New Forest National Park is known for it free-roaming donkeys and horses.
Photograph by Richard Gardner, Alamy Photo
Roam the New Forest National Park, explore medieval abbey ruins or curl up with a fireside pint in this scenic Hampshire village.
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
The Cistercian monks who founded an abbey on this spot in the 13th century and named it Beau Lieu (‘beautiful place’) would be pleased to know that the village that grew up around it lives up to the name. Sitting on a bend of the Beaulieu River, on the southern edge of the New Forest, this is a place of gentle charms — not least thanks to the regular appearance of the wild donkeys and horses for which the region is known. The village consists largely of a single main street, with brick-and-timber cottages housing antique, homeware and produce stores.
What to do
Beaulieu is an excellent base for walks and cycles through the varied landscapes of the 219sq-mile New Forest National Park, made all the more attractive under a layer of winter frost. Closer to home, the Beaulieu Estate is within a 20-minute walk of the village. Among its attractions is the National Motor Museum, with exhibits including the Ford Anglia that featured in the Harry Potter films and the Bluebird Proteus CN7, which broke the land speed record in 1960. Also within the extensive grounds are an annually changing sculpture park (summer only); the Victorian stately pile of Palace House; and the remains of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey.
Where to eat
Local produce is at the heart of the two options at The Montagu Arms Hotel. Convivial, wood-panelled Monty’s Inn serves elevated pub food such as wild boar and apple sausages with mustard mash. The Terrace Restaurant, meanwhile, offers views over the garden and fine-dining dishes such as wild Hampshire partridge, and New Forest beetroot with goat’s cheese mousse.
Don’t miss
A two-mile stroll along Beaulieu River leads to the village of Buckler’s Hard, which originated as an 18th-century shipbuilding location. Its pretty terraces once housed the tradesmen who built prestigious seafaring vessels such as those used by Admiral Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar, and a museum traces the village’s maritime history. Call in for a fireside pint at the Master Builder’s House hotel before heading back.
We like
Beaulieu is well stocked with speciality food shops. Try Bellord & Brown for deli items such as local cheese and pies; Beaulieu Farm Shop for venison and Dexter beef; and the Beaulieu Chocolate Studio for all things cocoa-based.
This story was created with the support of Montagu Arms.
Published in the March 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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