Beaulieu National Motor Museum

When the sky turns grey and spending time outdoors doesn’t sound too appealing, there is more than enough to keep the entire family entertained at Beaulieu Motor Museum. Grab an umbrella and pack your rain coats because you’re in for a day of adventure.

The National Motor Museum showcases hundreds of cars with the oldest dating back to 1875! Other vehicles include F1 Grand Prix cars, vintage motorcycles and a constantly changing selection of on-screen cars such as Mr Beans Mini and the flying ford from Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. The museum is also the home of the World of Top Gear. All of the cars that got battered, modified and ruined by the famous Top Gear trio are housed in The Challenge Gallery. You’ll find all of the vehicles featured in your favourite episodes in the same condition they were left in after filming (pretty beaten up!).

In the grounds you’ll find the Palace House which was the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulie Abbey and has been the Montagu family home since 1538. Since then the house has been remodelled and was extended in the 1800s and is now a Victorian country house you can tour as part of your entry fee.  On colder days you’ll find a real log fire crackling away which provides a cosy retreat when the weather turns.

Interestingly over 3,000 Special Operations Executives were trained on the site during World War Two.  In The Secret Army Exhibition you’ll find out how they were trained, what they learnt and how they helped to ensure allied victory.   

More Information:

Address: Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire, United Kingdom SO42 7ZN

Tel: 01590 612345