Victorian Christmas Celebrations At Beaulieu - 20th December 2014 – 4th January 2015

Giant Christmas Tree

Visit Beaulieu this Festive Season, between 20th December and 4th January 2015, for a glimpse of Christmas Past in a Victorian country house.

See one of the largest outdoor Christmas trees in the New Forest, adorned with seasonal decorations and follow the fairy light path to Palace House, the home of the Montagu family since 1538, which is a place of enchantment at this special time of year.  Children can follow the Christmas Cracker quiz trail and hear how festive traditions have developed over the ages before delving into a  ‘Box of Delights’ to dress up in period costume. In the Lower Drawing Room there will be carol singing and musical entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can talk to characters from Victorian times to discover what life was really like ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’ at Christmas time and warm themselves in front of the yule log in the hearth of the great fireplace while enjoying a glass of hot fruit punch. The splendid Victorian-style decorations around the house and the magnificent Christmas tree in the Upper Drawing Room will add to the flavour and charm of the season.

Palace House Staff at Christmas

In the National Motor Museum, the Victorian theme continues as visitors can see what driving was really like in those early days. Don’t miss ‘Wheels’, a pod-ride transporting you on a journey through one hundred years of motoring history.

In the World of Top Gear Enormodrome watch exclusive footage as the presenters take you behind the scenes in the Top Gear production zone, enjoy clips from some of the best Top Gear moments and see actual cars from some of the presenters’ most ambitious challenges.

To complete the day, take a ride on the high-level Monorail or hop on the Veteran London Bus to see the Beaulieu sights.

For shopping delights visit the Beaulieu gift shops which offer everything from soft toys and stocking fillers for children, to a wide selection of motor related items, traditional gifts and festive fare.  There is free parking and free entry to the extensive Gift Shop which is conveniently located in the Visitor Reception Hall.

The Beaulieu attraction is open from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. For further information visit: www.beaulieu.co.uk

Second New Forest Attraction Gets Top Marks From VisitEngland

Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum

A second New Forest attraction has been hailed as one of the nation’s best attractions. The Beaulieu attraction, home of Lord Montagu and the National Motor Museum, has been given top marks from VisitEngland which praised it for giving a full day's visit of educational as well as entertainment value offered in an attractive historic setting which is maintained to an exceptionally high standard.

The gold accolade was awarded to Beaulieu as a result of the most recent Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme audit in August. Its report concluded that Beaulieu is an outstanding visitor attraction with the many elements to its offering being individually interesting, fun and well presented; collectively adding up to a full and satisfying day out for visitors.

The range of content far exceeded expectation both in variety and sheer scale, from stately home to a Top Gear experience, from an enormous car and motorbike display to an exhibition on Beaulieu's secret role in the Second World War.

Commercial Director, Stephen Munn, said: “We are delighted to receive further affirmation of the quality of the Beaulieu attraction and its staff and the level of customer care shown to our visitors, maintaining the standard that saw the attraction being given the top award in the large Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the 2013 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

“It is a great accolade for the New Forest that two of its leading visitor attractions, Beaulieu and Paultons Park, have been awarded this premier standard, out of only ten so far awarded nationwide.”

Supercar Showdown - Bank Holiday Monday 25th August - National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

Supercar Showdown

Supercar Showdown

With just over a week to go, Beaulieu’s 2014 Supercar Showdown is gearing up for an action packed show on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August, when this popular event, now in its eighth year, will be welcoming the stallions of the supercar stable into the National Motor Museum’s picturesque parkland for a day of full-throttle motoring action.
Two hundred high-performance supercars are booked in for the event including a Lamborghini Aventador, Alfa Romeo 8C, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Jaguar XJ220 S, McLaren 12C and a Bugatti Veyron. A number of car clubs and dealerships will also be in attendance, including the Ford UK Heritage collection, with their Ford Supervan, Porsche Club GB, Westover Group, Morgan Motor Co. Meridien Group and the Aston Martin and Lamborghini Owners’ Clubs.

Watch as these incredible cars are put through their paces on the Demonstration Run, which revs into action twice during the day, at 12 noon and 2.30pm, to entertain the crowds. The Run is the most popular feature of the event, giving visitors a fantastic view of these stunning supercars thundering through the picturesque parklands surrounding the National Motor Museum. This year the cars will start underneath the iconic Dunlop Bridge, generously provided for the show by Dunlop UK.

Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite supercar in the People’s Choice Award. Following the second Demonstration Run in the afternoon, the top seven supercars will take part in a cavalcade through the grounds to Palace House for the presentation ceremony, with the winner and two runners-up each receiving a Beaulieu Trophy and pack of Autoglym car cleaning products.

