Frequently asked questions

Abbey Ruins

We’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit to Beaulieu.

Am I allowed to take photographs during my visit?

You are very welcome to take photographs around the site, and of the exhibits in the National Motor Museum. We encourage visitors to share their pictures on social media if they wish, and to tag us @national_motor_museum, using the hashtags #beaulieumemories.

We’re going to be late as we’re stuck in traffic, is that ok?

Yes, if you’re going to be late, you do not need to let us know. We will simply see you when you arrive.

I’ve lost my tickets. Can I get them resent to me?

If you’ve misplaced your tickets, please contact visit@beaulieu.co.uk and include the full name and email address of the booker.

If I become unwell before my visit what should I do?

Please do not visit if you feel unwell with any symptoms of COVID-19 or have come into contact with anyone who may have symptoms. If this is the case and you have paid for your ticket, we will happily exchange your ticket to another day, or alternatively we will offer a refund with proof of a positive PCR test result. Please email visit@beaulieu.co.uk to request either of these options.

Can I return for free?

Yes. With so much to see and do at Beaulieu, visitors can make the most of our return for free offer, allowing them and their original guests to come back for an additional visit in the six days after their first visit. Return for free cannot be used on major event days including Beaulieu Supercar Weekend, Spring and International Autojumble, Custom and American and BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair.

Can we bring our own picnic?

You are very welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy during your visit. We ask that you do not use any form of BBQ and dispose of your rubbish in a bin. Picnics cannot be consumed in the outdoor seated areas of the Brabazon Restaurant.

Can I change the date of my visit?

Please carefully consider and select the date and time of your visit before booking as in line with our terms and conditions tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged for a different date once booked.

I am a member of Beaulieu 100 or a Friend of the National Motor Museum Trust. How do I book tickets?

If you are a member of the Beaulieu 100 or a Friend of the National Motor Museum Trust, you will still be required to pre-book tickets here. Once you have selected your arrival date, please select your type of membership from the drop-down menu.

What about other discounts or complimentary entry schemes?

We are now welcoming members from the following discounted or complimentary entry schemes, the Historic House Association, the Museum Association, Blue Peter Badge, Brooklands Museum Members, the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust and the Blue Light Card.

These tickets cannot be pre-booked and are claimed on presentation of the relevant membership pass on arrival.

Discounted or complimentary entry schemes such as Blue Peter Badges and Blue Light Cards will not be accepted for Beaulieu Supercar Weekend.

 

 

Can I use my Caravan & Motorhome Club discount?

The Caravan & Motorhome Club membership discount is now available to use once again. Tickets can be purchased online using the Caravan and Motorhome discount code. Please contact the Caravan and Motorhome Club direct if you do not have a discount code.

I have a complimentary ticket for the Beaulieu attraction, can I now use that?

Our new complimentary tickets have a unique code on the reverse which can be used to pre-book your visit online. The extension of any tickets issued with an expiry date of 31 March 2020 has now ended and these along with any other previous complimentary Beaulieu ticket schemes are no longer valid.

We have a Gift Aid pass from our previous visit, can we use that?

Yes, return visits using the Gift Aid or Donation pass are welcome in accordance with the pass terms and conditions.  To pre-book your slot, please select the annual pass day visit or annual pass day visit upgrade tickets when booking online. You will be required to show your original pass alongside your tickets on arrival. Please note that Gift Aid and Donation annual passes cannot be used or issued at the International Autojumble, Spring Autojumble or the Beaulieu Supercar Weekend.

Can I visit Little Beaulieu with my Gift Aid / Donation pass?

In line with the terms and conditions, the annual pass is purely for the National Motor Museum and does not include re-admission to the other Beaulieu attractions; including World of Top Gear, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey, and Little Beaulieu nor does it include admission to Beaulieu Special Events. If you wish to re-visit the other Beaulieu attractions or events, an upgrade charge is payable at the point of entry.

What do you accept as proof of disability?

