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Beaulieu
(National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey)
Beaulieu,
Hampshire,
SO42 7ZN
Tel: 01590 612345
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Beaulieu describes itself as “The best day out in England”, and with so much to see and do on one site, there is something to appeal to all the family. The National Motor Museum is one of the finest collections of automobiles anywhere in the world, with a superb array of classic vehicles, from some of the earliest examples of motoring to World Record Breakers like the legendary Bluebird and the Golden Arrow. Beaulieu also hosts the famous Beaulieu International Autojumble and Automart, as well as other special events throughout the year. Palace House is a magnificent house owned by the Montagu family since 1538. Formerly a gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House has been extended over the years and is now open to the public, along with its glorious gardens and grounds. Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 by a group of Cistercian monks, on an area of land given to them by King John. Sadly, much of the original Abbey was destroyed during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, but there is still plenty for today’s visitors to see and do. It is advisable to set a whole day aside when visiting Beaulieu, one of the UK’s favourite visitor attractions.
Open:
May – September: Every day 10.00am - 6.00 pm
October – April: Every day 10.00am - 5.00pm
Beaulieu is closed only on Christmas Day.
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The New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre
High Street,
Lyndhurst,
Hampshire,
SO43 7NY
Tel: 023 8028 3444
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The New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre in Lyndhurst is a must-see attraction for any visitor to The New Forest. There are fascinating exhibitions bringing to life the history of The New Forest, from its creation by William the Conqueor to the modern day; the role of The Verderers; the Forest’s connections with Britain’s maritime history; curious local characters; the traditions of the area and the wildlife it supports. The New Forest Embroidery and Gift Shop, specialising in local crafts, can also be found here.
Open:
Daily: 10.00am – 5.00pm
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Hurst Castle
Hurst Spit,
Keyhaven,
Hampshire,
SO41 0QU
Tel: 01590 642500
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Hurst Castle was built as part of a chain of fortresses designed to protect The Solent; commissioned by Henry VIII, it was completed in 1544. The protection of The Solent was critical, as this stretch of water allowed access to Portsmouth and Southampton. Hurst Castle and Calshot Castle were both strategically positioned to provide protection, Hurst Castle being sited on a defensive position at the narrow entrance to The Solent. Charles I was imprisoned at Hurst Castle in 1648 before his trial and execution in London. During the Napoleonic Wars, the castle was improved and modernised, as it was again in the 1870s, at which point armoured wings were added. Hurst Castle was used as a coastal gun battery during the Second World War. Today it is an intriguing visitor attraction, its important role in the defence of the South Coast open for the public to see for themselves. There is also a small café for visitors, but please note that it is not possible to reach Hurst Castle by car – access is by foot or on a ferry from Keyhaven.
Open daily:
April - September: 10.30am - 5.30pm
October: 10.30am - 4.00pm
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Bucklers Hard Maritime Museum and Village
Bucklers Hard,
Hampshire,
SO42 7XB
Tel: 01590 616203
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The pretty village of Bucklers Hard can be found on the banks of the Beaulieu River and is part of the Montagu Estate. It was an important centre for shipbuilding during the 18 th and 19 th Centuries, Nelson’s Agamemnon and HMS Illustrious having been built here. The museum is part of the charming village and details the history of the village and its role in the maritime history of the country, with interesting displays, a model of the village and shipyard, model ships, original plans and shipwrights’ tools.
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Rockbourne Roman Villa
Rockbourne,
Hampshire,
SP6 3PG
Tel: 01725 518541
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Rockbourne Roman Villa can be found just outside of The New Forest near Fordingbridge. It is the largest known Roman villa in the area, its history spanning the period from the Iron Age through to the 5th century AD. Today visitors can walk around the remains of the villa, which is set in a picturesque Hampshire countryside. There is also a museum displaying many of the fascinating artefacts unearthed on the site and depicting life for the Roman Britons who lived here over 1600 years ago.
Open:
April – September: Daily, 10.30am – 6.00pm
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Paultons Leisure Park
Ower,
Hampshire,
SO51 6AL
Tel: 023 8081 4455
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Paultons Leisure Park can be found on the edge of the New Forest, and is a great day out for all the family. There are over 50 different attractions and rides in the 140-acre site, ranging from the sedate to the thrilling. There are also dinosaurs, museums, animated shows, play areas, exotic birds and a host of other activities to keep the whole family amused all day long.
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Furzey Gardens
Minstead,
Hampshire,
SO43 7GL
Tel: 023 80812464
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Furzey Gardens are in the north of The New Forest National Park, and comprise 8 acres of internationally renowned landscapes and command superb views over The New Forest. Azaleas, rhododendrons, heathers, and ferns; a delightful water garden; the extraordinary bottle brush tree; flaming Chilean Fire trees and many other features to interest visitors throughout the year. Children will love the delightful play log cabins, and The Forest Cottage, believed to have been built from timbers gathered from Lymington boatyards, is a fascinating building. Also on the site is The Gallery, an unusual timber and thatch building displaying the works of local artists, as well as a nursery run for people with learning disabilities; many of the plants and shrubs grown here are available for sale.
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Calshot Castle
Calshot,
Hampshire,
SO45 1BR
Tel: 023 80892023
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Calshot Castle was built in 1539 by Henry VIII, during his programme of improving the defences of the south coast; its main aim was to protect the entrance to Southampton Water. The castle remained a fully operational artillery base until the early years of the 20th Century, after which time it became a naval air station. The famous Sunderland Flying Boat was stationed at Calshot, but the airfield finally closed in 1961. Today Calshot Activities Centre is one of the country’s largest Outdoor Adventure Centres, and the original castle is now in the hands of English Heritage and open to visitors in the summer months.
Open:
April – October: Daily
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Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
Bashley Cross Road,
New Milton,
Hampshire,
BH25 5SZ
Tel: 01425 616446
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The Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum is owned by the racing legend himself. It contains a superb collection of over 200 classic machines, some of which are the only surviving examples of their type in the world. Sammy Miller’s Racing Collection is particularly interesting, giving visitors the opportunity to see record-breaking competition bikes, including the incredible 4-cylinder supercharged 500c.c. AJS; machines from DKW, NSU and Norton; and of course the famous Ariel HT ‘GOV 132’.
Open:
Daily: 10.00am - 4.30pm
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St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery
New Street,
Lymington,
Hampshire,
SO41 9BH
Tel: 01590 676969
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The St. Barbe Museum in Lymington tells the remarkable story of the coastal strip between The New Forest and The Solent. The region has a fascinating past, having seen a thriving salt industry, smugglers landing their illegal cargoes on the coast, and the area has long been associated with innovative boat building. The aim of the St. Barbe Museum is to capture the unique flavour of life in this part of the south coast, while the Art Gallery, with its programme of regularly changing exhibitions, strives to bring first class art into the town.
Open:
Monday – Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
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