Beaulieu
Historic, tranquil, relaxing, breathtaking and completely unspoilt are a few ways to describe the wonderful village of Beaulieu, situated in the southern part of the New Forest National Park. Beaulieu is perhaps best known for the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey Ruins and Palace House visitor attractions make for a truly fantastic day out in the New Forest. Palace House is home to the Montagu family and now open to the public; the National Motor Museum is home to many famous motor vehicles; Beaulieu Abbey was founded by King John in 1204 A.D; and Buckler’s Hard is steeped in maritime history.
Beaulieu
A small but idyllic village located on the edge of The New Forest National Park. Packed with history and full of life, this is an ideal place to spend with your family both old and young. Alongside the incredible historic interest of King John, Nelsons ships and motoring, a wide range of bed and breakfasts, cafes, bars and boutique shops are also part of the experience. Beaulieu offers many picturesque walks, rides and vistas; as well as being a haven for twitchers (bird watchers), photographers and artists. The Beaulieu estate covers an area of over 7000 acres enclosing a very traditional village sitting on the riverside leading down to the historic maritime museum of Buckler’s Hard.
Beaulieu Village Attractions and sightseeing
- The National Motor Museum
- Featuring over 250 historic vehicles and tons of motoring memorabilia this is a full day out on its own. There’s plenty to enjoy for all age groups from the Harry Potter ‘Flying’ Ford Anglia to World Land Speed Record Breakers. It was started by the current Lord Montagu as a tribute to his father who was an early motoring pioneer. If you like Top Gear, you’ll be interested to know that the motor museum hosts the World of Top Gear exhibition, including behind the scenes footage from the show. New for 2011, the Feats of Endurance exhibition displays vehicles which have truly challenged extreme conditions and difficult terrain over the years. Tickets to the National Motor Museum include entry to the Abbey ruins and Palace House. The museum offers full disabled access.
- Palace House
- The ancestral home of the Montagu family since the 16th Century whose ancestors have owned Beaulieu since Henry VIII dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s. Palace House sits in rolling lawns with beautiful flower beds overlooking the tranquil Beaulieu river. Originally the Great Gatehouse for the Abbey, the Palace is also one of the ten most magnificent houses in England today as held by The Treasure Houses of England. You can still feel the monastic and latter Victorian atmosphere within the building, housing an abundance of Montagu family treasures. Why not take the opportunity to enjoy the many nice walks and viewing spots that the grounds offer? For those of you interested in Rolls-Royce, 2011 offers an exhibition on the history of the ‘The Flying Lady’, The Spirit of Ecstasy, the Rolls-Royce emblem; this is on display until October.
- Beaulieu Abbey Ruins
- Built in the 13th Century by Cistercian monks only the ruins remain, evidence of King Henry VIII dissolution and destruction of the British monasteries. Founded in 1204, the abbey was built on land given to the monks by King John, replacing his hunting lodge, Bellus Locus Regis, meaning beautiful place of the king. This Latin name was corrupted by the monks into the French, Beaulieu or beautiful place. The monks’ original herb garden still remains, growing medicinal and edible plants, to be enjoyed amongst other remnants and artefacts; giving visitors an idea of how the monks would have lived. The Abbey is well known for being haunted and is one of the most haunted places in Britain, famously visited by the ghost of Brother Augustus whose footsteps can still be heard.
- Buckler’s Hard
- Buckler’s Hard is a peaceful haven of 18th century history. Set on the banks of the river Beaulieu, the Maritime Museum is a must. Nelson’s warships for his Navy were built in this shipbuilding village. Located on the Beaulieu estate, this quaint and historic ship building Hamlet is a must see. If you’re interested in a long walk (1.5 miles) take Fire Station Lane from Beaulieu village and you will find the picturesque riverside footpath to Buckler’s Hard. Set in a peaceful surrounding with plenty of tours and educational activities for children, adults and those with special needs it is an experience never to be forgotten. Three of Nelson’s naval ships for the battle of Trafalgar were built here, evidence of its historic importance for ship building in Britain. Taking a chartered river trip is an ideal way to enjoy the surrounding areas whilst relaxing on a boat and taking in the views.
