Beaulieu

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Whether it's enjoying a riverside picnic, exploring the charming High Street or visiting the incredible motor museum, the village of Beaulieu provides a great day out.

Situated at the head of the tidal Beaulieu River, the village dates back to the 13th century.

The village of Beaulieu initially grew up around the abbey which was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John, who had a royal hunting lodge at Beaulieu. It was given the name of ‘Bellus Locus Regis’, or the beautiful place of the King. King John had quarrelled with the Cistercian Order early in his reign and decided to establish an Abbey to atone for his past oppressions. This generosity made him the subject of prayers in every Cistercian monastery.

For centuries, Beaulieu flourished as the monks traded goods and tended medicinal gardens (which can still be seen to this day at the Abbey).

The turning point of the Abbey came following Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530s. The Abbey and surrounding estate were sold to the 1st Earl of Southampton, Thomas Wriothesley, in 1538 for the sum of £1,340. As religious buildings were being destroyed or defaced across the country, Beaulieu was also to be victim to this and the Abbey church, cloister and chapter house were destroyed. The refectory, domus and two of the gatehouses remained under the proviso that they were not to be used for religious purposes. The refectory is now known as Beaulieu Parish Church.

The Earl of Southampton was one of the present Lord Montagu's ancestors and the estate has remained with the family ever since. Wriothesley converted the former Great Gatehouse into a modest manor house. The estate developed over subsequent generations and included the development of Buckler’s Hard in the 1720s.

Things to do in Beaulieu

Beaulieu is probably best known as the home of the world-famous National Motor Museum. The museum houses more than 280 vehicles and includes legendary motor vehicles from all over the world, including the record-braking Bluebird. Permanent and temporary exhibitions add to your visit including the World of Top Gear, featuring vehicles from the popular BBC show.

Entry to the Motor Museum also gives you access to Beaulieu Abbey, where you can step back in history to the times of the monks and not forgetting Palace House, the home of the Montagu family. Here, costumed guides are on hand to give you the flavour of what life was like in Victorian times. Make sure you allow time to wander through the gardens and grounds including the colourful Victorian Kitchen Garden.

If you enjoy walking then why not follow the Beaulieu River path from the village down to Buckler’s Hard, you may even be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher on the way! This two mile walk (each way) takes in some of the tranquil scenery and wooded glades along the way. Buckler’s Hard is a pretty shipbuilding village which is well worth a visit in its own right. In the village you will find a pub, Maritime Museum and seasonal boat trips along the Beaulieu River.

Get active by participating in some exciting water sports along the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. Whether it be canoeing or kayaking or perhaps taking on the nearby high ropes course, there are lots of activities for all ages and abilities.

Head to Fairweathers Garden Centre, where you will find a beautiful array of flowers and find out which fruit, vegetables and herbs they are growing! After a wander around, enjoy a cup of tea or some delicious home cooked food in Steff’s Kitchen Cafe.

The village of Beaulieu, although not large, has an interesting variety of village stores, ranging from specialist gift shops including the popular Beaulieu Chocolate Shop to arts and crafts.

There are a small handful of places to eat in and around the village including tea rooms, restaurants and inns, such as Monty’s.

Just over a mile from Beaulieu, Hatchet Pond makes an ideal picnic spot. The pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest and is also a popular area for course fishing. Or why not make the short trip to Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, home to the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias?

Events in Beaulieu

Events take place throughout the year in Beaulieu. The Beaulieu National Motor Museum, and its associated attractions stage many of these events including car meets, autojumbles, living history days, theatrical performances and family fun. Look out for themed events during the school summer holidays and over Christmas too.

Elsewhere, New Forest Activities offer a variety of dates for hands-on days including bush craft or afternoon tea paddles. For more sedate activities, why not look at the Montagu Arms’ calendar of events which ranges from floristry workshops to pamper days.

Keep an eye on our what’s on pages for details of up and coming events in and around Beaulieu.

Places to stay in Beaulieu

Right in the heart of the village of Beaulieu you will find the Montagu Arms Hotel. The hotel offers log fires and plenty of charm. It is also home to a three AA rosette restaurant where you can enjoy fine dining in a picturesque location.

