Beaulieu

A great day out for all the family!

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.

A new exhibition for Easter 2008, 'The Art of Custom', sponsored by Autoglym, takes cars and bikes on a creative journey from ordinary to extraordinary, to produce a unique one-off concept design. This striking and innovative display features vehicles from humble beginnings that you'll not easily recognise, once transformed into these works of art.

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 through to classic cars of the 70s and 80s. In the Motor Sport Gallery, historic racing cars, F1 and rally cars, are dramatically displayed on sweeping steel structures allowing visitors to view the vehicles from completely new angles and perspectives. Taking centre stage in the museum are four of the most famous World Land Speed Record Breakers including Donald Campbell's 'Bluebird'.

'Wheels' - a space-age pod ride - is a fascinating voyage through 100 years of motoring and Beaulieu Motor Works recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a typical country garage from the 1930's.

2008 is the centenary of the birth of Bond creator, Ian Fleming. In the popular James Bond Exhibition, you can see several new exhibits including the Aston Martin Volante from' The Living Daylights', and the Ford driven by Daniel Craig in his first incarnation as Bond in 'Casino Royale'. A selection of magnificent memorabilia includes Jaw's shirt from 'The Spy Who Loved Me' and Odd Job's bowler hat as seen in 'Goldfinger'.

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, showing their life 'Upstairs and Downstairs'.

The Secret Army exhibition tells the story of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) which trained secret agents at the Beaulieu 'Finishing School' during WWll before sending them to occupied Europe to work with Resistance groups. A Film Presentation shows how the 'Finishing School' operated in total secrecy for four years.

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.

Gardens to enjoy include the fragrant Victorian Flower Garden, the informal Wilderness Garden and the Ornamental Kitchen Garden. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll along the meandering pathways beside Beaulieu River and Monks' Mill Pond.

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

Budding drivers can get in the driving seat on Dipstick's Driving Circuit in fun mini motorised vehicles or test their skill with Remote Controlled Cars. Younger visitors can get physical on the Mini Motor PlayTrail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars.

Fact Box

Beaulieu is open every day except Christmas Day, from 10am to 5pm (6pm June to September). If you can't get to see everything in one day - you can return within 6 days for FREE.

For more information visit www.beaulieu.co.uk