We accept Compass cards, Gateway cards, letters from Disability Support Services, Personal Independence Payment letters, appropriate Travel/Leisure cards, and blue badges. If you don’t have any of the above, please check with us before your visit.

Can I return to my car during the day?

Pass out stamps can be obtained from Visitor Reception to allow you to return to your car during the day. You must have a valid stamp to gain re-entry to Beaulieu.

When is last admission?

Last admission is at 4.30pm when we close at 5pm in the winter months. In the summer months, last admission is at 5.30pm when we close at 6pm.

How do you pronounce Beaulieu?

Beaulieu is pronounced “Bew-lee”

Do you offer work experience?

Beaulieu accepts a very limited number of work experience students each year. Please contact us on workexperience@beaulieu.co.uk.

Work experience spaces have now been filled for 2024.

Can I fly a drone at Beaulieu?

No, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones by visitors for film and photography purposes whilst on the Beaulieu attraction car parking and other related parkland and grounds is strictly prohibited.

Is there a car parking charge?

No, we offer free car parking in our large visitor car parks.

What vehicles do you have on display?

You can see a full list of vehicles on the National Motor Museum Trust website. At certain times the vehicles on display may change. If there is a particular vehicle you wish to view please contact us on 01590 614541 before your visit to check it is on display.

Can I bring a BBQ?

Unfortunately we don’t allow barbecues in the Beaulieu complex.

Is it easy to get around with a pushchair or pram?

All of the attractions within Beaulieu are joined by paths which are suitable for pushchairs, but please be aware that some of the garden and riverside paths are constructed of hoggin or gravel. Many rallies and events held in the Beaulieu grounds are staged on grass, generally accessible from gravel or hoggin roadways.

National Motor Museum: The National Motor Museum has three level floors with access available through ramps and lifts.

Palace House: Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate pushchairs in Palace House and we ask that they be left outside.

Rides and Drives: To enjoy a ride on the Monorail or the Veteran Bus, you will need to hold your child. A member of staff will be happy to advise you where you can leave your pushchair or pram.

If you leave a pushchair or pram unattended, please make sure it does not obstruct pathways or busy areas.

Is Beaulieu wheelchair friendly?

Pathways suitable for wheelchairs join all the sites within the Beaulieu attraction, however, some of the garden and riverside paths are constructed of hoggin and/or gravel. Please note that both rallies and events held in the Beaulieu Parkland are staged on grass, generally accessible from gravel or hoggin roadways. We offer free use of manual wheelchairs and electric scooters. It is advisable to book these in advance by calling 01590 614646 between 10:00am – 5:00pm. Please note that to ensure the safety of visitors, the use of personal customised mobility vehicles is at our discretion.

The National Motor Museum has three floor levels with access available to all through ramps and lifts.

The lower level of Palace House is accessible to wheelchair users but unfortunately due to the historic nature of the property there is no lift to the upper floor. There is however a visual guide to the upstairs rooms and staff will be happy to show you this on your visit. Please note that unfortunately we are unable to accommodate pushchairs in Palace House and they will need to be left outside.

If you are leaving a wheelchair unattended, please ensure that it does not obstruct pathways or busy areas. More detailed advice for visitors with wheelchairs is provided on arrival. If you have any queries in advance of your visit please call us on 01590 612345.

Do you make charitable donations and if so how are applications made?

Due to the extremely high number of charity requests we receive, we are only able to accept a limited number of applications within a 20 mile radius of the Beaulieu attraction.  Qualifying requests can be sent via email to charityrequests@beaulieu.co.uk, and must include the official details of the fundraising body.

Successful applications will need to collect their tickets from the Beaulieu attraction. We regret that we are unable to respond to unsuccessful requests.

 

I’d like help with motoring research / I’d like to donate a vehicle

Please contact The National Motor Museum Trust for more information.

Do you offer driving experiences?

Many of the vehicles in the motor museum are of historical significance or privately owned, so we are unable to offer any ‘extras’ such as birthday or anniversary drives. However, from March-October* during school holidays and weekends, you can book an experience on the iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Mr Toad’s Car.