Set in beautiful heathland, the Beaulieu Hotel is a former coaching inn that boasts an indoor swimming pool and AA rosette restaurant.

If self-catering is more up your street then look out for Mares Tails Cottage, Old Stables Cottage and Greycott, all located a short distance from Beaulieu and the many attractions nearby.

A couple of miles down the road at Buckler’s Hard you can stay right in the heart of the village at The Master Builder’s House Hotel, offering guests affordable luxury.

Use the search box on this page to find your ideal accommodation based on dates, accommodation type and facilities that you require.

Getting to Beaulieu

Beaulieu is a short drive from nearby Southampton and is easily accessed from the M27 and A35.

The nearest mainline train station to Beaulieu is at Brockenhurst. There are regular trains from London Waterloo, visitors can then catch the New Forest Tour Bus (green route) to Beaulieu and its associated attractions. Alternatively, there is a limited bus service between Hythe and Lymington which stops at either the entrance to the Beaulieu National Motor Museum or in the village.

Highlights

Montagu Arms Hotel

A charming 17th Century hotel (former coaching inn) in the picturesque village of Beaulieu offering...

National Motor Museum Beaulieu

Beaulieu featuring the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House home of the Montagu family...

New Forest Classic Car Hire

New Forest Classic Car Hire provides a unique self drive experience across the New Forest.

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Number of results: 74

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1028 reviews
The Master Builder's House Hotel

Beaulieu Estate

The Master Builder’s Hotel is located on Lord Montagu's Beaulieu Estate in the New Forest, and just a few minutes' drive from Beaulieu Palace House and National Motor Museum.

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Beaulieu Hotel Corporate Events

Beaulieu Road

Newly refurbished and offering on of the largest function rooms in the New Forest perfect for corporate events, team building days, meetings and conferences.

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Montagu Arms Hotel

Beaulieu

A charming 17th Century hotel (former coaching inn) in the picturesque village of Beaulieu offering effortlessly intuitive service with inviting comfort and a stunning award-winning restaurant.
Special Offers
- Escape To The Country - FREE ATTRACTION TICKETS
  An escape from the city with the promise of a heritage retreat for lovers of exquisite cuisine, fine wine, intriguing history and extraordinary wildlife.
  Simply call 01590 624467 or book online here.
  Terms & Conditions: One ticket per person to Beaulieu Motor Museum. All Leisure and Spa facilities are for use by those aged 16 years and over. Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing a room. Single bedrooms are available at a £59.50 supplement.
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- FREE Dinner at Monty's Inn When You Stay On Mondays
  Monday's just got so much better with a delicious dinner at Monty's Inn. Extend your weekend break and enjoy homemade heritage cooking at our cosy country pub.
  Simply call 01590 624467 or book online.
  Terms & Conditions: Special offer valid Mondays only, excluding bank holidays. Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing a room. Single bedrooms are available at a £59.50 supplement.
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- Spa & Dine Break
  We’ve partnered with the award winning spa, SenSpa, to bring you a country escape with an exotic twist.
  To find out more please call Reservations on 01590 624467 on book online.
  
  Terms & Conditions: Prices are based on two people sharing a standard room. Single rooms and room upgrades are available with a supplement.
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- Christmas Break
  Expereince a truly festive Christmas at The Montagu Arms. Picture roaring log fires, exquisite decorations and delicious food.
  Simply call our reservations team on 01590 624467 or book online.
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- New Year Break
  Celebrate New Year in style at the luxurious Montagu Arms Hotel. A glamourous evening awaits you.
  Simply call 01590 624 467 or book online
  Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on 2 guests sharing a standard double room for the total stay of 2 nights and are fully inclusive of the health club facilities at our sister hotel, Careys Manor. Room upgrades are available at a supplement. Dinner is included for both nights of your stay.
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Beaulieu Hotel Wedding & Events Venue

Beaulieu Road

Newly refurbished and set in the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu Hotel offers a stylish and charming venue space for your special day.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5327 reviews
National Motor Museum Beaulieu

Beaulieu featuring the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House home of the Montagu family and Abbey Ruins containing an exhibition of monastic life.

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Buckler's Hard

A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic 18th Century cottages, riverside walk, SS Persia Exhibition, St Mary's Chapel and optional river cruise.

