Beaulieu National Motor Museum

Type: Heritage/Visitor Centre

Come to Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest and discover the many delights that one of the UK's leading Tourist Attractions has to offer.

For 2012 only, Beaulieu is hosting the largest official collection of original Bond vehicles, BOND IN MOTION. The largest exhibition of its kind staged anywhere in the world, showcases 50 of the best loved and most iconic Bond vehicles - some never before seen in public - in celebration of the 50th year of James Bond films. BOND IN MOTION will feature a whole range of vehicles which have appeared in Bond films over the years including cars, boats, motorbikes, sleds, jets and many more.

The motor vehicle collection in the National Motor Museum remains one of Beaulieu’s most famous attractions with more than 250 on show from the earliest examples of motoring and family cars of the 30s and 40s through to classic cars of the 70s and 80s and rare motoring oddities such as a giant orange on wheels. There are historic racing cars, F1 and rally cars from the earliest examples of road racers to the latest F1 machines and World Land Speed Record Breakers including Donald Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’.

On Screen Cars has a display of TV and film favourites including Del Boy’s Reliant Regal as featured in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, Mr Bean’s lime green Mini and the De Lorean as featured in Back to the Future. Also on display is the ‘flying’ Ford Anglia, used during the filming of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Also wowing Beaulieu’s visitors is ‘World of Top Gear’, featuring actual vehicles created by presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for some of their most ambitious challenges on the TV show over the years.

Visitors can see the magnificent rooms and treasures of Palace House - Lord Montagu’s family home since 1538. History comes alive with real Victorian characters, tales from the Butler, Cook and Housemaids give a fascinating insight into the workings of a Victorian household.

The Secret Army exhibition tells the story of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) which trained secret agents at the Beaulieu ‘Finishing School’ during WWll. The exhibition introduces visitors to the training schools, instructors, secret agents and unsung heroes of the SOE, their training and secret missions.

The 13th century Beaulieu Abbey features a Film Presentation and an Exhibition of the daily life of its Cistercian Monk founders, leading into the picturesque serenity of the Cloisters and Herb Garden. Upstairs in the Abbey’s Domus, impressive Wall Hangings depict scenes from the history of the Abbey.

Visitors have a birds-eye view of the grounds when they ride the high-level, mile long Monorail. Alternatively, the replica 1912 open-topped London Bus is a fun way to seek out Beaulieu’s sights.

Opening Times

2012 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012

* The attraction is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

* 1st October 2011 - 1st June 2012 10am - 5pm
* 2nd June 2012 - 30th September 2012 10am - 6pm
* 1st October 2012 - 31st December 2012 10am - 5pm

Road Directions

Beaulieu is situated in the south of England, in the New Forest between Bournemouth and Southampton, with easy access from London. By Road- M27 exit junction2, follow the brown and white tourist signs towards Beaulieu. Sat nav postcode is SO42 7ZN, however please follow brown signage when in vicinity. For up-to-date travel information, please visit: www.transportdirect.info. Cyclists- if you arrive at Beaulieu by pedal power we will give you 20% off our standard admission.

Public Transport Directions

By Bus Wilts & Dorset buses have a route between Hythe and Lymington which drops visitors in the Beaulieu grounds. By Rail The nearest main line station is Brockenhurst. There is a taxi rank at the station, the cost of a journey to Beaulieu by taxi is approx £20. By Ferry Take the Hythe Ferry across Southampton Water to Hythe, then the 5 mile bus ride to Beaulieu. Alternatively take the Isle of Wight ferry to Lymington and take a bus to Beaulieu. Travel by train, ferry or bus for all or part of your journey to Beaulieu and we'll reward you with 20% off our standard admission. Present your travel tickets on arrival, valid on the day of your visit, to claim your discount. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer, including family tickets, or on major event days.