Homepage | A to Z | Search Tips

This page was last updated on: Tuesday, 08-Nov-2011 15:20:07 GMT

Taking the train to see Santa at Exbury

Listen Now

A magical musical steam train ride to see Santa, through a winter landscape filled with story-book characters, has become part of the family Christmas fun at Exbury Gardens in the New Forest.

Entrance to the world-renowned Gardens may be enjoyed by everyone who buys a ride on the Santa Special, while the Christmas Trail through the woodland walks is something the whole family can explore together.

“Our steam train ride to see Santa is an adventure that all children and lots of grown-ups love, and everyone finds a bracing winter walk round the Gardens a lot of fun,” said Exbury’s Commercial and Marketing manager, Nigel Philpott.

Exbury’s head gardener, John Anderson, has devised a new trail through the award-winning Gardens to see the winter beauty and learn the folklore associated with many trees.

“The shapes of the trees, the berries and colourful leaves make this a very special time of year at Exbury.

 

Because we are closed for most of the month not many people get to see this wonderful winter garden,” said John. “The trail takes visitors to winter highlights, including ‘Christmas Cheer’, a December flowering rhododendron,” he said.

The Santa Specials are train rides with a difference – passengers board the Exbury Gardens steam railway for a trip through a garden filled with favourite Christmas characters.

 

There’s a Nativity scene, the Ice Queen with her sleigh, snowmen, reindeer, while Exbury’s cast of animal characters are dressed in woolly hats and scarves.

 

Christmas music plays and passengers can sing along with seasonal favourites, to bring the snowmen and reindeer magically to life.

Exbury Central Station is decorated with fresh greenery cut from the Gardens.

 

Mother Christmas is on hand with chocolates for children while hot punch and mince pies are offered to the adults.

 

Each child has a chat with Santa in his magical grotto and receives a present.

 

Christmas gifts may be bought from the shop and plant centre.

Trigger the land train is on hand on a first-come, first-served basis to take visitors into the Gardens.

Mr Eddy’s restaurant will be open, selling delicious food, including warming soup and Christmas roasts.

Santa Specials are on December Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th and Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th. 

 

They are very popular and should be pre-booked by calling 023 8024 5750 between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Tickets are £15 for adults and children (ticket price includes entry to the Gardens and the children’s ticket includes a present from Santa) and £7 for under-threes, who will also receive a present. 

Gardens-only tickets are available at normal entry prices on Santa Special days in December.

 

They can be booked at the box office number or bought at the gate.

Top of page

 

USER TOOLS: