My
first visit to Beaulieu was many years ago, aged five, so it was a pleasure to
re-visit with Jon, our children and my parents-in-law who had visited earlier
in the year so were enjoying the complimentary return visit open to all
visitors who Gift Aid their admission price.
"Brilliant
day," chirped Toby who loved the whole trip. Toby is in Year 2 and his current
topic is Transport so he could barely contain his delight at the vast display
of cars housed in the National Motor Museum.
Pippa is nearly four and took her
delight from the novelty and "famous" vehicles: a Cadbury's cream egg shaped
car, an Outspan orange and her favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
"I
just want to stay on here all day," was Pippa's comment as we took our second
ride on the mono-rail. The mono rail is a fabulous way of admiring the vast
Beaulieu site and taking in the house, gardens, Abbey, vegetable patch, play
area, museum and Top Gear display.
The
mono-rail was included in the ticket price so we could indulge her love of the
ride. Both children got equal pleasure from the "wheels" tour that takes you
through an exhibition inside a rotating "pod" and could ride as many times as
they wanted.
The
area that first drew Toby was the World of Top Gear which featured many of the
actual cars Clarkson and Co created for their TV stunts while clips of their
escapades ran alongside the vehicles. This exhibit was clearly very popular with
many visitors but did look quite tired around the edges.
Meanwhile
the men were itching to get to the James Bond Exhibition which is a very slick
and well designed temporary exhibition featuring 50 vehicles from the films
alongside exciting projections of film clips and models. Toby has yet to see a
Bond film but is now verykeen to
watch one.
We
spent the entire day at Beaulieu and thanks to its unique site which includes entry
to Palace House, the Montague family home since 1538, Beaulieu Abbey ruins and
beautiful grounds including a nice play area - there was more than enough to
keep every one happy.
We took a picnic and went to the café for a warm drink and car-shaped
shortbread biscuit. On the day we visited the main car park was full yet despite
the number of visitors there was a nice sense of space and easy access to all
the exhibits.
A
really fun family day out which has a much wider appeal than any obvious dads
and lads petrol-related associations! And lastly do check the website for the wide
range of extra events taking place at Beaulieu which would be the icing on the
cake.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7ZN is open from 10am to 5pm every day.
Entrance is £19 adults, £17.50 seniors, £11.25 (13 to 17 years), £9.50 (5 to 12 years); family £49.75, under 5s free.
My
first visit to Beaulieu was many years ago, aged five, so it was a pleasure to
re-visit with Jon, our children and my parents-in-law who had visited earlier
in the year so were enjoying the complimentary return visit open to all
visitors who Gift Aid their admission price.
Meanwhile
the men were itching to get to the James Bond Exhibition which is a very slick
and well designed temporary exhibition featuring 50 vehicles from the films
alongside exciting projections of film clips and models. Toby has yet to see a
Bond film but is now very keen to
watch one.