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 contains 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 glimpses 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 Domesday Yew. The train ride takes about 20 minutes.
The gardens are open daily from March to early November. Admission for adults is 14 British pounds and 4 British pounds for children.
Hi Sherry - I hope you don't mind if I correct the ownership aspect - Lionel died in 1942 and his son Edmund took over, he died in 2009, and then his brother, David, took over ... it is now a charitable trust - securing the financial future of the gardens.
ReplyDeleteBut it looks stunning doesn't it ... I love the idea of the miniature steam train - taking people on tours ... I see the Queen had one! I also had no idea about the Britain's Great Little Railways ... fascinating - cheers Hilary
Thanks for that information!
DeleteThey're so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThey really are!
DeleteIt looks so peaceful and relaxing there. I wish I lived closer to a place like that.
ReplyDeleteYou might be able to find some hidden treasures where you live. It's always nice to find them.
DeleteThat's in the New Forest about 120 miles from where I am but I never heard of it even though I have been to plenty of places around that lovely area! It will have to be visited now - no excuses even though it seems a bit of an expensive entry - I think the Rothschilds have enough money already!
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
If you live nearby, you most definitely should see it.
DeleteI want to ride the train through the garden. Sounds like a perfect outing
ReplyDeleteIt makes you feel like a little kid!
DeleteI wish they would make places like this near me. But I guess it's hard to duplicate an award winner.
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty exceptional. They really like their gardens in the UK.
DeleteOh my. Oh my, oh my, oh my. That looks absolutely lovely. Thank you so much (and Hilary who sent me here).
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Walking through this would be a lovely way to spend a day of relaxing.
ReplyDeleteThoughts in Progress
and MC Book Tours
How lovely!
ReplyDeleteLovely! Perfectly lovely. I'm visiting via Hilary's blog, who suggested we visit.
ReplyDelete