Exbury puts the fun back into Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping without the hassle is on offer at Exbury during December.

Forget the Christmas crowds and parking problems as Exbury's Christmas Gift Fair opens each weekend throughout December in the run up to the big day, with stalls selling gifts galore from handbags and jewellery to children's toys and games, crackers and cards and wrapping paper. And there will be a Farmers' Market stall, selling fresh local produce.

Parking and entry to the Fair is completely free. You can buy coffee, tea and lunch at Exbury's Mr Eddy's restaurant and, if you've booked on the Santa Special, take a ride on the festive train.

There's also a chance to enjoy a stroll around the world-famous Rothschild Gardens, without charge. The award-winning 200 acre woodland Gardens that stretch down to the banks of the Beaulieu River are still full of colour and interest. A winter trail, specially devised by head gardener John Anderson takes visitors to the highlights and points out the rarities, the winter flowering trees and shrubs and the colourful fruit and berries.

"We plan to put the pleasure back into Christmas shopping," said Nigel Philpott, Exbury Gardens' manager. "We've put together a wonderful gift fair with children's toys, books, jewellery, homeware, ornaments, all sorts of craft work, paintings and pottery and much more. Entry is completely free, parking is no problem, and there's the opportunity to enjoy a winter walk in one of the loveliest gardens in England.

The Exbury Christmas Gift Fairs are on December 8/9, 15/16, 21/22/23 from 10am on each day.