Palace House
Beaulieu also houses World of Top Gear featuring vehicles from some of the TV show’s most ambitious challenges.
Jack Tucker’s Garage is a replica 1930s garage within the Museum showing genuine fixtures, fittings, tools and more. Step inside to take a step back in time.
It isn’t all about cars though. It’s easy to get around to see the rest of the attractions using their famous mile long monorail, set high above the grounds. It even takes you through the motor museum which gives a new perspective.
The Palace House has been home to the Montagu family since 1538. It used to be the 13th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey but it was bought by Sir Thomas Wriothesley, later 1st Earl of Southampton, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It has beautiful gardens with immaculate lawns and views over the Beaulieu River. Inside, there are plenty of Montague family treasures, portraits, photographs and memorabilia to see.
The historic Abbey was founded in 1204 by Cistercian Monks on land given to them by King John. It was originally called Bellus Locus Regis – the beautiful place of the King. Much of Beaulieu Abbey has been lost but you can see displays explaining monastic life at that time and you can walk through the Cloisters and Herb garden that the monks used to grow medicinal and culinary plants.
There are special exhibitions, both of cars and art.
Bond in Motion was a featured exhibition in 2012 – the world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles. In 2021, Bond made a return to celebrate the release of the final Daniel Craig film. This exhibition is Bond in Motion – No Time to Die.
It’s also been home to sculpture exhibitions.