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Montagu Arms Hotel Wedding Ceremony Venue

The Montagu Arms Hotel is set in the picturesque and historic village of Beaulieu, this 17th century country house hotel provides an intimate and exclusive setting for your wedding in the New Forest where romance and history entwine.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
934 reviews
Beaulieu Hotel

Beaulieu

Set right in the heart of the New Forest and surrounded by vast open heathland, Beaulieu Hotel is formerly a coaching inn and has been recently refurbished into a country home-from-home that brings you closer to nature. Comfortable bedrooms, an...
Special Offers
- 3 nights for the price of 2
  Escape for a relaxing countryside break with 3 nights bed & breakfast for the price of 2 from £199.00 per couple.
  To book, call 0800 44 44 41 or simply book online here.
  T&C’s apply. Full-payment required at the time of booking & is non-refundable/non-transferable.
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Haunted Battlefield LIVE

Brockenhurst

Haunted Battlefield LIVE
£25 Adult | £20 Child | £80 Family
Battlefield LIVE is taking a scary turn for Halloween this year. Will you and your team be brave enough to venture into the woods and take on the battlefield? The New Forest Activities...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
626 reviews
New Forest Activities | Stag, Hen & Kids Parties

Beaulieu

Let New Forest Activities take the hassle out of organising your next party. With a range of safe, exciting activities for all ages, all supervised by our qualified instructors, we'll help you plan a party they'll never forget!
Special Offers
- Receive 25% off when you book a Kids Party of 8 children or more!
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Winter Archery

Beaulieu

Take advantage of our great value Winter Archery sessions and enjoy a 90 minute, fully instructed Archery experience. Your guide will teach you the correct way to handle a bow and arrow before you step up to the firing line to test your aim....

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Boxing Night Masked Ball

Beaulieu

Boxing Night Masked Ball
26th Dec 2018
This year's black tie masked ball will commence with a lavish Champagne and canapés reception followed by a sumptuous dinner. Dance the night away as our live band 'Oliver Twist' invite you onto the dance...

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Winter Paddling

Beaulieu

Still looking to head out and enjoy the great outdoors this Winter? Why not go and explore the stunning Beaulieu River on a Winter Paddle with New Forest Activities? Choose from either open-top Canadian canoes or stable touring kayaks and enjoy a 2...

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Captain's Cabin Tea Rooms

Beaulieu

From cream teas to light lunches, there’s plenty to keep your belly from rumbling at Buckler’s Hard.
Time travelling to the 18th century can be exhausting! Drop anchor and refuel after a busy day exploring the village, with plenty of delicious...

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Pre-Christmas Dinners at The Terrace Restaurant

Beaulieu

Pre-Christmas Dinners at The Terrace Restaurant
1st Dec 2018 - 31st Dec 2018
For the ultimate dining experience this Christmas, enjoy an exquisite 5 course tasting menu created by Head Chef and Roux Scholar, Matthew Tomkinson.
Create...

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Christmas Day Lunch at Monty's Inn

Beaulieu

Christmas Day Lunch at Monty's Inn
25th Dec 2018
For a relaxed and informal Christmas Day Lunch, join us at Monty's Inn our family Country Pub; proudly offering free range local produce throughout the menu with some ingredients hand pulled from...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
491 reviews
New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

We organise a range of activities in The New Forest area. Book online for popular activities or call us on 01590 612377 to make the most of your trip. Visit our office and information centre in the heart of Beaulieu village.

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New Forest Classic Car Hire

Beaulieu

New Forest Classic Car Hire provides a unique self drive experience across the New Forest.

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Festive Flower Arranging Workshop

Beaulieu

Flower Arranging Workshop
4th Dec 2018 10:00
This popular one-day workshop is packed with professional floristry tips from Florist, Mala Williams, covering all you need to know about creating a beautiful flower arrangement for your own home, or to...

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Aston Martin the History

Beaulieu

Join us on Friday 12 October for an evening with Steve Waddingham and Maitland Cook.
Steve Waddingham is one of the factory tour team at Aston Martin Lagonda. His 'day job' also involves helping customers buy new cars and acting as a brand...

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