Beaulieu is one of the most picturesque villages in the New Forest National Park, known for its riverside charm, wild ponies, and access to some of the area’s top attractions.
Our cottage is perfectly located for a relaxing break or active holiday.
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu hosts a spectacular calendar of motoring events throughout the year. From marque-specific rallies like "Simply Ford" and "Simply Porsche" to larger gatherings such as the Spring Autojumble, Supercar Weekend, and Classic Grille nights, these events celebrate everything on wheels. Expect dyno demonstrations, parade laps, vintage car displays, and live entertainment for all ages.
Beaulieu Palace House, originally the 13th-century gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, has been the ancestral home of the Montagu family since 1538. Today, it stands as a magnificent Victorian Gothic country house, majestically positioned beside the Beaulieu River and surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and mill pond vistas.
Visitors can explore a series of richly decorated interior rooms—from the Drawing Room and Dining Hall to the atmospheric Portrait Gallery and restored Victorian Kitchen—some recently refurbished in collaboration with local design students to reveal previously private family apartments.
The estate’s gardens offer diverse experiences: formal Victorian flower beds, a fragrant herb garden, meandering mill pond walkways amid woodlands, and sweeping lawns. The grounds are a harmonious mix of ornamental and wild areas, perfect for strolling and photography.
Beaulieu Palace House & Gardens is part of the broader Beaulieu visitor experience, which includes the National Motor Museum (with its iconic vintage vehicle collections and monorail), Beaulieu Abbey ruins, and the Secret Army Exhibition. Admission grants access to all these attractions. The Palace House is also one of the cherished Treasure Houses of England.
Step back into 18th-century shipbuilding history at Buckler’s Hard, a charming riverside hamlet on the banks of the Beaulieu River. Wander along cobbled streets lined with Georgian cottages, visit the maritime museum detailing shipwrights' craft and naval architecture, and enjoy scenic boat trips that showcase this idyllic setting. A must-see for history buffs and those who appreciate traditional English village ambience.
Nestled beside the Beaulieu River, Exbury Gardens spans 200 acres of woodland showcasing prized collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, and more—designated Grade II* for its historic importance.
Over the year, the gardens burst into vibrant displays, hosting guided walks, children’s “Donkey Day” workshops, pop-up pottery, arts & crafts sessions, and seasonal evening events like illuminated light trails
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. One of its unique features is the charming narrow-gauge steam railway, perfect for scenic rides amongst the blooms.
Whether visiting during the spring floral peak or attending one of the festive summer concerts—such as 80s, Queen, or Motown tribute evenings—Exbury offers a sensory-rich blend of horticultural splendour, heritage, and gentle entertainment.
A Tudor-era fortress perched at the end of Hurst Spit. Accessible only by ferry, visitors can explore its ramparts, underground passages, and sweeping Solent views, and may spot seals and seabirds nearby.
Located near Lyndhurst in Hampshire, this 25-acre conservation centre is devoted to showcasing and preserving Britain’s native wildlife. Visitors can spot species like otters, owls, lynx, deer, and wallabies, take part in keeper talks and feeding sessions, and let children enjoy outdoor play areas and seasonal events
Step into a vibrant world of motorcycling history at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, tucked away in New Milton. Home to around 500 rare and veteran bikes—plus vintage scooters and memorabilia—the museum’s rustic fairground pavilion and interactive setup make it a delight for enthusiasts and families alike. Catch live demos, bunks of gleaming classics, and a cosy café to recap the ride.
Located in the picturesque coastal town of Lymington, St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery offers a compelling blend of maritime heritage and contemporary culture. Explore permanent exhibits on local shipbuilding and fishing history, alongside rotating art displays featuring regional and national artists. Facilities include a welcoming café, gift shop, and educational events—ideal for a lively, cultural half-day outing.
Fairweathers Garden Centre isn’t just about plants—it’s a full garden-living experience. Alongside an extensive selection of seasonal flowers, shrubs, and outdoor furnishings, you’ll find a bright café serving homemade meals and sweet treats. With pet supplies, decorative items, and inspiring garden displays, it’s a popular stop for both inspiration-seekers and woodland wanderers. Let me know which attraction you'd like to continue with next! 
