spot—turning it into a bit of a treasure hunt.
Fun fact: during Halloween and Christmas, the train transforms into a spooky ghost train and a festive holiday ride—a definite must-do if you’re visiting later in the year!
Celebrating 60 Years of the Azalea Bowl
This year, Exbury Gardens is celebrating the diamond anniversary of their famous Azalea Bowl, planted an impressive 60 years ago. It’s currently in its full, dazzling glory—rolling hills of red, magenta, coral, and blush pink, shimmering with raindrops. If anything, the constant spring showers seem to have enhanced the colours even more.
We took part in one of their Azalea-themed guided tours, which offered a deeper understanding of the plants, their origins, and the design of this iconic part of the garden. It’s well worth joining if you’re interested in the history or just want to slow down and take it all in.
Exploring Witcher’s Wood & a Well-Earned Treat
From there, we wandered through Witcher’s Wood, a woodland wonderland filled with ornamental trees and—you guessed it—even more jaw-dropping rhododendrons. These ones have matured over the years into towering giants, with blossoms cascading above like colourful umbrellas.
After all that exploring, it was time for a little refreshment. Nestled in what used to be the estate’s old tennis courts is a cosy little coffee shop, where we treated ourselves to hot drinks and ice cream. A sweet little break before the next round of adventures!
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Family Fun at the Play Area & Log Trail
No family day out is complete without a play park, and Exbury absolutely delivers. The children loved the playground, and just nearby is a woodland log trail where they could climb, balance, and explore freely. Honestly, I think they could have stayed here all day—it was a massive hit.
From Witcher’s Wood, we followed the lovely Lovers Lane path, which winds through scenic woodland and eventually opens up to spectacular views of the Beaulieu River. Even in the rain, the views were stunning—peaceful, wide open, and picture-perfect.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Visit All Year Round
Rain or shine, Exbury Gardens is a truly magical place. With its rich horticultural history, seasonal floral displays, family-friendly activities, and peaceful walking trails, it’s somewhere I’d wholeheartedly recommend for anyone—whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a family with little adventurers, or just looking for a tranquil day out.
We’re already planning our return trip—hopefully under sunnier skies—but honestly, there’s something beautifully wild about visiting during spring showers. It adds an extra layer of atmosphere, and the gardens still shine.
Plan Your Visit:
Check out seasonal highlights, train schedules, and guided tours at exbury.co.uk
Tag your visit with #exburygardens to share your own adventures!
