Motoring stars from TV and film will join the amazing line-up of vehicles in daily parades at Beaulieu this summer – from July 20th to September 1st.
The gadget-laden Jaguar XKR from the James Bond film Die Another Day which duelled with Bond’s Aston Martin on a frozen lake, famous three-wheeler Del Boy’s Reliant Regal Supervan from Only Fools and Horses and the fantasmagorical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can all be seen in action in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.
Also taking part will be a rare 1960s Amphicar convertible that is just as at home on land as it is on water and the 1959 Standard Ten Gold Star named Bluebell, which captured the hearts of thousands of classic car enthusiasts when it was saved from scrappage scheme destruction.
Inside the museum, see Beaulieu’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years with the original Child Catcher carriage, Truly Scrumptious’ Humber 8hp, Lord Scrumptious’ Austro-Daimler 27/80 Prince Henry, the film’s wonderfully inventive machines of Rowland Emett, a replica Grandpa Potts’ hut and exciting Chitty memorabilia.
In the World of Top Gear see eye-catching new exhibits with vehicles straight from the set of filming the latest series with new presenters Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris.
For more high-octane fun, spectacular Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on August 3rd and 4th offers the chance to get up-close to some of the world’s most exclusive and desirable cars as they unleash their horsepower on demonstration runs. Super sound-offs, an appearance of the new extreme Jaguar XE SV Project 8, car marque Marcos 60th anniversary display and more than 100 Aston Martins are the highlights of this year’s event, which is sponsored by A-Plan Insurance.*
Throughout the summer at Palace House, see costumed actors perform playlets with motoring marvels including the 1904 De Dion Bouton. Pick up collectors’ cards for the historic characters you meet, then join traditional games on the lawns before heading inside for a singalong around the grand piano. Make sure you visit The Art of Belinda, Lady Montagu – her story in stitches, the new exhibition which celebrates the painting, drawing and needlework of Lord Montagu’s mother.
Lord Montagu’s falconer will give demonstrations of his magnificent birds of prey in Beaulieu Abbey Cloister, with the chance to learn more about this ancient art in the Abbot’s Mews falconry exhibition. Then for a selfie photo opportunity, try on a habit and talk to the costumed monk in the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from from 11am-3pm on August 6th- 29th, younger visitors can also get hands-on with free creative workshops in the National Motor Museum. Family craft activities will be inspired by the National Motor Museum Trust’s collections and celebrate the 90th anniversary of World Land Speed Record-breaking Golden Arrow. Click here for more details.
Summer activities are included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu. Tickets to Beaulieu can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details click here or call 01590 612345. If there is too much to do in a day, then tickets include a return-for-free visit within six days.
* Event tickets to Beaulieu Supercar Weekend are available separately. For tickets and details click here.
Please note that motoring parades will take place every day during the summer holiday period except Beaulieu event days and that vehicle line-ups may be subject to change on the day.