Steam cavalcade in front of Exbury House

The lovely surroundings of Exbury Gardens turn into a rail enthusiast’s paradise in October, when the fifth annual ‘Steam in the Gardens’ gets underway.

Dubbed a ‘hidden treasure’ by the Old Glory railway magazine, the steam weekend sees engines of all shapes and sizes showing themselves off for rail buffs and family parties alike to enjoy.

From full size traction engines to miniature road vehicles, the Gardens, on the banks of the Beaulieu River in Hampshire, will be alive to the sound and evocative smell of steam on Saturday and Sunday October 6 and 7.

Enthusiasts will find model layouts in the engine shed while Exbury’s own steam engines, Rosemary and Naomi, will be on duty to take visitors on the scenic ride from Exbury Central through Summer Lane Garden and into the north-east part of the main Garden.And, as in previous years, there’ll be a twice daily ‘Cavalcade of Steam’ as the gently steaming engines line up in front of the impressive backdrop of Exbury House, home to the de Rothschild family.

“Ours might not be the biggest steam rally in the South, but it’s one of the friendliest and most fun for families” said Ian Wilson, Foreman of Exbury’s Light Railway. Railway magazines call the show a hidden treasure and this year’s promises to be the best yet.

There will be steam engines of all sorts here over the weekend, lots of demonstrations and plenty for people to see and do.

And, even if steam engines don’t excite you, the Gardens are looking wonderful as the autumn colour develops,” he said. Steam in the Gardens takes place on the weekend of October 6 and 7 from 10am to 5.30pm. All visitors to the Gardens can enjoy it at no extra charge.

The Gardens are open daily from 10.00am-5.30pm.