Horrible Histories® is coming to Beaulieu this May half-term!
From 23 – 31 May, dare to dig into Beaulieu’s vast Victorian past, unearthing revolting revelations and shocking secrets you might wish had stayed buried… if you’re brave enough! Plus, high-flying Falconry is back, the National Motor Museum’s sensational new gallery Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story is now open, and kids can unlock adventure in Little Beaulieu!
Horrible Histories brings the world of the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu, starting this May half-term! In partnership with Scholastic who publish the books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown, follow the cheeky rat from Horrible Histories, Rattus, on a trail across the attraction packed with delightfully disgusting details, discoveries, and plenty of interactive fun. If you think Victorian times were all fancy frocks, polite tea parties and perfectly proper behaviour, think again… this is the Vile Victorians like you’ve never seen them before. Behind the frills and finery lurked stomach-churning tales of foul food, murderous motors, and fashions so fearsome they could make even the bravest visitor faint!
As you discover motoring madness at the National Motor Museum, venture inside the transformed entrance hallway to explore a new gallery interpreting the development of motoring in the UK. Driven: Britain’s Motor Story has elements to surprise, engage and inspire, with fun interactive displays including the car jukebox and the smell of the city, spotlight loan vehicles, and rarely seen items from the Museum’s collections. It has areas that the whole family can enjoy, and it’s not one to miss this May half-term!
Beaulieu’s other stand-out attraction, Palace House, is steeped in Victorian history waiting to be discovered. With plenty of Horrible Histories tasks to get stuck into, including testing your servant skills, meeting the cook in the kitchen while discovering foul foods, and trying on fearsome fashion trends of the 1800s, there’s plenty to keep children engaged and entertained. You’ll also love exploring everything else this stately home has to offer, including the newly unveiled Circus Room, a further newly renovated bedroom added to the former private side.
The excitement continues as visitors can meet Lord Montagu’s Falconer, returning with impressive demonstrations of traditional falconry techniques. Hear about this time-honoured craft within the atmospheric Beaulieu Abbey Cloister at 1pm, before heading to the lawns of Palace House to watch his magnificent birds take flight at 3pm. Those keen to stay in the great outdoors can spend time exploring Beaulieu’s vibrant gardens, crammed with colourful seasonal flowers and sweet smelling roses.
Everyone’s favourite “fine-four-fendered friend” will also be on hand to take guests on phantasmagorical rides around the grounds. At weekends and on selected school holiday dates, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will whisk visitors away from the National Motor Museum down to Palace House, offering magical photo opportunities and memories to last a lifetime. *
Kids will love letting off steam in the Little Beaulieu adventure play area, where they can climb, explore and dive into imaginative play in a fun, hands-on outdoor space designed just for them. Just a short distance away, “We Had One of Those” brings a sense of nostalgia to May half-term at Beaulieu, giving families the chance to spot familiar favourites from years gone by and share stories across generations while being able to sit back inside the cars, making it as fun for grown-ups as it is for the children. Don’t forget, families can also hop aboard the Veteran Bus or take a ride on the Monorail for a unique way to see the attraction.
Beaulieu is for your next together day. May half-term activities are included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information and to book your tickets now.
* This experience is an additional charge and can be booked upon arrival to Beaulieu on a first-come first-served basis. It cannot not take place during wet weather conditions or on busy event days.