Nestled in Burley Coach Park, Burley, N & J Heavy Horses offer nostalgic horse‑drawn wagon tours through the picturesque New Forest. Guided by gentle Shires, Percherons, or Clydesdales, these family-friendly rides (weekends and school holidays, April to October) promise both tranquillity and countryside tales. Riders praise the horses’ welfare and the serene woodland setting
Located at Hazel Copse Farm in Beaulieu, New Forest Activities offers a wide range of outdoor adventures, including kayaking, canoeing, archery, bushcraft, ropes courses, and more. Their guided paddling sessions on the tranquil Beaulieu River cater to beginners and families, making it a top-rated spot for adventure seekers of all ages.
The Solent Way is a scenic long-distance footpath spanning approximately 60 mi (96 km), with a beautiful section from Lymington to Hurst Castle that hugs the coast. Expect tranquil salt-marsh landscapes, winding gravel tracks, and sweeping views of marsh birds, sailboats, and the Solent beyond. It’s a walker’s delight—accessible, varied, and ideal for anyone seeking a refreshing mix of coastal and countryside scenery.
The Morebus-operated New Forest Tour is an open-top sightseeing bus service (Red, Green & Blue routes), circling major villages and attractions with hop-on/hop-off access and live commentary.
At Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary you’ll find a dedicated viewing platform overlooking a grassy clearing where groups of fallow deer—some even rare white ones—frequently graze. Feeding takes place between April and September, making it often possible to see them close by. The site features easy graded walks (½ mi, 1 mi, 2 mi), a forest picnic area, and public toilets—perfect for a peaceful half‑day amid ancient woodland.
Located in the heart of Beaulieu village, Pallets Tea & Coffee House is a charming stop for high-quality speciality coffee, artisan teas, homemade cakes, and light bites. Housed in a cosy, brick-fronted shop, it provides a friendly atmosphere for walkers, families, and casual visitors. Open daily from early morning, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a brew or treat after exploring the New Forest.
Steff’s Kitchen Café at Fairweathers Garden Centre, offers a homecooked menu with options for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores, featuring wholesome breakfasts, hearty soups, baked jackets, and indulgent cakes—perfect for a refueling stop during your visit
Nestled in the heart of Beaulieu's high street, The Beaulieu Bakehouse serves up freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. Housed in a charming brick-fronted building with outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to grab breakfast, a light lunch, or an indulgent treat—ideal for enjoying with a coffee or tea while soaking in the village atmosphere. Part of the Pallets Tea & Coffee House family, the bakehouse continues its legacy of friendly, community-focused service.
Tucked into the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu, Monty’s Inn is a cosy, laid-back country pub that prides itself on heritage cooking and using the best local produce—from Pondhead Farm’s pork to Ringwood beer and homegrown garden vegetables. With an inviting interior of dark wood beams, stone floors, and open fireplaces, it serves classic English pub favourites (like scotch eggs, game pies, burgers, and authentic Sunday roasts) in a friendly, family‑and‑dog‑welcoming setting
A truly welcoming New Forest pub nestled at Hilltop, Beaulieu, The Royal Oak traces its roots back to 1848. Now under the stewardship of Debbie & Duane Lewis, it blends traditional charm with modern comforts—original wooden beams, cosy snugs, and a well-stocked bar. Dog-friendly and offering forest walks from the doorstep, there's a spacious beer garden and 4 horse corrals—ideal for hikers, cyclists, riders, and families. The menu features locally sourced, homemade dishes (including hearty Sunday roasts), complemented by real ales and fine wines
Located in the village of East Boldre, just south of Beaulieu and between Lymington and Brockenhurst, the Turfcutters Arms is a charming, thatched-roof New Forest pub.
Known for its warm, traditional atmosphere and hearty pub fare, it welcomes families, dogs, and walkers and has a spacious, enclosed garden complete with a children's play area and summer seating
Whether you're seeking a refreshing forest walk, a relaxing pint, or a good meal, the Turfcutters Arms in East Boldre offers a friendly, community-oriented experience rooted in New Forest tradition.
