Step into the creepy surroundings of the Rock Garden this half term for the Haunted Circus Trail at Exbury Gardens, running from Sunday 25th October to Saturday 31st October 2026! Located at Exbury Gardens in the heart of the New Forest near Southampton (SO45 1AZ), the gardens are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM BST (with last admission at 4:30 PM BST). This interactive Halloween trail invites families to discover spooky circus ghosts, ghouls, witches, gravestones, and even giant performing escaped spiders. Children can test their skills along the route with interactive circus activities including acrobat balancing, juggling stations, and skull hoopla. Access to the Haunted Circus Trail is completely free with standard gardens admission or a valid Exbury Membership. Standard admission tickets are priced at £14.50 for adults (16+), £6.50 for children (3–15 years), and £39.90 for a family ticket (with Gift Aid options available and children under 3 entering for free), making it a fantastic autumn day out for visitors of all ages.
Haunted Circus Trail at Exbury Gardens Dates & Opening Hours
Schedule and operating hours for the Haunted Circus Trail at Exbury Gardens:
- Event Dates: Sunday 25th October – Saturday 31st October 2026.
- Garden Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM BST (Last entry at 4:30 PM BST).
- Standard Train Timetable: 11:00 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:15 PM, and 3:00 PM BST.
What to Expect at the Haunted Circus Trail at Exbury Gardens
Key highlights and interactive trail activities:
- Interactive Circus Skills: Try out acrobat balancing, juggling stations, and skull hoopla throughout the trail route.
- Haunted Rock Garden: Explore the transformed Rock Garden filled with creepy circus ghosts, ghouls, witches, and gravestones.
- Giant Performing Spiders: Watch out for huge, creepy performing spiders that may have escaped into the garden foliage!
- Spooky Photogenic Corners: Atmospheric Halloween decorations and seasonal photo opportunities set across 200 acres of autumnal woodland gardens.
- Included with Entry: The trail is completely free to access with any valid gardens admission ticket or membership.
Haunted Circus Trail at Exbury Gardens Tickets
Official gardens admission rates (Trail access included):
- Standard Adult Ticket (16+): £14.50 (Gift Aid: £15.95).
- Standard Child Ticket (3 to 15 years): £6.50 (Gift Aid: £7.15).
- Under 3s: Free admission.
- Standard Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children): £39.90 (Gift Aid: £43.89)
- Exbury Members: Free entry for all valid membership holders.
Haunted Circus Trail Address
Location and travel routes to Exbury Gardens:
Exbury Gardens Location
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ.
How to Get to Exbury Gardens
- By Car: Take the A326 towards Totton and the Waterside area, turn onto the B3054 toward Beaulieu, and follow local signage to Exbury.
- By Public Transport: Local buses serve nearby New Forest villages and Hythe; taxi connections are available from Brockenhurst rail station.
Exbury Gardens Accessibility & Facilities
Site facilities and visitor details:
- Facilities: On-site tearoom, gift shop, plant center, accessible toilets, and baby changing spaces.
- Accessibility: Main garden pathways are accessible for wheelchairs, buggies, and pushchairs.
Exbury Gardens Parking
Parking details for visitors:
- On-Site Parking: Free customer parking is available on site directly adjacent to the main visitor entrance.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things happening across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover Halloween activities, family garden trails, country park events, and local community gatherings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Haunted Circus Trail taking place at Exbury Gardens?
- The trail runs daily from Sunday 25th October to Saturday 31st October 2026. The gardens are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM BST, with last entry at 4:30 PM BST.
- Where is the event located?
- The trail is located in the Rock Garden at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire (SO45 1AZ).
- How much does the Haunted Circus Trail cost?
- Access to the trail is completely free with standard gardens admission or a valid Exbury Membership. Standard admission prices are £14.50 for adults, £6.50 for children (3–15), and £39.90 for a family ticket. Children under 3 enter for free.
- Do I need to book separate tickets for the Haunted Circus Trail?
- No separate trail ticket is needed; entry is included with your standard Exbury Gardens admission ticket or membership.
- What activities are featured along the Haunted Circus Trail?
- The trail features interactive circus skills activities such as acrobat balancing, juggling stations, skull hoopla, and spooky garden displays including circus ghosts, ghouls, witches, and giant performing spiders.
- What are the garden opening hours during half term?
- Exbury Gardens is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM BST, with last entry at 4:30 PM BST.
- Is the trail suitable for young children?
- Yes, the trail is designed for families and children of all ages, offering a fun mix of interactive activities and festive Halloween fun.
- Is the trail pushchair and wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, main garden pathways are accessible for wheelchairs, buggies, and pushchairs.
- Is parking available at Exbury Gardens?
- Yes, free customer parking is available on site directly adjacent to the main visitor entrance.
- Who organises the Haunted Circus Trail?
- The event is hosted and organised by Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway.