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Furzey Gardens
About 19 minutes from park
About Furzey Gardens
At the very heart of the New Forest National Park, Furzey Gardens is something of a hidden gem. Managed by the Minstead Trust – a charitable organisation that aims to help those living with learning difficulties or autism to lead happier and more independent lives – all are welcome to come visit the grounds. Not only do the funds from ticket sales go into the charity’s pot, but the attraction also provides vital employment and work experience to the young people that the Trust supports. Furzey Gardens snakes its way through 10 acres of whimsical woodland. First planted in 1922, you can expect to enjoy a rare and colourful collection of plants sourced from across the globe. Various parts of the garden are designed with the changing seasons in mind, with bluebells and azaleas stealing the show in spring, followed by herbaceous plants in the cottage garden during summer, and maples, liquidamber and sorbus plants come Autumn. Meanwhile, in the colder months, heathers provide plenty of interest. In addition to the planted gardens, you’ll also discover:
- The 16th century Furzey Cottage, complete with thatched roof and built with timber beams from Tudor ships.
- A thatched-roofed team rooms with a seated terrace. Book in advance to enjoy afternoon tea with a charming view.
- The barn, which regularly hosts activities and creative sessions for children.
- A children’s play area, complete with designated climbing trees.
- A trail of tiny fairy doors hidden throughout the gardens.
- A small gift store with crafts and wares from local artists.
How to get to Furzey Gardens
Furzey Gardens is closest to the village of Minstead, near Lyndhurst, at the centre of the New Forest National Park. It’s just along School Lane, which connects directly to the main A31 road that runs through the New Forest and joins up the Bournemouth and Southampton urban areas. Just north east of the Gardens, the A31 becomes the M27, so the UK’s motorway network brings you conveniently close to the gardens if you’re travelling in from further afield. As for public transport, there are no bus routes which call within the immediate vicinity of Furzey Gardens, however both the Bluestar 6 and 35 services call in nearby Lyndhurst, which is a 10 minute taxi ride away. The nearest railway station is Ashurst New Forest Station, a 12 minute drive from the Gardens, which is served by services from Bournemouth, Southampton and occasionally London Waterloo.