Beaulieu

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

There are plenty of things to do in Beaulieu, from kayaking to some of our top museums, check out below to find your perfect way to spend your days 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.

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

Lots of fantastic 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

Beaulieu is home to some great places to stay, such as beautiful hotels and other types of accommodation too...

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.

Where to eat and drink in Beaulieu

There are some amazing places to eat in and around the village including tea rooms, restaurants and inns. Monty’s Inn is a wonderful pub to head to, or go next door to The Montagu Arms, where you can dine in the restaurant or relax in their beautiful garden. There are other delicious pubs located just outside of Beaulieu too, such as The Royal Oak and The Drift Inn.

Some cafes & tearooms you will want to try out are Steff's Kitchen at Fairweather's and also Captains Cabin Tea Rooms located at Buckler's Hard.

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 Activities

We organise a range of activities in The New Forest area. Book online for popular activities or…

Buckler's Hard

A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum,…

Steff's Kitchen

When you visit our café you can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome. All the food we serve is…

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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.

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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 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
Awards
- Other Awards Book Direct 2019
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
- Gourmet Escape To The Country Break
  Includes:
  Luxury overnight accommodation for 2 guests sharing a double bedroom Full New Forest breakfast Complimentary morning tea & coffee served daily to your room Complimentary newspaper Complimentary attraction tickets - choose between tickets to Beaulieu Motor Museum, a cruise along the Beaulieu river or Exbury Gardens 2 course dinner in The Terrace restaurant or 3 course dinner in Monty's Inn*
  From £239 per room
  BOOK ONLINE
  Terms & Conditions: Special offer from 1st May valid until 31st October 2019 on Sunday - Friday only. Excludes Saturdays and bank holidays. Prices are per room based on 2 adults sharing a room. Saturdays and bank holidays are subject to a minimum 2 night stay and only available on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Single bedrooms are available at a £59.50 supplement.
  *Terrace Restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  More offers like this - Hotels Special Offers
- Escape To The Country Break
  Includes:
  Luxury overnight accommodation for 2 guests sharing a double bedroom Full New Forest breakfast Complimentary morning tea & coffee served daily to your room Complimentary newspaper Complimentary attraction tickets - choose between tickets to Beaulieu Motor Museum, a cruise along the Beaulieu river or Exbury Gardens Use of Careys Manor leisure facilities from check-in until check-out (located just 6 miles away)
  From £179 per room
  BOOK ONLINE
  Terms & Conditions: Special offer from 1st May valid until 31st October 2019 on Sunday - Friday only. Excludes Saturdays and bank holidays. Prices are per room based on 2 adults sharing a room. Saturdays and bank holidays are subject to a minimum 2 night stay and only available on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Single bedrooms are available at a £59.50 supplement.
  *Terrace Restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  More offers like this - Hotels 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.
  More offers like this - Hotels Special Offers
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5741 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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1011 reviews
Beaulieu Hotel

Beaulieu
Awards
- Other Awards Book Direct 2019
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
- Long Stay Special Rates
  Choose to stay a little longer in the New Forest with up to 20% off when you book 2 nights or more.
  Up to 10% off when you book 2 nights or more bed and breakfast Up to 15% off when you book 4 nights or more bed and breakfast
  To book, call 0800 44 44 41, email reservations@newforesthotels.co.uk or book online here.
  T&C's apply.
  More offers like this - Hotels Special Offers
- New Forest Attraction Break
  Enjoy 2 nights bed and breakfast from £209 per room, with complimentary tickets to either the world famous Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Exbury Gardens, Buckler's Hard or Marwell Zoo on the day of your choice.
  To book, call 0800 44 44 41, email reservations@newforesthotels.co.uk or book online here.
  T&C's apply.
  More offers like this - Hotels Special Offers
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
675 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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Leith's at Beaulieu Wedding Reception Venue

Beaulieu

Located in the heart of the New Forest, which stretches across seven thousand acres of historic heath and woodland. The idyllic surroundings of the forest and tranquil Beaulieu River create a unique setting for your wedding.

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Simply Mercedes

Beaulieu

All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 18th August and park up within the museum complex for what promises to be a superb day out for Mercedes owners and enthusiasts.
All Mercedes-Benz models are welcome at this…

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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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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
505 reviews
Steff's Kitchen

Beaulieu

When you visit our café you can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome. All the food we serve is home cooked. From warm scones straight out of the oven to hearty soups, everything is freshly prepared.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1095 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 Master Builders House Hotel Conference Residential Venue

Friendly, unobtrusive & relaxed service characterise the Master Builders approach to our corporate business. We are particularly focused on creating a comfortable & relaxed meeting space without compromising on quality.

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National Motor Museum Conference Venue

Beaulieu

Our purpose-built Lecture Theatre seats up to 220 guests. With a full range of projection facilities including Wi-Fi, it is the ideal setting for a presentation or conference.

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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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Beaulieu Hotel

Beaulieu Road

Located just next door, The Drift Inn is the place to eat and offers the chance to enjoy a fresh take on traditional & familiar pub classics in relaxed, informal surroundings. Wherever possible our chef's use ingredients that are traceable, local…

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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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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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Simply Smart

Beaulieu

All owners of Smart cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 10th November and park up within the museum complex for what promises to be a superb day out for both Smart car owners and enthusiasts.
The event is set to provide a great…

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