Beaulieu |
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A unique day out in the heart of the New Forest. The list of things to see is as varied as its history which beckons you from across the centuries.
The Abbey
Beaulieu Abbey, founded by King John in 1204, was, for three hundred years, the largest Cistercian monastery in England, however many of its buildings were destroyed during the Reformation in 1538. A film presentation and and exhibition tell the story of the Abbey and the life of its monk founders and impressive wall hangings depict scenes from its history. Take a stroll in the fragrant Cloisters, planted with sweet smelling herbs.
Palace House
The Palace House was created in 1538. Formerly
the Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, the monastic origins of Palace House can clearly be seen as you walk through the magnificent Lower Drawing Room and spacious Dining Hall. You'll receive a warm and friendly welcome from household characters of the Victorian era and learn what life was really like "Upstairs and Downstairs". Enjoy delving into the Montagu family's past and see many rare and fascinating family treasures, portraits and photographs. The Secret Army Exhibition tells the story of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) which trained secret agents at the Beaulieu 'Finishing School' during WWll. The exhibition introduces visitors to the training schools, instructors, secret agents and unsung heros of the SOE, their training and secet missions. A film presentation shows how the 'Finishing School' operated in total secrecy for four years.
National Motor Museum
See how transport has developed over the years as you travel on Wheels - a surprising ride, exploring 100 years of motoring history.A new exhibtion for 2008 showcases 
'The Art of Custom', taking cars and bikes on a creative journey from ordinary to extraordinary, to produce a unique one-off concept design. This striking and innovative display features vehicles from humble beginnings that you'll not easily recognise once transformed into these works of art.
View legendary World Record Breakers like Bluebird and Golden Arrow. Get close to "Film Star" cars, Formula 1 racers (including one of the cars used by Damon Hill in his World Championship year), touring limousines and family cars from the 30s, 40s and 50s.
See motoring eccentricities, such as a giant orange on wheels, as well as a host of motorbikes and commercial vehicles. Fascination motoring memorabilia, displays and a 1930s street scene, complete with a full scale replica of a typical country garage, packed full of tools and artefacts of the era, help re-create an altogether less hurried time of shops, vehicles and tradespeople.
With a collection of more than 250 vehicles, some from the earliest days of motoring in the 1890s, its 
an experience not to be missed.
The James Bond Experience features a legendary collection of cars and boats from the James Bond movies including the Lotus Submarine Car from 'The Spy Who Loved Me' and see the Jaguar KKR Roadster from the latest Bond film 'Die Another Day'.
Gardens
Gardens for visitors to enjoy include the Fragrant Victorian Flower 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.
Rides & Drives
Visitors have a birds-eye view of the grounds on the high-level, mile-long monorail, alternatively, the replica 1912 open-topped London bus is a fun way to seek out Beaulieu's sights. Younger visitors can get behind the wheel on the Mini Car Circuit, test their skill with Remote Controlled Cars, or get physical on the Mini Motor PlayTrail.| More Pictures | |
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Opening Times
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(2008 times)
June to September: Daily 10.00am - 6.00pm.October to May:10.00am - 5.00pm. Closed Christmas Day. |
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Admission Charges
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(2008 prices)
Adult £15.50; Senior Sitizen/Student £14.50; Child (5-12yrs) £8.25 (12-17yrs) £9.25.Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children or 1 adult + 4 children) £42.25. Come back for Free - this offer is valid for 6 days after the first visit. The admission charge covers entrance to the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens,Beaulieu Abbey plus Rides and Drives. |
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Directions
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Beaulieu is in the heart of the New Forest. By Road: M27, exit Junction 2, follow brown tourist signs towards Beaulieu. Plenty of free parking. Nearest Train Station: Brockenhurst (6.5 miles)One and a half hours from London Waterloo. Nearest Airport: Southampton (20.5 miles). |
| Show map of Beaulieu... |
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Beaulieu Postcode for SatNav: SO42 7ZN |
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Nearby Attractions
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Bucklers Hard Maritime Museum
(2 Miles)*
Buckler's Hard is a picturesque 18th century village on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the heart of the New Forest. Historically, it is famed as the place where some of the ships of Nelson's fleet were built. |
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Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
(3 Miles)*
A visit to Exbury is unforgettable. Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920s, the Gardens are a stunning vision of his inspiration, offering 200 acres of natural beauty and horticultural variety. |
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Longdown Activity Farm
(4 Miles)*
Kid goats and calves to bottle feed, rabbits to cuddle, chicks to hold, pigs to meet and lots of other animals to see. Indoor and outdoor play areas for the children. Bumpy tractor and trailer rides (weather permitting). |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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