BEAULIEU - NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM REVIEW

 Last year we visited the charming village of Beaulieu in Hampshire, home of the National Motor Museum. With lots to see, and something for all ages, it makes the ideal family day out. Elliot has been getting into his cars recently so he was very excited about the prospect of seeing an Aston Martin up close! 

The great thing about Beaulieu is that you ticket covers multiple attractions and there is no limit to how long you can stay. We arrived around 1030 and stayed until it closed so there is plenty to see. 

The National Motor Museum

This is the largest attraction and probably what most people associate Beaulieu with. A collection of over 285 vehicles ranging from classic cars from yesteryear, to legendary F1 cars, land speed record breakers, vintage motorcycles and even the Tardis! Lots of the displays are interactive and there is plenty of information to read about each vehicle. We loved spotting the more unusual cars, like the Mini Outspan Orange! The museum’s spacious layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and there are plenty of hands-on activities for children, including a fun play area and a chance to sit in some of the vehicles. The museum also offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of motoring, with exhibits on racing history, car design, and the role of cars in popular culture.

Here's some of the displays that can be found in this section: 

• Driving Change - Explore the evolution of the motor car, learn about how suspension works, meet Beaulieu's crash test dummy and much more
• Motopia? Past Future Visions - be quick, this exhibition is only running until 14th April 2024 but here you can see future visions of the motor car from the past and what ideas have become reality
• A Chequered History - here you can learn about the history of Formula One and other motorsports
• Jack Tucker's Garage - a 1930's garage packed full of artifacts
• The Motorcycle Story 
• For Britain & For the Hell of it - a multimedia display shining a light on the British Land Speed Record
• The Luxury of Motoring - here you can find some of the most luxurious cars and the history behind them

We even found the Tardis tucked away in a corner along with some dress up options - think Erin's got a bit of growing to do before she can be the next doctor 😁

On screen Cars

This exhibit was a particular favourite with the kids - here you can find some very recognisable cars from films and TV including Mr Bean's Mini, The Weasley's Ford Anglia and many more. 

The Monorail

The Monorail is free to ride and the mile long monorail is the oldest in England. It's a lovely way to see the grounds and even takes you through the middle of the roof of the National Motor Museum. We loved the monorail and must have ridden it at least 5 times throughout the day!

Little Beaulieu

Beaulieu isn't just cars and there are lots of areas to explore in the grounds. Little Beaulieu is a fantastic wooden play area that kept our kids busy for ages. We were able to sit in the sunshine at one of the many picnic benches and enjoy lunch while the kids played. 

Beaulieu Abbey

We had a lovely stroll around the peaceful grounds and learnt that the Abbey dates back to 800 years ago. It was founded by King John but then destroyed on the orders of King Henry VIII in 1538. Some of the Abbey still remains, such as the Monk's Refectory (now the Parish Church of Beaulieu) and the Domus, which is now a museum/wedding venue. 

We heard the Abbey was haunted but luckily for us, we didn't catch anything spooky!

Palace House

The Palace House has served as the home of the Montagu family for over 400 years and is known for it's beautiful architectural style. This was a nice surprise for us as I didn't even know there was a Palace House here and we had lots of fun exploring! The staff are all dressed in traditional Victorian costumes and it's very hands on for children. We spent quite abit of time in the Victorian kitchen where the kids were able to dress up and have a go at using some of the old fashioned kitehen gadgets. 

The staff were really friendly and chatted to us for ages about what life would have been like for the staff back in Victorian times. The rest of the house had lots of rooms to explore and the kids really enjoyed playing with the old fashioned toys....and not a screen in sight! 

If you don't fancy the walk back to the Motor Museum (which isn't far), you can jump on the Veteran Bus which makes regular trips throughout the day around the grounds. This replica 1912 open top London bus is a lovely way to see the estate. 

The Verdict

Beaulieu National Motor Museum and Estate is an incredible destination for families looking to experience a mix of history, adventure, and learning. The museum’s impressive car collection is complemented by family-friendly activities, and the Beaulieu estate offers a serene and beautiful backdrop for a day out. 

We can’t recommend it enough as a family day out in the New Forest!