*Rides unfortunately cannot go ahead in wet weather conditions, or on busy event days.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcomed at Beaulieu and are permitted within the grounds, but for the benefit of other visitors we do require that they be kept on a lead and under control at all times. Owners are also asked to ensure that no mess is left within the grounds where it will be offensive to others. We provide scoops for disposal of mess free of charge.  These are available from Visitor Reception.

We regret that we do not allow dogs inside the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Abbey, Brabazon Restaurant, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the Secret Army Exhibition, or on any of the rides. Please note that there is a special area available beneath the Motor Museum entrance where your dog may be left whilst you visit the Motor Museum. Please note this is not a supervised area and owners leave their dogs at their own risk.

We wish to respectfully remind visitors that the RSPCA advise against leaving dogs and other animals in cars. However, if you consider that weather conditions permit you to do so, please ensure that there is adequate ventilation at all times, while still maintaining your vehicle’s security. Pass-outs are available from Visitor Reception allowing you to check, at any time during your visit, that your dog is not in any distress.

Can I hire a wheelchair?

Yes, we offer free use of manual wheelchairs and electric scooters. We recommend you book these in advance by calling 01590 614646 between 10:00am – 5:00pm.

Can I park my motor home/caravan in the car park?

Yes, visitors driving motor homes or towing caravans can park their vehicles in the coach park. Please note there is no overnight camping. Visit the Caravan and Motorhome Club website to find a site located nearby.

Do you have disabled car parking?

Yes, the disabled car park is located next to Visitor Reception. If the disabled car park is full, please park in the coach park opposite.

Can I travel to Beaulieu using public transport?

There are various public transport options for getting to Beaulieu. For more information click here.

If you travel by train, ferry or bus for all or part of your journey to Beaulieu we’ll reward you with 20% off our standard admission. Click here for details.

What is your post code?

SO42 7ZN

Where can I stay in the New Forest?

Please visit our Places to Stay page for more information.

I’ve lost my annual gift aid ticket. What should I do?

We can re-issue your gift aid pass at a cost of £20 per pass. Please note we require seven days notice for production of duplicate passes. Please call 01590 612345 for more information.

I’ve purchased Beaulieu Attraction tickets online but don’t have a printer. What should I do?

If you are unable to print your ticket, please make a note of the booking reference and present to the admission team on arrival. Alternatively you can present your e-ticket at visitor reception on your digital device.

Please be aware that due to our rural location, phone signal can be variable. We recommend taking a screen shot of your e-ticket before arrival.

Do you offer any discount or voucher codes?

There are no discount voucher codes available – but we do offer discounted Beaulieu tickets on this website. It is cheapest to buy online in advance, although these tickets are not valid on the day of purchase.

Do you offer a concession for disabled visitors and their carers?

Yes. Please click here to see our concessionary rates.

How many people does a family ticket include?

A family ticket covers either:

  • 2 adults and up to 3 children/youths (ages 5-16 inclusive)
  • 1 adult and up to 4 children/youths (ages 5-16 inclusive)

What does the entry price include?

We offer an inclusive ticket, which includes admission to the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and Exhibition, World of Top Gear, The Secret Army Exhibition, and On Screen Cars. Your ticket also includes unlimited rides on the Monorail and Veteran Bus.  Find out more here.

There are good value additional charges for the Top Gear Simulator and other coin-operated entertainments.

Please note the Top Gear Simulator is out of service. 

What time do you open?

We are open daily from 10am (except Christmas day). We close at 5pm during the winter months and 6pm during the summer months. Last admission is at 4.30pm during the winter months, and 5.30pm during the summer months.

How long does it take to look around?

We recommend at least half a day (4-5 hours) but people often stay longer!

Is Beaulieu just for motoring enthusiasts?

Beaulieu is much more than a motor museum – we are also home to Palace House, Grounds & Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey, Little Beaulieu and the Secret Army Exhibition. Plus, your ticket includes unlimited rides on the Monorail and Veteran Bus.

How much are tickets?

One ticket grants access to all Beaulieu attractions. To see our current ticket prices click here.