Exbury Gardens Playground, Southampton

Picture the scene… the grandparents have suggested a meet up somewhere pretty near Southampton, and now you have to find somewhere that has something fun for three generations. You have heard of Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, and you know about the play area - but is it one that will keep the kids happy?

If only there were a review of the playground itself… Well now there is!

Please note this review comes courtesy of a gifted visit we had to Exbury Gardens, please read my review of the Gardens and Steam Railway here. And for the playground review, read on.

Cost: The playground is within Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway Grounds and you need to buy tickets to the whole site. You will find the ticket details on my main review or on their website.

Age Group
Equipment for all ages, layout and type of equipment favours older children and might frustrate younger children

Getting there and parking
In the summer, it can be reached by the New Forest Open Bus Tour, which you can catch at Brockenhurst Station (if coming in via train), sadly I think that means in Winter it is inaccessible by public transport.

Exbury Gardens and Steam railway is about 20 minutes drive from the M27, and within the New Forest National park. The carpark was huge and free with plenty of spaces on the day we visited.

The playground is to the left of the reception building.

Equipment

• Small climbing frame suitable for toddlers under parental supervision. The slide attached was extremely hot to the touch when we visited as it is in direct sunlight, so check before use.

• Birds nest swing

• Cow

• 1 Toddler swing, 1 older child swing

• High wooden climbing frame with some rope obstacle course features

• Monkey bar handles

• Cow shaped springer

• Rope obstacle course (separate to one mentioned above)

• Little house

• 2 benches

Watch Out For
All the equipment is in the same small enclosed area, if you have a younger child, this probably isn’t the kind of the place you can leave them too it - especially if they want to copy the big children and go on the climbing frame or rope obstacle course.
In the event of a fall, the playground surface is made of play grade bark chippings which are lovely and soft. 
Other than the birds nest swing, this playground doesn’t not include any features for children with disabilities.

Shading  
There are a number of trees for supervising adults to take refuge in the sun.

Toilets
About a minute walk away, lovely and clean.

Picnic Area
There is a picnic table next to the playground and two benches but I am sure you can find plenty of nice spots within the wider Gardens to eat a picnic.

Coffee
Yes, food and drink can be brought at Mr Eddy’s Tea Rooms which is 2 mins away and in August 2020 is participating in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme.

The View and Atmosphere
This small nature based playground is surrounded by trees but is located within the beautiful Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, which itself is located in the New Forest - it is a pretty idyllic woodland setting to be honest! 

About the Author:I (Evie Winter) am a local Mum, photographer and blogger as well as a former childcare professional.
I passionately believe all children should be given access to safe, good quality playgrounds, and with that in mind I have been reviewing local Winchester playgrounds to encourage people to visit them. I have been going in my spare time with my young children, and I’ve done my best to research and give the correct information. If you have any suggestions or corrections, please send a polite email to hello@eviewinter.com.
Many Thanks. Evie