The New Forest National Park - Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Furzey Gardens and Lepe Country Park

Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920s, the famous 200 acre Exbury Gardens is a wonderful place to view many beautiful, rare and exotic species of plants and trees. Also on-site is the narrow gauge steam railway, plant sales, a restaurant, tearooms, a gift shop and 30-45 minute Chauffeur-driven buggy tours are available throughout the season. Follow the brown road signs from Beaulieu village for directions to the attraction. Exbury Gardens is open daily from March till November between 10am and 5.30am (dusk in November).

Furzey Gardens is located in Minstead, just off the A337 heading towards Lyndhurst from junction 1 of the M27 (follow the brown road signs). Available on-site is a coffee shop (with a loft space and terrace area), the picturesque 16th century 'Cole Cottage' with its vegetable garden, the thatching experience, plant sales, the arboretum, art galleries and the beautiful woodland gardens and grounds. The Furzey Gardens attraction is open daily throughout the year between the hours of 10am and 5pm.

Amazing views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent can be seen from this coastal Country Park. Lepe is very popular with families, walkers, fishermen, water sports enthusiasts, and bird watchers. The grassy park overlooks approximately a mile of beach and has a childrens play area, toilet facilities, a picnic area, a cafe, BBQs for hire and a large car park. The park opens daily between 7.30am and dusk. Follow the brown signs from Beaulieu to Exbury Gardens, then continue past Exbury Gardens until you arrive at Lepe Country Park.