Snap-happy visitors are invited to enter the Supercar Showdown photography competition for the chance to win a family ticket to Beaulieu’s Fireworks Spectacular on 1November. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/photo-competition for more information.

Supercar Showdown event tickets include entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, featuring the National Motor Museum with two exciting new displays, the newly updated World of Top Gear and On Screen Cars exhibitions, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens.

Advance tickets, available until the 24 August are £13 adult, £9 child and £37.50 for a family. Those visitors purchasing tickets on the day of the event will pay standard Beaulieu attraction admission rates.

The event opens to the public from 10am – make sure you get there early enough to find yourself a good viewing spot for the Demonstration Run!

For more information, visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or tweet @Beaulieu_Hants using #supercarshowdown

Simply Japanese - National Motor Museum

Simply Japanese

Simply Japanese

Beaulieu’s Simply Japanese rally, now in its third year, will be taking place on Sunday 3rd August in the picturesque parkland of the National Motor Museum.

Owners of all Japanese marque cars are welcome to drive their vehicles into the Beaulieu attraction to join the event and put their vehicles on display for other enthusiasts to admire. Both individual and club entries will be accepted - clubs already confirmed to attend include mx5driver.com, Nissan Sportz, Dorset Japanese Car Club, Juke Owners’ Club and Subaru Legacy Owners’ Club.

Throughout the day, Beaulieu’s visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite Japanese vehicle on display at the event, in the People’s Choice Awards. The owner of the vehicle that attracts the most votes will receive a Beaulieu Trophy in an afternoon presentation ceremony and lead a cavalcade of Japanese vehicles through the grounds.

Event admission includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, featuring the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens.

For entrants arriving in a Japanese vehicle and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, entry prices are adult £10 and child £5. Buy tickets on the day or in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk or on telephone number 01590 612888. For all trade stand enquiries, telephone 01590 614614. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu via the main Reception at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.

Entry into the parkland with your Japanese vehicle is from 9.30am – the event and attraction opens to the public at 10am.

For more information, visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or tweet @Beaulieu_Hants using #simplyjapanese.

Simply Land Rover - Sunday 10th August 2014

Display of Land Rovers

On Sunday 10 August, the second annual Simply Land Rover will be taking place in the grounds of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. This rally is open to all Land Rover vehicles, of all ages and models. Participants can display their vehicles in the attraction’s picturesque parkland, take part in the event activities and enjoy all the features of the attraction.

Forest Drive

Beaulieu has partnered with Land Rover Experience West Country, to give visitors the opportunity to try Beaulieu’s very own off-road Forest Drive for the day. Visitors can book a space to take their own Land Rover on the 45 minute course or book either a driver or passenger slot in a Land Rover Experience vehicle. The Forest Drive is a separately charged activity; for information including Forest Drive prices, times and T&Cs, please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk. There may be some slots available on the day, but to avoid disappointment it is advisable to book in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk.

Throughout the day Beaulieu’s visitors will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite vehicle on display in the People’s Choice Awards and the winning vehicle owner will receive a Beaulieu Trophy in an afternoon presentation ceremony.

For entrants arriving on the day in their Land Rover and participating in the event, individual ticket prices are £10 per adult and £5 per child. Tickets can be bought when you arrive on the day or in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk or by telephone on 01590 612888. For all enquiries regarding trade stands and club entry, call 01590 614614.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Land Rover is from 9.30am with refreshments available in the Brabazon Restaurant.

All other visitors who wish to see the event, but not participate in a Land Rover, should enter Beaulieu via the Main Reception from 10am at normal attraction admission prices.

Event tickets include entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens. Event tickets do not include admission to the Forest Drive, which is a separately charged activity.

For more information, please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #simplylandrover.

Austin 7 National Rally Attracts Entries from far and Wide - National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

The fifty-second National Rally of pre-war Austin 7 motor cars, organised by the 750 Motor Club, takes place at the home of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Hampshire on Sunday 6th July.

Austin 7 special-bodied ‘Camionette’

This year’s theme is ‘Commercial Austin 7s’ and some wonderful examples will join the hundreds of vehicles coming from far and wide to join the display. The 750 Motor Club has even heard from an owner in Spain who is bringing his commercial A7 to the rally!

Austins form the core of the event, but all tax-exempt historic vehicles of all makes are invited to attend and will have a designated parking area on the rally field. Following their highly successful attendance at the 2013 event, the Tacot Club Calaisen from France will be arriving en-masse with a fascinating collection of mainly-Gallic vehicles.

