Welcome to the Beaulieu Estate - home of the Montagu family since 1538 and also home to the world famous National Motor Museum. Palace House was first opened to the public in 1952 and Beaulieu has been welcoming groups for over 50 years. Open all year round it has much to offer groups of varied interests including motoring, stately homes, historic buildings and beautiful gardens.
Our themed tours for groups have always been very popular and several new tours are now available, with something for everyone, whatever their interest. Building on our award winning education programmes we now offer a number of 'lifelong learning' courses for adult groups on a wide variety of topics.
Click here to download our 2010 brochure.
To make an enquiry;
Use our group enquiry form.
Tel. 01590 614645
Email. groups@beaulieu.co.uk
Guided and Tailored Tours
The programme of tours on offer at Beaulieu has been tailored to the needs of group visitors bringing together over 50 years of experience in welcoming organised parties. Our expert guides share with you 800 years of history on the Beaulieu Estate and perhaps the finest collection of motoring heritage in Europe.
Choose from a wide range of tours covering the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. Why not take the Grand Tour encompassing Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and learn about life in Beaulieu Village with its medieval origins. Our tailored tours offer an extra element to your day at Beaulieu, depending on your area of interest; they are designed both to inform and to entertain!
Guided Tours |
Tailored Tours |
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The Grand Tour - 2 hours
An in-depth tour taking in the buildings and history of Beaulieu; the Abbey founded in 1204, Palace House the intimate family home of the Montagus', and learn about Beaulieu Village with its medieval origins. History, romance, fact, anecdote, rare artefacts and picturesque buildings combine to inform and enlighten those with a feeling for the romance of times past.
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Palace House Tour - 1 hour
Find out about life in the ancestral home of Lord Montagu and learn something of its history from its monastic origins to the present day. See exquisite paintings, 13th century furniture and stunning architecture on this unique tour.
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The Abbey Tour - 1 hour
Discover what life was like in the Cistercian order at Beaulieu Abbey as the monks and lay brothers went about their daily tasks. Discover why the Abbey came to be built in the New Forest, how it was built and its importance to the local community for providing food, clothing and sanctuary.
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Motoring Tour - 1 hour
The ultimate tour for people with an interest in motoring and also for those interested in the national heritage of Britain. Learn about the early motoring pioneers and the introduction of mass produced cars through to land speed record breakers, F1 and Le Mans racers.
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The Vineyard Tour (Seasonal, Apr - Oct) - 1 hour
Grapes have been grown at Beaulieu since mediaeval times and today white and sparkling white wine are produced from grapes grown on the Estate. The tour gives informative insights into the history of vine culture at Beaulieu including a tour of the vineyard and finishing with a tasting.
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Covert Operations - 1.5 hours
Learn about the Secret Operations Executive (SOE) which trained secret agents at Beaulieu during WWII. Discover the role of the 'agents', gain an insight into the sabotage and subversion methods taught and the missions launched from 'The Beaulieu Finishing School'.
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The History of Motoring - 1.5 hours
The invention of the internal combustion engine changed our world. This tour follows the development of the car from the dawn of motoring to the present day or can also focus on periods of your choice.
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The Shell Art Collection - 1 hour
Learn about the Shell Art Collection, one of the most extraordinary collections of commercial art in Britain. The collection spans the period from the 1920s to the 1960s and includes posters, wallcharts, humorous press advertisements and postcards produced by some of Britain's finest artists.
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Christmas- Palace House Soiree - 1 hour
Bring seasonal cheer to a midweek pre-Christmas group visit, full of yuletide celebration and entertainment. Palace House has an especially warm and convivial 'country house' atmosphere at this time of year. On arrival, warm yourself in front of the yule log in the hearth of the great fireplace whilst enjoying a glass of hot fruit punch. Then, join in carol singing around the grand piano in the Lower Drawing Room.
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Group Admission Charge
Tours cost £25 per group, up to a maximum of 20 people or part thereof. The Grand Tour costs £35 per group, up to a maximum of 20 people
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Adult |
Youth |
Child |
Senior Citizens |
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£11.20 |
£7.65 |
£6.65 |
£10.40 |
These rates apply to groups of at least 15 persons.
Child rates apply to children aged 5 - 12 inclusive.
Youth rates apply to children aged 13 - 17 inclusive.
Excursions, 2011
We will be exhibiting at Excursions 2011 on Saturday 15th January 2011 at Alexandra Palace, London. This is the premier one day Group Travel Exhibition in the South of England providing group organisers the opportunity to pick up new exciting ideas for their itineraries. Please visit us on our stand and find out the latest news and offers for groups visiting Beaulieu in 2011. Admission is FREE: For more information about Excursions, visit www.excursions.org.uk.
