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.

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. 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

New Forest Classic Car Hire

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

National Motor Museum Beaulieu

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

Montagu Arms Hotel

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

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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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Beaulieu Supercar Weekend

Beaulieu

Join us for the Beaulieu Supercar Weekend; the must-see family spectacular that brings some of the world's most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu.
See displays of prestigious supercars and hear their distinctive engine notes as they...

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Simply Ford

Beaulieu

All Ford owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 5th May and park up within the museum complex for what promises to be a superb day out for both Ford owners and enthusiasts.
From custom Fiestas, restored Mk1 Escorts and even the odd...

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5568 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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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
- 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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- WINTER INDULGENCE BREAK
  
  For lovers of nature, history and fabulous food and drink, this winter indulgence break is not be missed.
  
  Includes:
  Luxury overnight accommodation for 2 guests sharing a double bedroom FREE room upgrade* Half a bottle of champagne in your room on arrival 2 course dinner in The Terrace restaurant or 3 course dinner in Monty's Inn** A New Forest A-Z to help you explore the national park Full New Forest breakfast (can be served in your room at no extra cost) Complimentary morning tea & coffee served daily to your room Complimentary newspaper Use of Careys Manor leisure facilities from check-in until check-out (located just 6 miles away)
  
  From £249 per room - saving £100
  
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International Autojumble

Beaulieu

Join us for the iconic and double-award winning International Autojumble on 7th & 8th September; the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic.
With over 2000 stands at this signature Beaulieu event, each one groaning with...

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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.
Special Offers
- £400 off your Intimate Wedding
  Book your Intimate Wedding to take place before June 2020 and receive £400 off the advertised price.
  Subject to availability. Offer is strictly subject to availability and applicable to new bookings only confirmed by 28th February 2019.
  FIND OUT MORE
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- Exclusively Yours Special Offer
  Book your Exclusively Yours Wedding to take place before June 2020 and receive £750 off the advertised price.
  Subject to availability | Offer is subject to availability and applicable to new bookings only confirmed by 28th February 2019.
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Spring Autojumble

Beaulieu

Sister to the iconic and world-famous International Autojumble, the Spring Autojumble is perfect for those with an existing project looking for parts, looking for your next project and of course motoring enthusiasts.
With over 1000 of stands and...

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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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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
985 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. Valid all week round from 2nd January - 31st March 2019. Full-payment required at the time of booking & is non-refundable/non-transferable.
  More offers like this - Hotels Special Offers
- 2 nights for the price of 1
  Escape for a relaxing countryside break with 2 nights bed & breakfast for the price of 1 from £99.00 per couple.
  To book, call 0800 44 44 41 or simply book online here.
  T&C’s apply. Valid Sunday - Friday from 2nd January - 8th February 2019. Available all week round for loyalty members. Full-payment required at the time of booking & is non-refundable/non-transferable.
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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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Simply Land Rover

Beaulieu

All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 23rd June and park up within the museum complex for what promises to be a superb day out for both Land Rover owners and enthusiasts.
All Land Rover models are welcome at this Simply...

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Simply Jaguar

Beaulieu

All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu on 14th July and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Jaguar owners and enthusiasts.
Shine your S-Type, polish your XKR, and buff up your F-Type... whichever model you...

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Montagu Arms Hotel Conference Residential Venue

The Montagu Arms Hotel is a luxury AA 4 star meetings venue in the heart of the New Forest. You will find our location and facilities provide the perfect venue for meetings and seminars for up to 60 delegates.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1066 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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The Drift Inn

Near Lyndhurst

Open all day, every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Drift Inn serves modern British ‘gastro’ favourites, tempting daily specials and wood-fired pizzas from its garden kitchen. Boasting extensive gardens and two children’s outdoor play...

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The Master Builders House Hotel Wedding Ceremony Venue

With beautiful views over the Beaulieu River and set at the end of the grassy street that is Buckler's Hard village, it is difficult to imagine a more picturesque setting for a hotel on the whole of the south coast of England.

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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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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
491 reviews
Fairweather's Garden Centre

Beaulieu

Using passion and expertise Fairweather’s have created a unique Plant and Garden Centre in the heart of Beaulieu.

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Simply Porsche

Beaulieu

Whether you drive a Boxster, 911 or something a little older such as a 924, all Porsche models in all conditions are welcome at Simply Porsche, and it provides a great opportunity to admire other's vehicles and to connect with fellow enthusiasts...

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