For anyone contemplating ownership of a pre-war motor car, the Austin 7 is an ideal starting point. Information and advice can be readily found, the 750 Motor Club offering a free ‘mentoring’ service to those who seek guidance. The Austin 7 is relatively inexpensive to acquire, attracts free historic vehicle road tax, does not require an annual MOT, is easy to maintain, and specialist insurers provide excellent value insurance policies. A thriving network of suppliers ensures that spare parts are always available at reasonable cost.

The National Austin 7 Rally is an ideal day out for all the family. Beaulieu is home to a wide variety of attractions and the rally entry ticket also gives access to historic Palace House and Gardens as well as the National Motor Museum with its two new displays, For Britain & For The Hell Of It, featuring iconic Land Speed Record Cars and The Motorcycle Story, taking you on a journey through motorcycling history.

The event is sponsored by Warranty Direct and RH Specialist Insurance. Full details and entry forms can be found on the website: http://www.750mc.co.uk/austin7.

Gates open at 10am.

Simply Porsche

Beaulieu - Simply Porsche Rally

Beaulieu - Simply Porsche Rally

Beaulieu - Simply Porsche Rally

On Sunday 22nd June, Beaulieu’s popular Simply Porsche rally, in association with the Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Club, will be welcoming Porsche owners to display their vehicles in the grounds of the National Motor Museum for the day.

This fantastic rally is open to all Porsche owners, with all ages and models of the marque eligible to join the display. This is a great opportunity to view hundreds of Porsches, meet other like-minded enthusiasts, browse a selection of trade stands and enjoy a great day out at the Beaulieu attraction.

See the museum’s stunning collection of over 250 vehicles and its two brand new displays. The Motorcycle Story takes you on a journey through motorcycling history, covering road safety, British youth culture of the 1950s and 60s and a wide range of racing disciplines. For Britain & For The Hell Of It is a fascinating multi-media display featuring the museum’s iconic Land Speed Record cars and a temporary exhibition of alternative Land Speed Record vehicles.

Check out the newly updated and redisplayed World of Top Gear with actual vehicles from the TV motoring show. The exhibition includes a scaled-down version of the Dunsfold Park track where fans can drive remote-control models of some of the most popular Top Gear challenge cars in the World of Top Gear Test Track Challenge and enjoy a ride in the Top Gear simulator.*

Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, visit Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538, and enjoy the peaceful serenity of 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, plus explore the grounds with a ride on the high-level monorail or open-topped veteran bus.

As with all Simply Rallies, visitors to Beaulieu on the day of the event will be invited to vote for their favourite vehicle in the People’s Choice Awards. The owner of the winning car will receive a Beaulieu Trophy in an afternoon presentation ceremony and will be given the opportunity to lead a cavalcade of Porsches through the attraction.

For entrants arriving in a Porsche and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, entry prices are adult £10 and child £5. Tickets are available to purchase on the day or you can buy advance tickets up until 5pm on the 20th June either by telephone on 01590 612888 or online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk. For all Porsche-related trade stand enquiries, telephone 01590 614614. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu via the Admissions Hall at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Porsche is from 9.30am with catering available.  The event opens to the public at 10am. Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens.

Simply Porsche is part of Beaulieu’s calendar of Simply events, which includes a wide variety of themes covering a range of makes and models.

For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #simplyporsche.

*A good value extra charge applies to both these activities.

An Evening With Richard Noble - Thursday 8th May 2014

On Thursday 8th May, Richard Noble, OBE, will be the guest speaker at an evening hosted by the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

Richard Noble

Richard Noble, OBE will be talking you through his own personal World Land Speed Record story. Starting with his experiences as a driver and his success in setting a World Land Speed Record of 633mph in Thrust II in 1983, he will continue with his experiences as Project Director, working with driver Wing Commander Andy Green, OBE, to achieve the record of 763mph in Thrust SSC.

Having covered his past and current records Richard will look to the future, taking you through his plans for Bloodhound SSC, again working with Andy Green on an international education initiative designed to inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists by designing and racing the ultimate 1,000mph jet and rocket powered car.

There will be an opportunity for guests to ask Richard questions in a Q&A session after his talk.

The evening, starting at 7.30pm, will be held in the Lecture Theatre of the National Motor Museum Collections’ Centre. A pay bar is available for the purchase of beers, wines and soft drinks.

