Galactic Furzey: Space-Themed Art Trail in Hampshire

If you are looking for a summer day trip from Southampton that combines a bit of nature with some creative art, Furzey Gardens in Minstead has just launched a new outdoor exhibition. Running from 23 May until 31 August 2026, Galactic Furzey is a space-themed art trail that winds through the 12-acre woodland garden. The trail is designed as an interactive mission where visitors travel through five distinct worlds to find "Cosmic Energy" and help power a stranded rocket ship. Along the way, you will encounter various themed zones, such as Ignis, a rocky landscape representing fire and lava, and Luminara, a world filled with crystals and bright shapes.

This project is the venue's most collaborative trail to date, having been created alongside people with learning disabilities supported by the Minstead Trust. These participants helped design the alien creatures and build the installations, working with local artists to bring the trail to life. A central piece of the exhibition is the "Minstead Meteor" rocket ship on the main lawn. Other featured artworks include the "Intergalactic Vortex Gate" by Laura Guy, a dot-painted "Galactic Fire Flower" by Andrea Oswick, and various sculpted alien creatures by Maria Jaroszewicz. Visitors can even bid on these unique alien creations in a summer-long charity auction to support the Trust's work.

Furzey Gardens itself is a social enterprise established in 1922 that provides training and work experience for people with learning disabilities. Located in the New Forest National Park, the gardens feature rare plants, a 16th-century thatched cottage, a lake, and over 40 hidden fairy doors. If you plan to visit, the gardens are open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 during July and August. Booking a time slot online in advance is highly recommended to secure parking. Entry is by donation, with suggested amounts of £9.50 for adults and £5 for children when booking online, and the trail booklet with an explorer badge is available for £3.50.