Furzey Gardens Information | New Forest National Park (2024)

Set in the very heart of the New Forest,Furzey Gardensis a relatively small public garden on the edge ofMinstead, a picturesque rural village.

A relaxing stroll throughjustthe gardens will take you around an hour. There is a large pond in one corner that plays host to a variety of wildlife, and at the other end of the gardens is a large play area for the kids, including a number of timber tree houses and connecting walkways.

A large variety of flowers, shrubs and trees can be enjoyed throughout the gardens and there are numerous benches for tired legs. Many of the plants seen throughout the gardens can be purchased from theplant salesthat are located close to the entrance.

Furzey Gardens also has a few other great attractions within the grounds, notably thethatched galleryand16th century cottage.
The gallery is a spacious room that hosts both professional and amateur displays of art, photography and sculpture. In the main thatched building you’ll find a well stocked gift shop and a spacious tea room where you can enjoy a bite to eat. An adjacent open-air terrace is another option for sunny days.

The 16th-century cottage, dating back to 1560, has been lovingly restored and includes a period vegetable garden. The combination provides a great insight into life several centuries ago for local Foresters.

Across from the cottage is theThatching Experience, showing how thatched roofs are done. Occasional demonstrations of this old and very skilled trade are given by a local thatcher, contact Furzey Gardens for details on how often these will be.

Despite its seemingly small size, there’s certainly a lot to see at Furzey Gardens. Allow a few hours to enjoy it fully, and take in a cuppa and a bite to eat. Even if you’re not particularly green-fingered, it’s a very pleasant and tranquil place to see, well worth a visit.
On exiting you’ll find yourself right in the rural New Forest, where anice walkor aquiet pubisn’t too far away.

A key feature of Furzey Gardens is a number of fairy doors hidden throughout the gardens!

Searching for these provides some great entertainment for the kids (and adults too!), and the kids can leave messages and small gifts at the doors for the fairies to receive, if they wish to.
Along with the doors, also look out for the Furzey Fairy Ferry!

Opening times:

• Daily all year, 10am – 6pm. Gallery & tea rooms daily Feb 28th-October 31st, 10am-5pm.

Admission prices:

• Adults £8.00
• Children (4-16yrs) £4.50
• Family (2+2) £24.00
• Disabled visitor and helper free

Location:Minstead, best found from the westbound A31 (turn at Malwood Hill) or from the A337 Cadnam-Lyndhurst road.
Telephone:02380 812464
Website:www.furzey-gardens.org

• Satellite view of the Gardens area.
• Exbury Gardens.
• Return to main New Forest attractions page.