Beautiful Beaulieu, the Palace in the New Forest

With Beautiful Gardens, a 13th Century Abbey and a Motor Museum

Jun 23, 2009 Mari Nicholson

Beaulieu Palace and Abbey is one of the New Forest's special places and the all inclusive entry allows freedom to roam the grounds, Palace, Abbey and the Motor Museum.

There is so much to see in this complex, that it is difficult to know where to start. There is a Monorail and a Veteran Bus to transport visitors through the grounds from one spot to another, but it is very pleasant walking through the beautiful gardens on a fine day. Guided tours are offered of the Palace House, the Abbey and the Vineyard, but a guide is not really necessary.

Beaulieu Palace, New Forest

Home of the Montagu family since 1538 the Palace was first opened to the public in 1952. Visitors can walk through the house kept in the style of a late Victorian house and listen to tales from the butler, cook and housemaids. A kitchen and pantry made to look as it would have in the 19th century, is a favourite feature of the house. Visit the Victorian Flower Garden, the Wilderness Garden dating back to the 1770’s and the Ornamental Kitchen Garden laid out on the site of the 1872 original.

Beaulieu Abbey, New Forest

The picturesque and tranquil Abbey Cloisters are planted with fragrant herbs and many people choose this as their picnic spot because of its peaceful nature. The story of how the Abbey came to be built in the New Forest. its importance to the local community, and what life was like in the Cistercian order at Beaulieu Abbey right up until its dissolution at the hands of Henry VIII, is told in an audio visual presentation. Although much was destroyed during the dissolution, there is still a lot to see, including the Monastic Life Exhibition and some very impressive wall hangings which depict scenes from the Abbey’s history.

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu New Forest

In 1952 when the first display of veteran cars was shown in the front hall of Palace House, the initial display was only a few cars. This has now grown into a collection of over 250 vehicles which have a magnificent museum (The National Motor Museum) all to themselves, telling the story of motoring from the earliest days to the present.

In the National Motor Museum there are sections devoted to specialised motoring, i.e. The Motor Sport Gallery for historic racing cars, World Land Speed Record Breakers (including Donald Campbell’s famous Bluebird, a typical country garage has been re-created with sounds and smells of the 1930’s to lend authenticity and the “Wheels” Pod ride transports visitors on a fascinating journey through 100 years of motoring.

Also in the National Motor Museum there are special exhibitions running alongside the normal display. At the moment there is the James Bond Experience and Secret Army Exhibition, not to be missed by all boys from to 90. The James Bond Experience has the genuine cars, boats and props from the films – glorious cars all of them. The Secret Army Exhibition tells the story of the SOE during World War II.

Beaulieu Palace and Museum offers a perfect day out for all the family, for lovers of history, vintage and antique car lovers, and for those who like to sit amidst tranquil lawns and enjoy tranquillity.

For overnight stays, nearby is The Montagu Arms Hotel, a 5* hotel with Michelin Star chef and carrying two AA Rosettes. It is a small, intimate hotel on the River Beaulieu, within walking distance of the Palace and Museum, and perfect for an overnight stay, a romantic week-end, or a trekking holiday in the New Forest.

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