Fodor's Expert Review Beaulieu

Beaulieu Family

With a ruined 13th-century abbey, a stately home, and an automobile museum, Beaulieu appeals to several different interests. Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John (the name means "beautiful place" in French). You can still see the ruins of the cloister and the herb garden, as well as two remaining buildings, one containing an exhibition re-creating daily life in the monastery. Palace House and Gardens incorporates the abbey's original 14th-century gatehouse and has been the home of the Montagu family since they purchased it in 1538, after the dissolution of the monasteries when the abbey was badly damaged. You can explore the drawing rooms, dining halls, fine family portraits, and the beautiful grounds. The father of the present Lord Montagu established the National Motor Museum, which traces the history of British motoring. The collection contains more than 280 classic cars and motorcycles, from late-19th-century vehicles to futuristic... READ MORE

With a ruined 13th-century abbey, a stately home, and an automobile museum, Beaulieu appeals to several different interests. Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John (the name means "beautiful place" in French). You can still see the ruins of the cloister and the herb garden, as well as two remaining buildings, one containing an exhibition re-creating daily life in the monastery. Palace House and Gardens incorporates the abbey's original 14th-century gatehouse and has been the home of the Montagu family since they purchased it in 1538, after the dissolution of the monasteries when the abbey was badly damaged. You can explore the drawing rooms, dining halls, fine family portraits, and the beautiful grounds. The father of the present Lord Montagu established the National Motor Museum, which traces the history of British motoring. The collection contains more than 280 classic cars and motorcycles, from late-19th-century vehicles to futuristic F1 racing cars, rally cars, and luxury cars, plus famous film cars like the flying Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and James Bond's Aston Martin from No Time to Die. Other museum attractions include interactive experiences, audiovisual displays, the World of Top Gear exhibit devoted to the popular British TV show, and rides in vehicles ranging from a monorail to a 1912 London bus. Admission is by pre-booked time slot only.

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Family Historic Home

Quick Facts

Beaulieu, Hampshire  SO42 7ZN, England

01590-612345

www.beaulieu.co.uk

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: Abbey, Palace House, Gardens, World of Top Gear, and Motor Museum £23

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