Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the delights of Exbury Gardens in the New Forest.
With over 200 acres designed, carefully curated and beautifully maintained by the Rothschild family for over a century, these breathtaking grounds are celebrated as some of the finest woodland gardens in the UK.
The main attraction that draws visitors back again and again is, of course, the landscape that transforms with the changing seasons. In the springtime, visitors rave about the world-famous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, the beautiful camellias and magnolias, and enjoy the riot of golden colour in the Daffodil Meadow.
By summer, the gardens are in full bloom, with visitors enjoying peaceful walks amongst the irises and hydrangeas, admiring the topiary and exotic shrubs in the Sundial garden, and strolling along some of the largest fragrant herbaceous borders in the UK.
As the wheel of the year turns, the autumnal red and orange of the acers and Exbury’s acclaimed collection of Nyssa trees is vibrant against a backdrop of majestic oak trees. Everything is there to enjoy until the end of October when the gardens close for a winter rest until opening again in March.
There are so many ways to enjoy Exbury Gardens, with trails and family quizzes available, an adventure playground for the children, and plenty of picturesque spots where you can sit and tuck into a picnic. You might also take in a scenic walk along the Beaulieu River with the whole family – those with four legs and waggy tails are also welcome at the gardens!
One way to see everything here is to hop aboard the Exbury Garden steam train. The narrow gauge engine departs from a replica Victorian station and travels along The Rhododendron Line through a tunnel, over a bridge, round the Dragonfly Pond and through the Summer Lane Garden. It’s great fun for rail enthusiasts young and old alike, and perhaps the only way to improve upon it would be to take up their offer of an Exbury train footplate experience!
After an exhilarating day out at Exbury Gardens your next stop has to be the perfect home-from-home, and any of the New Forest Collection hotels nearby would be just the ticket.
Each one is laid-back but luxurious, with elegant and comfortable interiors, and award-winning restaurants showcasing the best of locally sourced and seasonal produce on their inspiring and creative menus.
Every hotel also has superb leisure facilities and its own pool, with complimentary parking, EV charging points and WiFi as standard. Each one is perfectly dog-friendly, and being located within the glorious New Forest countryside, each hotel also has beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds to appreciate even more after your visit to Exbury.
First in line is Beaulieu Inn, a former coaching inn nestled right in the middle of the heath. It’s full of character, with elegantly modern interiors and a soothing atmosphere. Children love the forest ponies that graze on the doorstep, and parents appreciate the soothing, family-friendly feel.
When it comes to dining at Beaulieu, the stylish, laid-back country pub next door is a firm favourite with the whole family, including any canine companions who’ll also receive a warm welcome. The Drift has family-friendly settings in the restaurant and a wide-ranging menu of delicious pub classics with something sure to please everyone.
Talking of incredible food, the boutique townhouse hotel at Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst is also host to its own award-winning grill and brasserie, 1820, that offers a fantastic range of options to suit every taste.
Forest Lodge is elegant and sophisticated, with comfortable and stylish interiors, and rooms that feel crisp and contemporary. Being located on the edge of the Forest also means that after a day of being inspired by the great outdoors at Exbury, there are some magical walks open to you right from the front door.
Another great choice for a hotel near Exbury Gardens is Bartley Lodge, a glorious Grade II listed country house hotel. Its heritage-meets-contemporary interiors are a delight, and it has beautiful rooms, each with breathtaking views over the landscaped gardens and neighbouring deer park that those with green thumbs will really admire.
Again, if you’ve been exploring Exbury Gardens with the whole family, you can expect family-friendly settings in Bartley’s fabulous restaurant, and like all the hotels featured here, if you’re travelling with children, there are always spacious suites available and an extra pop-up bed if you need one.
After visiting the incredible gardens at Exbury, staying at a magnificent country house set within an 800-year-old estate could be perfect for you. Burley Manor is a wonderfully indulgent escape for solo travellers, couples, and families with children over the age of 13.
Its sumptuous rooms, spa facilities and renowned restaurant are all part of the peaceful, tranquil retreat experience at Burley that draws guests back time and time again.
All of these stunning hotels are within easy reach of Exbury Gardens that is just 20 minutes from Junction 2 of the M27. Beaulieu Inn is the closest to the gardens at only 15 minutes by car via the B3056, and Forest Lodge is a little further along the same road, 25 minutes away. Bartley Lodge is a 25-minute drive along the B326, and Burley Manor a pleasant 35-minute journey through the New Forest countryside via the B3055.
Choosing to stay in any one of these exceptional hotels near Exbury Gardens means that after taking time out to smell the flowers, you can be sure you’ll be in the perfect place to further relax, unwind and recharge.
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