Introduction To Beaulieu, New Forest

History

Located at the head of the tidal Beaulieu River, this picture postcard village dates back to the 13th century. It grew around an abbey, home to Cistercian monks who were gifted the land by King John, one of many monarchs who have hunted in the New Forest over the centuries.

The Beaulieu Estate has been the seat of the Montagu family for many generations, and is perhaps best known as the home of the National Motor Museum, but in the Second World War was the site of a training school for agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE).

Where to stay in Beaulieu

If you’re looking for a base to explore Beaulieu and all that the surrounding New Forest has to offer, then look no further than the New Forest Collection.

At the very heart of the village is Beaulieu Inn – the perfect home for walks, visits or just time to relax and reconnect. From its nature-inspired rooms to great food at The Drift, Beaulieu Inn is the ideal spot to base your stay, whether you’re travelling around the area or simply cosying down with a good book and a coffee.
Within a short drive you’ll find the rest of the collection’s hotels – Forest Lodge (8.5 miles), a townhouse hotel in Lyndhurst with beautiful Georgian architecture and urban-style interiors; alternatively, take a dip in the indoor pool at Bartley Lodge (10.9 miles) before you retire to your elegant room with its full-length bathtub or rainfall shower.

Enjoy the old manor house charm of Burley Manor (13.5 miles) and its stunning Mediterranean-influenced menu, boutique rooms and spa treatments, or head for the heart of Burley Village and you’ll find Moorhill House (13.5 miles) – hearty Sunday lunches, the most comfortable of beds and the New Forest on its doorstep. Last, but not least, Burley Huts (13.5 miles) – luxury shepherd huts with stunning views over the neighbouring deer park.

Where to eat in Beaulieu

Whichever of the New Forest Collection you choose for dining, you’ll find locally-sourced ingredients and homely recipes, from classic to contemporary, British to Mediterranean.

The Drift in Beaulieu is our relaxed pub/restaurant which offers modern pub classics alongside much-loved British dishes, while Burley Manor is all about the flavours of the Med on its menus, alongside the quintessential Britishness of its afternoon tea.

The 1820 in Lyndhurst is our award-winning grill and modern brasserie, serving locally-sourced prime hand-cut steaks and reimagined classics, as well as rather wonderful and imaginative afternoon tea – or how about Bartley Lodge and its country house kitchen of British classics, as well as another tempting afternoon tea in the orangery? Moorhill House’s quaint dining room is where you’ll find classic British and homely dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, while Taylor’s in Beaulieu is the ideal spot for afternoon tea or a casual get-together over small plates.

What to see and do in Beaulieu

Stay in Beaulieu and it’s more a case of what not to do; you may need to extend your stay to do it all!

First stop surely has to be the National Motor Museum; a petrolheads’ paradise, it’s collection has everything you could wish to see, from the earliest motor vehicles to record breakers.

If you’re more at home on the water, then set sail for Buckler’s Hard – the village is home to the Maritime Museum, Shipwright’s Cottage and the starting point for a relaxing river cruise.

Dating back 800 years, Beaulieu Abbey’s tranquil ruins are both a piece of living history and an oasis of calm, while Beaulieu Palace House, once the gatehouse to the Abbey, is the perfect place to delve further into the past as well as enjoying the tranquil views over the millpond.

Getting there

Beaulieu is a short drive from Southampton, and is easily accessed from both the M27 and A35. The nearest mainline train station is at Brockenhurst, with regular trains from London Waterloo. Alternatively, there is a limited bus service between Hythe and Lymington which stops at either the entrance to the Beaulieu National Motor Museum or in the village.