A Spring Visit to Exbury Gardens

Press Visit 

I have been to Exbury Gardens a few times now but I must admit, I have a soft spot for it during the spring so I was more than happy to make the forty minute drive to visit again during the last week of the half term for the kids and my last day of annual leave. We didn’t end up arriving until around 2pm and stayed right up until the gardens closed at 5.30pm and could have stayed longer, so I would definitely recommend making a day of it.

We were lucky to get the second to last train just after we arrived, which was so lovely for the children especially, who really enjoyed the twenty minute trip around the gardens, looking out at all the pretty views and waving to passers-by.

I love how dog-friendly the gardens are now that we have Bella, who absolutely loved her journey on the train, but would have loved to leap out of our arms if we had given her half the chance (bear in mind that the train is not enclosed, so you will need dogs on a lead and kept close to you if they are likely to try and escape like Bella).

After we got back to the station, we headed straight over to a grassy verge to enjoy our picnic, which we had brought along. If you don’t fancy the faff of packing a picnic, you can purchase food and refreshments from the cafe or the cute little pizza stand at the entrance (believe me, I was tempted by the pizza). There are plenty of spots to enjoy your picnic if you do bring one, although I would always advise stopping near the entrance and then taking your bags back to the car, as there is a lot to see in the gardens and it will save you carting it around for the rest of the day.

I won’t try to pretend I know much about flora and fauna, but what I will say is that Exbury is truly stunning in full bloom, and I have a full camera roll to prove it! I really enjoyed seeing so many pinks and purples during this visit, everything was so pretty and Instagammable – I was in my element!

We knew what we were doing as we had been before, but they do provide a handy little map, as well as plenty of signs and ‘you are here’ points as you go round, so you won’t get lost. If you have people with you who aren’t up to walking much, there are plenty of rest stops with benches – my nan took a seat at one point and had a read of her book whilst the rest of us continued exploring.

They had a trail for the children when we visited, with Easter eggs to hunt and a little booklet to fill in, which they loved and kept them nice and occupied. There’s plenty to see at other points though, you definitely won’t be bored, and I think it is a great family friendly attraction.

As I say, I have visited during other seasons, but I would say spring is my favourite, and a really good time to go to see the flowers in bloom. You can book your tickets online in advance, and I would recommend a trip on the train too, as it is really fun!

This was a press visit, however all words and images are my own