National Motor Museum Beaulieu - an antique car on display in a museum
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National Motor Museum Beaulieu

4.7
·12k reviews·Beaulieu, United Kingdom

Explore over 250 vehicles, iconic movie cars, and the historic Palace House and Abbey at Beaulieu.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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National Motor Museum Beaulieu - an antique car on display in a museum

National Motor Museum Beaulieu

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore over 250 vehicles, iconic movie cars, and the historic Palace House and Abbey at Beaulieu.

4.7
(12k reviews)

"Fantastic place! Worth a visit. The complex has an amazing museum tracing the history of cars and motoring."

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TIP

🚗 Book Tickets Online

Save money and time by booking your admission tickets in advance online.

🚶‍♀️ Ride the Monorail First

Get an overview of the entire estate with the monorail ride, included with your ticket.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World of Top Gear Exhibition

World of Top Gear Exhibition

National Motor Museum

See iconic cars from the legendary BBC show, including the Reliant Robin and the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust. A must for fans!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car

National Motor Museum

Get up close to the magical car from the beloved film. A nostalgic and enchanting sight for all ages.

Beaulieu Monorail

Beaulieu Monorail

Grounds of Beaulieu

Ride England's first monorail for a unique perspective of the estate, connecting the museum to Palace House.

Palace House

Palace House

Beaulieu Estate

Step back in time in this stunning historic house, offering a glimpse into centuries of aristocratic life.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online for Savings

Save money by purchasing your National Motor Museum tickets online in advance. This often provides a discount and ensures a smoother entry, especially during peak times. Check for special offers or family packages to maximize value.

Allocate a Full Day for Exploration

Beaulieu is more than just the motor museum; your ticket includes access to Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and beautiful grounds. To truly experience everything, including the monorail and potential special events, plan for a full day visit.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During special events
Why
Unique displays and activities
Crowd
High
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Chitty bang bang! 🤩 #Chittychittybangbang #Chittybangbang #Beaulieu #beaulieumotormuseum #VeteranCar #MagicalCar
@1904peugeot
43.3K likes • 525.2K views

🚗 Book Tickets Online

Save money and time by booking your admission tickets in advance online. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Ride the Monorail First

Get an overview of the entire estate with the monorail ride, included with your ticket. TikTok+1

They turned Jeremy's limo into a bench! #TopGear #beaulieu #jeremyclarkson #cars #museum
@mattrookstaylor
39K likes • 628.7K views
Our new dedicated National Motor Museum Instagram page will be your source for the story of motoring. Our page will focus on the museum and our collections whilst our colleague's Beaulieu page will still be your source for visiting the Beaulieu attraction where our Museum is located. Join us as we go on our journey.
nationalmotormuseum
20 likes • 503 views

Bring Your Own Snacks

Food and drinks at the on-site restaurant can be pricey; consider bringing your own. Reddit

Explore Beyond the Museum

Don't miss Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and the grounds – all included with your ticket! InstagramReddit

Come and visit the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu with us 🤗 there’s a McLaren F1 just casually hanging from the roof #classiccars #motormuseum #carcollection #beaulieumotormuseum #f1 #lewishamilton #mclaren #mercedesbenz
lyonsgarages
69 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Book Tickets Online

Save money and time by booking your admission tickets in advance online. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Ride the Monorail First

Get an overview of the entire estate with the monorail ride, included with your ticket. TikTok+1

Bring Your Own Snacks

Food and drinks at the on-site restaurant can be pricey; consider bringing your own. Reddit

Explore Beyond the Museum

Don't miss Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and the grounds – all included with your ticket! InstagramReddit

Check for Special Events

Beaulieu hosts various car shows and events throughout the year; check their schedule. TikTokInstagram

F1 Simulator Experience

Book the F1 simulator upon arrival for a thrilling 15-minute race experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(12k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Beaulieu for its diverse attractions, offering more than just a motor museum with the inclusion of Palace House, Abbey ruins, and beautiful grounds. The monorail is a highlight for many, and the staff are frequently commended for their friendliness and helpfulness. While some find the on-site catering expensive, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and car enthusiasts alike.

