Review: National Motor Museum in Beaulieu
The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu is one of our families favourite days out, because it is packed full of things for the whole family to enjoy.
The magic of Beaulieu is that it’s not just cars, although that is a big part of a day there.
Beaulieu is a picturesque village set in the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire, which is dominated by the Victorian country house, Palace House, which is set in the heart of the village on a mill pond.
Entry to Beaulieu Motor Museum also allows you to explore the expansive grounds, the old abbey ruins, Palace House itself, ride the monorail and play in Little Beaulieu play park.
During the summer holiday’s, they also have a car parade and two falconry shows – one in the Abbey and the other on Palace House lawn.
For 2023, they have also introduced a sculpture trail throughout the grounds, with over 300 to see, by 57 national and international sculpters.
Up until 3rd September, they also have their Motor parade running in the arena, which displays vehicles from various eras of motoring history rumble into life and embark on exhilarating demonstration laps around the arena. The kids were most excited to see the Outspan Orange car driving around, although my favourite has to be Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
It is hard to pinpoint our favourite area of Beaulieu, but the World of Top Gear is definitely one of them and the Top Gear show and some of the vehicles has been updated to reflect some of the new series, with some old favourites still there on display.
The monorail is another favourite and a visit to Beaulieu wouldn’t be the same without a couple of loops around the site, taking in the museum and the grounds from above.
The Motor Museum itself features fascinating cars and motorbikes from yesteryear, through to formula one cars, speedway winners and even land speed record breakers.
The beauty of Beaulieu is that it never feels really busy as the grounds are so expansive, however, if you do need to get away, the millpond walk is lovely and peaceful.
If you have a love of History, including medieval life, Beaulieu’s involvement in Special Operations during World War II and of course its cars, this is the perfect day out for you.
Disclaimer: We were guests of Beaulieu for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are our own
