Hazel Copse Farm, Beaulieu SO42 7WA
Take to the water in a canoe or kayak, with New Forest Activities, located on the banks of the privately-owned Beaulieu River. If it’s your first time, you’ll have expert guidance from the team but if you’ve been before, you’ll be free to explore. There’s even a Beaulieu River tour if you’d like to make an afternoon of it.
Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AZ
Home to over two-hundred acres of impressive woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens, Exbury is a must-visit for gardening enthusiasts. It also has a number of special collections, including rhododendrons and azaleas and swathes of hydrangeas and Nyssa trees. Open from spring through to autumn.
Bucklers Hard, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7XB
A former shipbuilding village on the banks of the Beaulieu River, where the ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, you can stroll through the peaceful high street and discover more about its history in the Maritime Museum. From Easter to September, take a boat trip down the river to hear more about this area’s rich heritage.
1 Palace Ln, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7YG
Founded by King John in the thirteenth century, before being destroyed on the order of King Henry VIII in 1538, Beaulieu Abbey is now a conserved ruin and a place where you can walk in the footsteps of medieval monks. You’ll find there’s an exhibition on its fascinating history too.
John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN
One of the ‘Treasure Houses of England’, Palace House, is the former gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey and has been the Montagu family home since 1538. Remodelled in 1800, it’s a fine example of a Victorian country house and remains full of gothic character, family treasures and historic portraits.
John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN
From the earliest motor carriages dating back to 1875, to classic family saloons and legendary F1 racing models, the world-famous National Motor Museum has one of the finest collections of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia around. It all adds up to a great day out for both grown-ups and little ones.
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