 Come to Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest and discover the many delights that one of the UK’s leading Tourist Attractions has to offer.
Beaulieu was one of the first Treasure Houses in England to open its doors to visitors in 1952. Now, 54 years later, Beaulieu is host to 350,000 visitors every year. It’s a guaranteed great family day out, with so many Attractions to discover in acres of beautiful grounds and lots for everyone to enjoy whatever their age.
The motor vehicle collection in the National Motor Museum remains one of Beaulieu’s most famous attractions with more than 250 on show from the earliest examples of motoring and family cars of the 30s and 40s through to classic cars of the 70s and 80s and rare motoring oddities such as a giant orange on wheels. In the Motor Sport Gallery, historic racing cars, F1 and rally cars, are dramatically displayed on sweeping steel structures allowing visitors to view the vehicles from completely new angles and perspectives. Taking centre stage in the museum are four of the most famous World Land Speed Record Breakers including Donald Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’.
Star Vehicles currently on show include TV favourites, Del Boy’s Reliant Regal and Mr Bean’s lime green Mini. Possibly the nation’s most famous three-wheel vehicle, the Regal van featured in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses. It was the sole transport for the Trotter family until Del Boy went upmarket and purchased a Capri Ghia.
‘Wheels’ - a space-age pod ride - is a fascinating voyage through 100 years of motoring and Beaulieu Motor Works recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a typical country garage from the 1930’s.
The James Bond Experience, an exciting exhibition of genuine cars and boats from the James Bond films continues to delight visitors. Exhibits include the deadly Russian Army Parahawk snowmobile from ‘The World Is Not Enough’ and a skidoo which joins the Jaguar XKR Roadster from the latest Bond film ‘Die Another Day’. Also on show is the Lotus Submarine Car from ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, recently voted the nation’s favourite on-screen vehicle.
Visitors can see the magnificent rooms and treasures of Palace House - Lord Montagu’s family home since 1538. History comes alive with real Victorian characters. Tales from the Butler, Cook and Housemaids give a fascinating insight into the workings of a Victorian household, showing their life ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’.
The Secret Army exhibition, opened in 2005 by the Princess Royal, tells the story of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) which trained secret agents at the Beaulieu ‘Finishing School’ during WWll. The agents were trained at a number of large country houses scattered across the Beaulieu Estate before returning to occupied Europe to work with Resistance groups. Many paid the final sacrifice – and did not return. The exhibition will introduce visitors to the training schools, instructors, secret agents and unsung heroes of the SOE, their training and secret missions. A Film Presentation will show how the ‘Finishing School’ operated in total secrecy for four years.
The 13th century Abbey features a Film Presentation and an Exhibition of the daily life of its Cistercian Monk founders, leading into the picturesque serenity of the Cloisters and Herb Garden. Upstairs in the Abbey’s Domus, impressive Wall Hangings depict scenes from the history of the Abbey.
Gardens for visitors to enjoy include the fragrant Victorians’ Garden, the informal Wilderness Garden, dating back to the 1770s and the Ornamental Kitchen Garden laid out on the site of the original 1872 Palace House kitchen garden. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the meandering pathways beside Beaulieu River and Monks’ Mill Pond.
Visitors have a birds-eye view of the grounds when they ride the high-level, mile long Monorail. The only one in England, it travels between its north and south terminals and even passes through the roof of the Motor Museum. Alternatively, the replica 1912 open-topped London Bus is also a fun way to seek out Beaulieu’s sights. Younger visitors can enjoy the Mini Motor PlayTrail or test their skill with Remote Controlled Cars. Children of all ages can get on The Grid, an interactive PlayStation Zone with over 20 games on free-play including the new music quiz game ‘BUZZ’.
For more information please visit:
Website: www.beaulieu.co.uk
Email: info@beaulieu.co.uk
Tel: 01590 612123
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