Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Exbury Gardens



The Exbury Gardens, located in Hampshire, England, are a real treat for the eyes!  In fact, in December of 2011, they were awarded the Hudson's Heritage UK "Best Garden" award.

The gardens contain over 200 acres of rhododendrons, azaleas, and a plethora of rare trees and shrubs.  they are the inspiration of Lionel Nathan de Rothschild who passed away in 2009.  Today, his grandchildren carry on the legacy.

There are several ways to view the gardens.  You can walk on the numerous trails, you can ride a chauffer-driven buggy, or you can do my favorite thing:  ride a miniature steam locomotive through the gardens.

The train will pass through the Summer Lane garden.  From there, you'll catch a glimpse of the rock garden, followed by the wildlife pond.  Next, you'll pass the plant nursery and exotic fruit patch.  Then you'll pass by the sunflower field, which if you visit in the summer, is just amazing!  Finally, you'll loop around the oldest tree in the garden, the Doomsday Yew.  The train ride takes about twenty minutes.



The gardens are open daily from March to early November.  Admission for adults is 14 British pounds and 4 British pounds for children.

10 comments:

  1. Hubs was a train engineer for a while, so we'd take the train ride. That garden looks inviting.

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  2. i've only visited england at winter and would love to see blooming gardens

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    Replies
    1. You'd definitely have to make a trip there in the summer. Much better than the winter!

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  3. i would ride the train, for sure. Then walk back to favorite spots. That place does look prize worthy. Lovely pics

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  4. Sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I think I'd go with the train ride. That second picture is beautiful. It could be a picture hanging on a wall.

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    Replies
    1. It's a gorgeous place with lots of great photo spots!

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