Discover the Fairy Kingdom at Furzey Gardens, New Forest
Furzey Gardens hides an enchanted fairy kingdom, complete with a castle, a ferry company, wooden hideouts, and about 40 fairy doors scattered throughout the gorgeous grounds.
The detailing is magical – there is even a little fairy post office where you can write to the fairies, who will send you a letter back!
There is a fairy door hidden in the main photo – can you spot it?
The Furzey Gardens Fairy Doors
The fairies could be anywhere. We found them hiding in tree stumps, amongst flowers and under bridges.
To date we have only found about half of the fairy doors scattered throughout the gardens!
How Many Will You Find?
To add to the excitement, there are so many hidden fairy doors that you are unlikely to find them all! Some are marked on the map but many are not, making each visit a fresh adventure.
Did you spot the fairy door in the main photo?
There it is – it’s Ken’s Tiny Potting Shed!
Can You Guess Who Lives Inside?
Many doors are named, with some hinting at the type of fairy living inside – Ken’s Tiny Potting Shed, James’ Tool Shed, Beetle Bar, Tulip Treehouse, and The Little Furzey Potting Shed.
Each door is unique, many with delightful details – tiny green wellies outside, a kennel and bone, a cat flap, a potting shed with plant pots, or The Furzey Fairy Ferry Company’s door that lists sailing times and rules next to a tiny boat.
Write to the Fairies and Receive a Reply!
Inside the Furzey Gardens’ Gift Shop, you can buy a card to send to the fairies using the Fairy Post Box. Collections are made at 2am!
Once the fairies receive your letter they will write you a response. My children loved this interaction and were thrilled to receive their letters in the post.
Gorgeous Gardens
Even without the fairy doors, Furzey Gardens would be a spectacular place to visit. Paths wind and twist around the gardens, which were bursting with character and colour.
There is a pond, bridges and a recreation of Furzey’s gold-winning Chelsea Flower Show Garden.
The Paths
The gardens are ideal for a walk with children – not too big, with plenty of variety and different areas to explore.
Easier Access Path
There is an easier access path marked on the map of the gardens, which you can either pick up at the gardens or download from the download the Furzey Gardens map from their website.
The Play Area
The Furzey Gardens play village has wooden equipment, including thatched huts with ladders and tunnels to explore, two swings, a wooden climbing frame and a play boat.
The Alpacas
There is also a wildflower conservation area grazed by alpacas.
Minstead Trust
To top it all off, Furzey Gardens is run by a charitable trust that supports and helps people with learning disabilities, some of whom work in the gardens.
Visit the Furzey Gardens website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Lyndhurst, near Southampton and Ringwood
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO43 7GL
Adult Cost Range: Suggested donation from £8
Child Cost Range: Suggested donation from £4.50
Free if: Under 5 years
Opens: Daily
Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, picnic areas, shop, toilets and accessible toilets.
How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly.
Parking: There is a good-sized car park but it can be very busy.
Cost of Parking: Free.
Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies and other insects, ponies, llamas and birds.
Information Written: April 2017
Information Checked: May 2022
Ratings
Our visit to Furzey Gardens in the New Forest, near Southampton and Ringwood, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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