Between the wars Edmund de Rothschild created Exbury Gardens on the eastern bank of Beaulieu River. The gardens themselves show off best in spring, when the huge expanse is first swamped by drifts of daffodils and then covered with the riot of colour from exotic camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. The garden does go down to the river, too.

As a millennium project a narrow guage steam railway was built to take visitors round the gardens, and into some parts difficult to access on foot.

Besides these two splendid attractions there is a well-stocked plant shop selling many of the species and varieties you'll find on your walk or ride round the gardens. And then of course there's a tea shop serving delicious cakes and refreshing tea.

Exbury is just about five miles from Arden House. Take the road to Beaulieu, go over the heath and turn left at the Royal Oak just outside the boundary of Beaulieu Estate. Go by bike and you'll avoid the swarm of coaches that sometimes jam the road on hot early summer days.