Beaulieu

If you’re planning a trip to the New Forest and want somewhere truly special to base yourself, Beaulieu is a fantastic choice. This gorgeous riverside village is steeped in history, surrounded by open countryside, and packed with unique attractions — yet it still feels peaceful and unspoiled.

It’s smaller and quieter than Brockenhurst or Lyndhurst, but that’s part of its charm. Whether you’re wandering along the riverbank, exploring ancient abbey ruins, or enjoying the river by boat or kayak, Beaulieu is the kind of place that makes you slow down and enjoy the moment.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Beaulieu, including where to stay, what to do, great places to eat, and more.

A Little History On Beaulieu

Beaulieu’s story stretches back over 800 years. The village began with Beaulieu Abbey, founded in 1204 by King John for the Cistercian monks. It grew into a thriving monastic community, known for its peaceful setting and impressive buildings. After Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the abbey was largely dismantled, but many of the beautiful ruins you can still see today have survived from that time.

In the centuries that followed, Beaulieu became part of the Montagu family estate, a connection that still shapes the village today. The Montagu family transformed the old abbey gatehouse into Palace House, their family home, which you can visit on the National Motor Museum ticket. In the 1950s, Lord Montagu founded the National Motor Museum here — a tribute to his father, one of Britain’s early motoring pioneers.

Despite its grand history, Beaulieu has always remained a quiet, peaceful place. It even played a secret role during World War II, when parts of the estate were used to train SOE agents for undercover missions in occupied Europe. Today, Beaulieu perfectly blends its royal, monastic, and wartime past with timeless New Forest beauty.

Why Visit Beaulieu?

Beaulieu is a picture-perfect village set along the banks of the Beaulieu River, with charming old houses, cobbled lanes, and wild ponies and donkeys wandering through the streets. The name “Beaulieu” literally means “beautiful place” — and it lives up to its name.

It’s also packed with history. You can explore the incredible Beaulieu Abbey, visit the famous National Motor Museum, or hop on a boat and sail to the historic shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard. Plus, you’re surrounded by gorgeous countryside and trails for walking, cycling, or wildlife spotting.

If you want a peaceful, history-rich base with easy access to both the forest and the river, Beaulieu is the perfect choice.

How To Get To Beaulieu

Beaulieu is a little more tucked away than some New Forest villages, but still very accessible:

By car: Beaulieu is about a 2-hour drive from London. Take the M3 and M27 motorways, then follow signs through Lyndhurst and along the Beaulieu Road (B3056).

By train: The nearest train station is Beaulieu Road Station, a small rural stop about 3 miles away. (There’s no taxi rank, so you’ll need to pre-book a taxi or arrange pickup.) Many visitors arrive via Brockenhurst Station, which is larger and about 10 minutes away by taxi.

By bus: Local buses connect Beaulieu with Lymington, Brockenhurst, and Lyndhurst, but services can be quite limited, especially on weekends.

🌟 If you’re visiting without a car, Brockenhurst Station + a pre-booked taxi is the easiest way to get into Beaulieu.

Things To Do In Beaulieu

Despite its small size, Beaulieu is packed with fun things to see and do. Here are my top recommendations:

Visit The National Motor Museum
You don’t have to be a car fanatic to enjoy the National Motor Museum — it’s genuinely fascinating! The museum houses over 280 historic vehicles, from record-breaking race cars to classic old Minis and vintage motorcycles. There are interactive exhibits, a monorail that loops through the grounds, and beautiful gardens to explore too. I would allow about half a day to explore properly.

Explore Beaulieu Abbey
Founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks, the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey are really beautiful. You can wander around the ancient cloisters, visit the on-site museum to learn about monastic life, and even see the original monks’ herb garden.

Walk Along The Beaulieu River
One of my favourite things to do is simply stroll along the Beaulieu River. It’s peaceful, scenic, and you’ll often spot swans, herons, and other wildlife. You can walk all the way to Buckler’s Hard along the riverside trail — about a 2-mile stroll that’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Take A Boat Trip
For a different perspective on the landscape, hop on a boat trip from Buckler’s Hard. Cruises along the Beaulieu River offer stunning views of the marshes, woodlands, and creeks.

Go Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to see the Beaulieu River! You can either hire a kayak for independent exploration, or join a guided tour. New Forest Activities offer kayak hire and guided tours from Bailey’s Hard, and they cater to complete beginners as well as experienced paddlers.