"Worth a visit and any number of re-visits - Visited on Saturday, 28/06/25. 3rd visit here and the first for about 11 years. Lovely weather, which always helps, and there was a Morgan owners meeting taking place, so there was more to see than normal. Parking is near the entrance, but uncovered. Bought the tickets online in advance, so you get a discount, and it's straightforward to get in. Once inside, the initial options are a Monorail and restaurant/toilet facilities. Very pricey for anything in the restaurant (£5 for 2 cans of soda), so suggest you bring your own. The monorail is an excellent way to get an overview of the site before exploring on foot, and the ride is included in the entry price and can be ridden more than once. The old Top Gear exhibition has been replaced in part by a new section of example cars from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's that you can get in and reminisce about (though these cars are in a bit of a state tbh). Beyond that, we visited the main museum, which hadn't changed much in the past 10 years, but had exhibits moved around. The F1 section was very good with more recent examples of cars, and whilst we visited, an excellent F1 Simulator which you can go in (you have to pre-book) for £15 for 15 mins. It's worth it, so suggest you book a slot as soon as you arrive. On this visit, we didn't have the time to explore the house and grounds, but there are some lovely walks to be had. The staff are all excellent and approachable, and friendly, and though I have been 3 times now, I would have no qualms about making future visits as there is generally a change each year."

Jeffrey Soley

"Fantastic place! Worth a visit. The complex has an amazing museum tracing the history of cars and motoring in general, a beautiful palace, an abbey, gardens and a play area for children. The monorail is a wonderful attraction too that gives a nice vantage of all these places. Highly recommend for children and adults alike."

Godaba Hareesh

"This museum is part of a larger park, where an abbay, a castle and a garden (with monorail) are located. All these attractions can be entered with 1 ticket.
The museum itself hosts some older and newer cars. Al cats have some information on a small infocard. This is not interactive and almost no videos are shown.
The garden is beautiful, as well as the abbay. The castle shows a lot about how high society life was in the past centuries."

Stephan van der Plas

What People Like

Variety of attractions
Palace House and Abbey
Monorail ride

What People Dislike

Expensive on-site food

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Beaulieu is located in Hampshire, England. It's accessible by car via the M27 motorway. For public transport, you can take a train to Brockenhurst or Southampton and then a taxi or local bus service to Beaulieu. Instagram

Yes, there is ample uncovered parking available near the entrance of the National Motor Museum. Reddit

While a car is the most convenient way to reach Beaulieu, it is possible to visit using public transport and taxis from nearby train stations like Brockenhurst or Southampton. Instagram

From the M27, take Junction 2 for the A3054 towards Lyndhurst and then follow signs for Beaulieu. The drive through the New Forest is scenic. Instagram

Beaulieu does not typically offer park and ride services. Visitors are encouraged to drive directly to the site or use local taxi services from train stations. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to book online in advance for potential discounts. A standard ticket grants access to the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and the grounds. Reddit

Yes, tickets are available for purchase at the gate, but booking online beforehand is often cheaper and guarantees entry, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Absolutely! Your admission ticket to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu covers entry to Palace House, the historic Beaulieu Abbey ruins, and the surrounding grounds. InstagramReddit

Discounts are often available for online bookings, group visits, and sometimes for specific memberships or affiliations. Check the official Beaulieu website for current offers. Reddit

Yes, your Beaulieu ticket typically allows for re-entry, meaning you can visit again within a certain timeframe, which is fantastic if you couldn't see everything in one day. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key attractions include the vast collection of over 280 vehicles, the 'World of Top Gear' exhibition (though closing soon), the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, the Beaulieu Monorail, Palace House, and Beaulieu Abbey. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Yes, Beaulieu offers 'Little Beaulieu,' a playground of dreams for children, and the monorail ride is also a hit. The interactive elements in some exhibits can also engage younger visitors. InstagramReddit

This exhibition showcased iconic cars and props from the popular BBC show 'Top Gear.' While it's closing, it was a major draw for fans. TikTok+4

Yes, the Beaulieu Monorail is a fantastic way to see the estate and is included in your admission ticket. You can ride it multiple times. TikTokReddit+1

