With endless trails through ancient woodland and spectacular seaside spots, the New Forest is certainly renowned for its natural beauty – something that’s at the heart of what makes the area so special.
So, it should come as no surprise that the New Forest is also home to a range of stunning garden attractions that make for an unbeatable day out!
Ideal for tranquil strolls, enjoying colourful blooms and appreciating horticultural mastery, here are some of our favourite gardens to visit in the New Forest.
The Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is one of the New Forest’s more beloved attractions. Spanning 200 acres, the informal woodland gardens offer some spectacular sights throughout the year. Explore a range of themed gardens including the Sundial, Herbaceous, Summer Lane, Iris, Rock, Winter Gardens and much more.
Exbury Gardens is particularly known for its collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias which line the walkways and trails with elegant bursts of colour. The Daffodil Meadow is another glorious sight to behold. Whatever time of year you’re visiting, there’ll be lots to see. Dogs are welcome in the gardens so long as they are kept on a lead.
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Palace House started its life as the gatehouse to the mediaeval Beaulieu Abbey before being remodelled in the 19th century. The Victorian house offers some fantastic insight into the past and has plenty of treasures to explore.
The house is surrounded by serene countryside grounds and some lovely scenes, with both formal and informal gardens to enjoy. Take to the Victorian Kitchen Gardens, Wilderness Garden and Victorian Flower Garden to see a range of blooms and expertly curated borders. There are various other walks to explore along the way, including the Alice in Wonderland-themed topiary display and the magical fairy and dragon sculpture trail.
Staying in the area? Discover what else you can get up to with our insider’s guide to Beaulieu.
The enchanting Furzey Gardens are made up of 10 acres of informal woodland in Minstead in the heart of the New Forest. This lovely garden is renowned for its diverse selection of unusual plants and magical trails. Keen explorers will love hunting for the 40 hidden fairy doors dotted throughout the gardens.
Alongside the whimsical gardens with vibrant seasonal displays, there is also a wild meadow, a picturesque lake and a children’s play area. Plus, nestled in amongst the tranquil scenery, you’ll find a quaint thatched cottage that serves as a tea room where you can enjoy a cuppa and a cream tea while watching the world go by.
For another delightful adventure amongst woodland trails, head to Spinners Garden near Lymington. The culmination of over 60 years of work, the gardens here boast a plethora of rare and unusual plants with areas including the Small Arboretum, Herbaceous Borders, Bog Garden and Pond to explore.
It’s a nice little secluded spot and ideal for an idyllic, peaceful stroll through nature. The gardens are now only open for group visits which you’ll need to book – if you’re in the area, it provides a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
For a chill afternoon in a great setting, head to Braxton Gardens between Milford-on-Sea and Lymington. Here, you’ll find a series of gardens, including herb, vegetable and rose gardens separated by lawns and perfectly manicured borders.
At the central point of the gardens is a tea room where you can enjoy cream teas, sandwiches, ice cream and more. Once you’ve had your fill, meander around the tranquil gardens and take in the quaint scenery. Dogs are welcome so long as they are kept on a lead and you remain respectful of the lawns.
If you’re after even more open space to roam, there are of course plenty of woodland trails and several parks to visit. Some great places to explore include:
For more inspiration on getting out and about in nature, check out our insider’s guide on the best New Forest walks and trails to lose yourself on.
Many of our holiday cottages in the New Forest come equipped with their own lovely gardens and views so you’re never too far from the beautiful natural world!
Ready to book your New Forest escape? Check out our full range of diverse holiday homes.
