PASSENGERS are once again able to enjoy a steam railway ride through one of the south’s most famous gardens after changes in Government guidance.

Train staff at Exbury Gardens, located in the New Forest, are "chuffed" to once again welcome visitors aboard the steam train, which takes passengers on a one and a half mile journey through the narrow-gauge railway around the gardens,

Lots of measures have been put in place to ensure visitors have a fun - and safe - journey, and passengers now need to pre-book tickets at the visitor entrance on arrival and are required to wear a face mask during their train trip.

For the time being, only half the train’s passenger compartments are used and protective screens divide them, while face masks and hand sanitiser are available on the railway platform.

Ian Wilson, railway foreman at Exbury Gardens, said: “We’re so chuffed to be able to reopen our steam railway as we know how popular it is with visitors. Our team have worked really hard to put all the safety precautions in place. We’ve had fantastic feedback from visitors about the protective measures we’ve introduced in our gardens and we’re confident train passengers will feel the same. The gardens are looking spectacular at the moment in their summer finery, so what better time to visit.”

Exbury was one of the first garden attractions to reopen in the UK, on May 30, and has since safely welcomed thousands of visitors to its 200 acres of stunning woodland gardens.