Montagu Arms Hotel
Beaulieu, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A traditional manor house hotel with a wonderful garden, in the picturesque village of Beaulieu.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
National Motor Museum
The unmistakable, one-and-only Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is here
Last updated: 07 November, 2022
The elegant country estate that houses the National Motor Museum has been home to the Montague family for almost 500 years. With more than 250 cars and bikes in its collection, passionate car fan Lord Montague has made Beaulieu the biggest motoring attraction in the country.
The museum also houses the ‘World of Top Gear’ and ‘On Screen Cars’, with familiar motors including the Trotter’s Robin Reliant, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Ron Weasley’s ‘flying’ Ford Anglia.
While you're there
Next door is Beaulieu Palace, owned by the Montagu family since the 16th century, and surrounded by gorgeous gardens with different themes, including a wilderness area and a Victorian kitchen garden. The 13th-century Cistercian Abbey is a tranquil place to explore after the busy Motor Museum.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Price from: £26
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Beaulieu is 2 hours’ drive from London. Southampton train station (about one hour from London) is six miles away, with a taxi rank just outside.
Buy tickets in advance on the website to guarantee entry, and to get a discount. One inclusive ticket will give you access to The National Motor Museum, the Palace House & Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey, a Secret Army Exhibition and unlimited rides on the monorail.
There are themed itineraries on the website with highlights to look out for. If you’re a car or history lover, they’re worth reading before you go and keeping with you while you’re there.
When to do it
The museum is open throughout the year, seven days a week.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Master Builder’s Hotel
Beaulieu, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Stay in a slice of Britain’s seafaring history at this magical hotel, in an idyllic setting by the Beaulieu River.
Official star rating:
The Pig
Brockenhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A chic country house hotel, with a focus on locally-sourced food and stylish bedrooms. Especially for romantics and foodies.
Official star rating:
Lime Wood Hotel
Lyndhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
An uber-glam, luxurious country house, right in the heart of the beautiful New Forest.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
New Forest
Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A magical, highly accessible region of ancient woodland, open heathland and postcard-perfect traditional English villages.
Website >
Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Mary Rose Museum
Portsmouth , Hampshire , United Kingdom (UK)
One of the world’s most extraordinary historic remains, the Mary Rose offers a unique glimpse into life at sea during the reign of Henry VIII.
Best for ages: 6+ | £24 | 1-2 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Buckler’s Hard village
Beaulieu, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A waterfront hamlet that was once the centre of English shipbuilding. The picturesque row of Georgian cottages is now a living history museum.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Experience
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Exbury, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Owned by the Rothschild family, this glorious 200-acre garden is home to a world-famous collection of azaleas and rhododenrons, and has its own steam railway.
Best for ages: 4+ | £15
Website >
Overview >
Experience
New Forest Wildlife Park
Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Specialising in species that are native to the UK, the park is home to otters, badgers, bison and polecats, as well as ten different owl species, with regular feeding sessions that guarantee sightings.
Best for ages: 4+ | £14
Website >
Overview >
Experience
Setley Ridge Vineyard
Brockenhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Just outside Brockenhurst, Setley has been producing white, red and rose wine for twenty years, and offers pre-bookable tours and tastings.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Website >
Overview >
