Amazing cars will come out of the National Motor Museum this summer as Beaulieu travels in time from the Victorian penny farthing to the adrenalin-fuelled world of supercars for fun-filled family days out – from July 20th to September 1st.
See daily parades across the arena with vehicles spanning motoring history, featuring Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from Beaulieu’s fantasmagorical Chitty exhibition in the National Motor Museum. Bring back memories with cars from the wartime era and the modern classics you will remember your family driving.
Then on August 3rd and 4th, spectacular Beaulieu Supercar Weekend will bring the collection bang up-to-date as some of the world’s most exclusive and desirable cars 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.*
In the grounds of the ancestral Montagu home of Palace House, see costumed actors perform playlets with motoring marvels including the 1904 De Dion Bouton, 1924 Austin 12/4 ‘Gumdrop’ and 1938 Morris Eight, bringing history to life. Join traditional games on the lawns, then head inside to discover what life was like ‘upstairs and downstairs’ in a Victorian country house, as the costumed butler, maids and Lord Montagu’s cook each tell their stories.
Watch Lord Montagu’s falconer give demonstrations in the Beaulieu Abbey Cloister and see these magnificent birds of prey in flight. Learn more about this ancient art in the Abbot’s Mews falconry exhibition and find out about the kings, queens and noblemen who practiced falconry over the centuries. Then talk to the costumed monk in the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey and try on a habit for a selfie photo opportunity.
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, which includes entry to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, Secret Army Exhibition, Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens.
Don’t miss Beaulieu’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition with its original screen Chitty, the original Child Catcher carriage, Truly Scrumptious’ Humber 8hp, Lord Scrumptious’ Austro-Daimler 27/80 Prince Henry, the film’s inventive machines of Rowland Emett, a replica Grandpa Potts’ hut and film memorabilia.
In Palace House, make sure to see new exhibition The Art of Belinda, Lady Montagu – her story in stitches which celebrates the painting, drawing and needlework of Lord Montagu’s mother and features previously unseen pieces as well as work for her family, the estate and other commissions.
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 see click here.
Motoring parades will take place every day during the summer holiday period except Beaulieu event days.