Have A Picnic At Hatchet’s Pond
Hatchet’s Pond is one of my favourite little spots in the New Forest. It’s one of the largest bodies of water in the forest, and is a gorgeous, scenic spot to relax with a picnic and soak in the views. It’s about a mile outside of Beaulieu, so you can walk or cycle there easily if you don’t have a car. In fact, I would recommend you avoid bringing the car if you can, as the car park has limited spots.

Visit Buckler’s Hard
This historic shipbuilding village is now a scenic open-air museum. You can wander through 18th-century cottages, learn about the ships built for Nelson’s navy, and enjoy stunning river views. It’s a lovely combination of history and nature, and the riverside walk from Beaulieu makes getting there even better.

Visit Exbury Gardens
A short drive (or a longer scenic walk) from Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens is a stunning 200-acre garden famous for its vibrant rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias in spring. Even outside peak bloom season, the woodland walks, herbaceous gardens, and riverside views are absolutely beautiful. There’s also a cute little steam railway that loops through the gardens.

Take A Day Trip To Lepe Country Park
Lepe Country Park is a 15/20-minute drive from Beaulieu and offers a beautiful stretch of coastline along the Solent. You can walk along the beach, explore both inland and coastal trails, watch ships sail past, and even spot the Isle of Wight across the water on clear days. There’s a great cafe at the park for lunch, and Lepe also has fascinating WWII history if you’re into that — parts of the D-Day embarkation points are still visible.

Best Walks From Beaulieu

Beaulieu is a brilliant base for walkers, with forest, riverside, and coastal trails all within easy reach. Here are a few favourite routes:

Beaulieu To Buckler’s Hard (4 miles return)
A beautiful riverside walk between Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard. Flat, easy, and very scenic — perfect for all abilities. You can either walk both ways or stroll one way and catch a boat ride back in the warmer months. Once at Buckler’s Hard, you can explore the open air museum, relax by the waterfront, or have a coffee in the Captain Table’s Tea Rooms.

Where To Stay In Beaulieu

Accommodation in Beaulieu is quite limited compared to other New Forest towns, as it’s a small village. That being said, here are a few places to stay:

Hotel: The Montagu Arms
An absolutely stunning country house hotel right in the heart of Beaulieu. The rooms are elegant and classic, and there’s a real old-world charm throughout. The hotel’s restaurant, The Terrace, is Michelin-recommended and offers incredible seasonal dishes with produce from their own kitchen garden.

Bed & Breakfast: Leygreen Farmhouse B&B
Just a few minutes drive from Beaulieu, Leygreen Farmhouse is a beautiful, traditional B&B offering cozy rooms, hearty breakfasts, and easy access to both Beaulieu and the surrounding countryside. It’s a great choice if you want peaceful surroundings but still want to be close to everything.

Camping: Roundhill Campsite
If you’re happy to stay just a few miles outside Beaulieu, Roundhill Campsite offers a brilliant camping experience right in the middle of the forest. Expect wild ponies wandering through the site and miles of trails starting straight from your tent. Facilities are basic but clean, and the open spaces are beautiful.

Where To Eat & Drink In Beaulieu

Beaulieu might be small, but there are plenty of delicious places to eat and drink!

Pubs & Casual Dining

If you want a relaxed meal, Monty’s Inn (the more casual side of The Montagu Arms) is a fantastic choice. They serve excellent pub classics, great local ales, and seasonal specials.

Located right on the river, The Master Builder’s House offers pub meals with a view. Their outdoor terrace is gorgeous in summer, and their Sunday roasts are especially good.

I also really like The Turfcutters Arms. It’s is a charming, slightly rustic pub with a good atmosphere. It’s very popular with walkers and cyclists — and dogs are warmly welcomed too! Expect hearty pub food, a good range of ales, and live music nights if you time your visit right. The Turfcutters Arms is located just a 5-minute drive outside of Beaulieu, in the village East Boldre.

Cafes & Tearooms

The Beaulieu Bakehouse is one of my favourite cafes in the whole of the New Forest. It’s a lovely independent cafes serving homemade cakes, fresh sandwiches, and excellent coffee. It’s the perfect pitstop after a morning exploring the village or walking along the river.

Another fantastic option is Pallets Tea and Coffee House, a cozy little café tucked away in the heart of Beaulieu. They serve great coffee, loose-leaf teas, homemade cakes, and light lunches in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Their coffee cake is divine!

Fine Dining

For a really special meal, The Terrace is hard to beat. Think beautifully presented, seasonal dishes, much of it sourced from local farms and their own garden. Ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or just a well-deserved treat!

Beaulieu is one of the New Forest’s true gems — full of history, natural beauty, and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. I hope this guide helps you plan your visit, and that you fall just a little bit in love with Beaulieu like I have!

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