Portsmouth, England

Exbury Gardens & Lyndhurst

English Gardens and Pastoral Beauty Delight in the blooms and untouched beauty of two of England’s most celebrated natural preserves. Meet your guide and drive to Exbury Gardens, the largest privately owned gardens in the country. These lush 200 acres were created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920s, and are still renowned for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camelias and rare trees and shrubs. A resident horticulturalist will introduce you to the gardens; then, board a narrow-gauge train for a delightful journey through the Summer Lane Garden, planted with bulbs, herbaceous perennials and grasses. After lunch, continue to Lyndhurst, “capital” of the New Forest. This protected reserve has a historic building at its center that was founded as a royal hunting lodge for kings and queens; today, it is the headquarters of the Forestry Commission that oversees the park. Enjoy time exploring the grounds before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.