Palace House is a historic stately home with a history spanning centuries, offering insights into aristocratic life and the Beaulieu estate's past. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a restaurant and cafe on-site offering refreshments and meals. However, prices can be on the higher side. Reddit

Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and snacks to enjoy in designated areas, which can be a more budget-friendly option. Reddit

The restaurant typically offers a range of meals, snacks, and beverages suitable for families and individuals. Reddit

While specific menus can change, most visitor attractions aim to cater to various dietary needs, so it's worth checking with the cafe staff upon arrival. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that the on-site dining options can be quite pricey, particularly for drinks and snacks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the National Motor Museum for personal use. However, always check for any specific signage regarding restrictions in certain exhibits. TikTokInstagram

Iconic spots include the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, the 'World of Top Gear' cars, the Beaulieu Monorail, and the picturesque Palace House and Abbey grounds. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, you can take photos of the cars from the 'World of Top Gear' exhibition, capturing these unique pieces of television history. TikTok+1

Drone usage is typically prohibited at heritage sites like Beaulieu to protect the historic buildings and ensure visitor safety. Always check the official policy. TikTok

Visitors often capture close-ups of classic cars, wide shots of the estate, and nostalgic shots of iconic movie cars like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. TikTokInstagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Beaulieu is a fantastic family day out! Beyond the impressive car collections, the Little Beaulieu playground is a huge hit with younger visitors, offering plenty of space to run and play. Instagram The Beaulieu Monorail is also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, providing a fun and unique way to see the estate. TikTok+1 Many families find the interactive elements and the sheer variety of vehicles engaging for all ages, making it a memorable experience for children and adults alike. Reddit

🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Petrolheads

For true car lovers, Beaulieu is a pilgrimage. The sheer breadth of the collection, from vintage classics to modern supercars and F1 machines, is astounding. Instagram+2 The 'World of Top Gear' exhibition (though now closed) was a major draw, and the museum continues to showcase iconic vehicles. TikTok+2 Don't miss the chance to see legendary cars like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang TikTokInstagram and explore special displays that celebrate motoring history. The F1 simulator offers a thrilling interactive experience for those wanting to feel the speed. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers

Beaulieu offers a rich historical tapestry beyond its automotive focus. Palace House provides an immersive journey into aristocratic life through the centuries, while the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey offer a poignant connection to medieval England. TikTokInstagram+1 Exploring these historic sites, alongside the evolution of the motor car, provides a well-rounded cultural experience. The estate's beautiful grounds also offer a tranquil setting for reflection on the past. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'World of Top Gear' Legacy

The 'World of Top Gear' exhibition at the National Motor Museum was a significant draw for fans of the iconic BBC car show. It featured a collection of memorable vehicles from the show's history, including the infamous Reliant Robin, the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, and various other custom-built cars used in challenges and stunts. TikTok+4 While the exhibition has now closed, its presence cemented Beaulieu's reputation as a must-visit for automotive and pop culture enthusiasts alike. The museum continues to evolve its displays, ensuring that the spirit of automotive innovation and entertainment remains a core part of the visitor experience. Reddit

A Journey Through Motoring History

The National Motor Museum itself is a treasure trove, housing over 280 vehicles that chronicle the evolution of motoring. From early pioneering automobiles to sleek modern sports cars and record-breaking machines, the collection offers a comprehensive look at automotive design and engineering across different eras. Instagram+1 Visitors can trace the development of the car, appreciate the craftsmanship of vintage models, and marvel at the speed and technology of racing cars. The museum's layout guides you through this history, making it an educational and engaging experience for all ages. Reddit

Beyond the Cars: Beaulieu Estate

Your ticket to the National Motor Museum unlocks more than just automotive exhibits; it grants access to the wider Beaulieu estate, a destination in its own right. Palace House offers a fascinating glimpse into centuries of aristocratic life, with beautifully preserved rooms and historical artifacts. TikTokInstagram Adjacent to the house are the atmospheric ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, a testament to the area's rich medieval past. Instagram The estate also features stunning gardens and grounds, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Beaulieu Monorail provides a unique and scenic way to travel between the museum and Palace House, offering panoramic views of the entire estate. TikTokReddit+1

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