What are the group sizes and capacity?
What if my group is less than 15 students?
You can still book a Learning package but you will have to pay the minimum charge of 15 students. If your group is SEND then you will only pay per head.
How long does a visit last?
We recommend allocating 4hrs for a Learning visit.
What is the ratio for adults to children?
For children in primary level education, 1 supervising adult for every 5 children; For students in secondary level education, 1 supervising adult for every 10 students; For students in higher level education, 1 supervising adult per group. Students remain the responsibility of the school when onsite and we request that all school groups bring appropriate adult supervision for the ages of their group. Any Learning department staff member present during a Learning visit DOES NOT count for the purposes of the above table and we reserve the right to refuse to conduct a Learning visit where these supervisory levels are not met.
What facilities are there?
There are two main classroom areas on site: The fully accessible Collections Centre Learning space which includes our Education room and Lecture Theatre. This area has access to multiple toilets, including an accessible toilet. Toilets in the Collections Centre are not open to the public but can be accessed by staff in the building. Toilets are regularly cleaned throughout the day. The Garden Classroom space which is central to the attraction and provides step free access. The Learning team can provide a lunchroom facility where your group can eat packed lunches. During the warmer months there are picnic tables available to use throughout the attraction, for warm but wet days there is a tented area available for groups to use. Please be aware that all covered areas should be booked in advance. Consuming food and drink in any exhibition area (the National Motor Museum, the Abbey, Palace House or SOE) is strictly forbidden. In the interest of safety and security please do not bring large bags and be prepared to keep your bags with you at all times. Depending on the programme booked the Learning team will advise if an area for bag storage is available on the day. The Learning department do not provide smoking facilities, and promote the Government's aim to a smoke free generation. Should your group require an area of contemplation, the Learning team is able to facilitate this if requested in advance.
How do I book?
All learning visits need to be pre-booked. Once you have decided the programme(s) you wish to book please complete the enquiry form and the Learning team will be in contact with available dates and the estimated cost of the visit. Payment is by invoice.
Do you have risk assessments?
We have risk assessments for all our operational procedures but for the purposes of a groups visit we advise following our guide to risk assessment in our downloadable Teachers Pack along with taking a complimentary pre-visit. Please contact the Learning team to arrange a pre-visit.
Can we book a car ride?
Free car rides in our Blue, convertible 1928 Austin 12 are available but must be pre-booked in advance. The car can accommodate 3 students per trip, a member of the school staff must accompany the students, each car ride lasts approx. 5mins per trip. Please allow up to 1hr per class for car rides.
Do you offer pre-visits?
Free pre-visits are available for teachers to allow completion of a risk assessment. We can accommodate up to 4 teachers for each pre-visit. We also supply a guide to risk assessment in our Teachers Pack. Pre-visits must be pre-booked with the Learning team.
Where can I park?
There is free parking at Beaulieu, parking at Bucklers Hard may incur a charge.
How do I get to Beaulieu?
Please see 'getting here'.
What does a visit cost?
Please see 'Before you Book' for more information on charges.
What is the difference between Beaulieu and Buckler's Hard?
Please see 'Beaulieu and Buckler's Hard are part of the same business but are located at different sites. Beaulieu hosts the National Motor Museum, Palace House, the SOE exhibition and Beaulieu Abbey. Bucklers Hard hosts the Maritime Museum and has open access to the Beaulieu River waterfront.
Are the Learning programmes accessible?
All our Learning programmes have been designed to be adaptable for the needs of all users. The majority of the attraction has step free access and for areas where this is not possible alternative routes have been planned. We will not separate individuals from groups and all participants will take the same route. If your group includes any person with additional needs please include this information on the enquiry form so that we can ensure your visit is the best it can be.