Meet the Donkeys at Christmas
Meet the Donkeys at Christmas at Exbury Gardens allows visitors to meet donkeys from Parc Ponies on select weekends.
What to Expect
Meet charming donkeys at a historic garden.
Event Details
Duration
Weekends
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
New Forest
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Parc Ponies
Organizer
Exbury Gardens Ltd.
Food & Drink
Mr Eddy’s Restaurant, the Old Tennis Courts outdoor café, the Potting Shed, and Charlotte’s Little Ice Cream Kitchen are available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, animal lovers, garden enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, charming, relaxed
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Medium
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$ – Get tickets
- Parking: A very large car and coach park is available and free to visitors. Bays for blue badge holders are clearly marked at the front of the car park, closest to the Visitor Entrance.
- Accessibility: Information available on their accessibility page.
- Pets: Pet-friendly (dogs on a short lead)
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early on weekend mornings to enjoy a more peaceful experience with the donkeys before the crowds arrive.
- Consider purchasing a Friends of Exbury annual membership for unlimited garden access throughout the year, which can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times.
- Check the Exbury Gardens website for the steam railway timetable in advance, as it runs on a set schedule and is an additional ticket.
- Dress in layers as the weather in the New Forest can be unpredictable, even during late autumn.
- Bring cash for any small purchases, although the site is primarily card-only for admissions and tickets.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free with Christmas Fair and gardens admission
- Donkeys available on select weekends
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific dates and times for meeting the donkeys?
The donkeys are available on the weekends of November 28-29 and December 5-6, 2026. Specific times are not listed, but it is part of the Christmas Fair and gardens admission.
Is there an additional cost to see the donkeys?
No, seeing the donkeys is free with Christmas Fair and gardens admission.
Can I bring my dog to the event?
Yes, dogs are very welcome at Exbury Gardens, including on the steam train and in Mr Eddy’s restaurant, provided they are kept on a short lead.
What are the opening hours for Exbury Gardens during this event?
The gardens are open until October 31st from 10 am to 5:30 pm. For the Christmas event, specific hours are not detailed but it is part of the Christmas Fair admission.
Are there food and drink options available?
Yes, Mr Eddy’s Restaurant, the Old Tennis Courts outdoor café, the Potting Shed, and Charlotte’s Little Ice Cream Kitchen are managed by The Little Kitchen Company and offer various food and drink options.
More Christmas Events near Cowes
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.