- Mill Pond
- Located in the village this is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic or some memorable photographs with the family. An ideal resting spot after you have strolled around the shops or visited the main attractions. It was created by the monks and is over looked by the Mill House.
- Patricks Patch
- Entry is free for this educational vegetable garden, opened in 2008, which offers great tips for gardening of all types. Open every day from 9 am-5:30 pm this is a great way to find out which plants thrive well in the forest conditions. The garden also offers free gardening sessions and courses ideal for those of you with green fingers. There is free parking opposite the Gardens and disabled access.
- Beaulieu Riverside
- Harmonious settings along the riverside can provide a wonderful stroll in the summertime. You can hire kayaks if you looking for an exciting activity on the water. By following the river you can get to Buckler’s Hard where you can also take charter river trips.
- Beaulieu Road Pony Sales
- The Beaulieu Road Pony Sales are held several times a year to enable commoners of the New Forest to sell their livestock at auction. It is located just outside the village between Beaulieu and Denny Bridge. The horse fair is very lively and an incredible insight to the lives of the forest Verderers as well as the opportunity to see some ponies up close. This is also a great opportunity to see the New Forest Ponies roaming free as well as enjoying the famous forest heathlands and natural settings.
- Beaulieu Jazz Festival
- The first modern British music festival, born in the 1950s, Beaulieu Jazz Festival has seen many big performers since. It ran from 1956 to the 1960s acheiving significant popularity and critical acclaim. It will also be remembered for the ‘Battle of Beaulieu’ between rival jazz fan groups of 1960 and where Rod Stewart was first deflowered by ‘Maggie May’.
- Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
- These beautiful gardens were established in the 1920s by Lionel de Rothschild, about 3 miles from Beaulieu. Containing a small steam train which takes about 20 minutes around the north end of the gardens and including a tunnel, bridge and viaduct. The gardens are recognised for their Magnolias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons. The sight can best be enjoyed in the spring time when the buds are flowering. If you don’t feel like the walk you can enjoy a chauffeur driven buggy tour which lasts about 30mins at a very small cost. When you have finished the day you can enjoy some lunch in the cafe and visit the gift shop. The main pathways in the Garden are suitable for disabled visitors.
- Bed and Breakfasts in Beaulieu
- Find local Bed and Breakfast accommodation in and around the village of Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest.
- The Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu
- The Montagu Arms Hotel is situated in the centre of Beaulieu Village features 4 Star luxury accommodation and a Michelin Star restaurant, The Terrace, designed by head chef Matthew Tomkinson. The Terrace was recently voted as one of the Telegraph’s Top 50 Summer Restaurants in Britain.
Accessibility
Travel
Beaulieu does have a train station, however the trains are not all day or often. Ashurst, around 10miles from Beaulieu and Brockenhurst about 6 miles offer more flexible train times.
There is a bus service (Wilts and Dorset 112) which calls through Beaulieu heading to Hythe and Lymington.
Parking There is a main pay and display car park. You can buy a clock from the New Forest Visitor Centres.
Public Toilets
These can be found in the main pay and display car park.
Tourist Information Centre
The nearest one to Beaulieu is in Lymington.
Did you know?
‘Beaulieu’, comes from the French word for ‘beautiful place’, the name was inherited in the 13th century under the reign of King John who allowed Cisterian monks to build Beaulieu Abbey on the land.
Beaulieu, is home to the Beaulieu estate, which includes the National Motoring Museum, Palace House, the Abbey and Buckler’s Hard Hamlet.
Points of Interest and facilities
- Cafes, Restaurants, Bars
- Hotels and bed and breakfast accomodation
- Specialist Shops and boutiques
- Viewing points/photographs
- Boat trips
- Kayaking
- Bus and Train
- Parking
- Public Toilets
- Museum
- Wildlife and nature
- Historical sites
May 25th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
[...] adjacent to Beaulieu Road Train Station on the B3056 approximately half way between Lyndhurst and Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest National [...]