Tickets at £15, which must be pre-booked, can be purchased online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk

-End-

Note to Editors

    Visitors to the Beaulieu attraction on Saturday 10th May will have a special opportunity to find out more about the Bloodhound SSC project, the next British contender for the Land Speed Record with a chance to see a full sized prototype of Bloodhound SSC, the car that, it is hoped, will hit 1,000mph with Andy Green at the controls. The Bloodhound project will be showcasing the excitement of the project and will offer the chance to drive at 1,000mph in the Bloodhound Driving Experience. Visitors can also see For Britain & For The Hell Of It with Beaulieu’s iconic Land Speed Record cars re-displayed and accompanied by archive footage to tell a story of British pluck, technological mastery and national pride.

The National Motor Museum Showcases Land Speed Record Breakers In A Stunning New Display

Four of the National Motor Museum’s iconic Land Speed Record cars, the 350hp and 1,000hp Sunbeams, Golden Arrow and Bluebird CN7, which reflect the success of British record-breakers between the 1920s and 1960s, feature in an inspiring new multi-media display For Britain & For The Hell Of It, opened yesterday (20th March) by Don Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell.

Bluebird CN7

In opening the display Mr Wales said: “The 116 year history of Land Speed Records has been dominated by the British. The record has been broken 57 times, 26 by a Briton and 8 by a Campbell. My uncle, Donald, broke the Land and Sea record in the same year – a unique double that has never been equalled. British Land Speed Record cars are an important part of our heritage and need to be on show for the public to see. It is also vital that the skills required to keep them going is kept alive.”

British drivers, engineers, mechanics and cars have broken the World Land Speed Record more times than any other nationality. Their story is brought to life in a moving audio-visual presentation, accompanied by items from the museum’s Collections, on public display for the first time. Exhibits include contemporary souvenirs and memorabilia, trophies and personal items belonging to the drivers. The display transports you back to a time of invention, courage and patriotism and also introduces you to those who are keeping Britain’s record breaking dream alive today.

In the 1920s, the 350hp Sunbeam – a new kind of car for a new era – was the first powered by an aero engine. Its drivers too, were men of the age – Kenelm Lee Guinness, who took the record in 1922, and Capt. Malcolm Campbell who, having remodelled the car several times, flew through the record twice, breaking the 150mph barrier in 1925 at Pendine Sands, Wales. In the dawn of a golden age of speed, the Brits had truly arrived.

Don Wales with 350hp Sunbeam

As the 1920s accelerated, so did the speed and the 1,000hp Sunbeam really made the Twenties roar. At the wheel, sandwiched between the front and rear engines, Major Henry Segrave cruised through 200mph at Daytona Beach, Florida - the first person ever to travel at that speed on land.

In 1929 the iconic blend of style and engineering in the Irving Napier Special, Golden Arrow, with its distinctive engine shape, paved the way for two decades of unbroken British success. At 231.446mph, with Segrave again in the driving seat, this arrow shattered its target.

In 1964, a new Campbell – Donald – son of Malcolm, set the record in Bluebird CN7. A first record attempt at Bonneville in 1960 met with disaster when Bluebird, caught by a gust of wind, veered off course and somersaulted. With Bluebird re-built and a tailfin added for stability, his last attempt on the record, at Lake Eyre, Australia, propelled a triumphant Campbell through the elusive 400 to claim the official wheel-driven record for Britain at 403.10mph.

An unofficial record of 407mph set by Craig Breedlove in a jet powered car the previous year was against International rules. However, Breedlove’s faster jet-car run had proved that the old rules would have to be rewritten. It was the end of a glorious era for the Campbells, Bluebird cars and for Britain.

1,000hp Sunbeam, Golden Arrow, 350hp Sunbeam

While, over succeeding decades, new records have continued to be set, a reviving interest in electric, steam and alternative fuel records has been growing. Accompanying the Land Speed Record display, the museum’s new exhibition of alternative Land Speed vehicles includes the nitromethane fuelled Commuter Dragster, the very first All American fuel Dragster to be built and run in Britain and the first to break the magic 200mph barrier over the standing start quarter mile. Also displayed are the Bluebird Electric, in which Don Wales set a new speed record for an electric car of 137.15mph at Pendine Sands in 2000 and the British Steam Car Inspiration – the fastest ‘kettle’ in the world – in which he achieved 139.843mph at Edwards Air Force base, California, in 2009.

Speaking on behalf of his father, Lord Montagu, the Hon Ralph Montagu said: “It is very fitting that we are opening the display this year as 2014 celebrates the 85th anniversary of Henry Segrave setting a new world Land Speed Record in Golden Arrow in 1929. And fifty years ago, in 1964, Donald Campbell achieved over 400mph in Bluebird CN7 at Lake Eyre.”

The Land Speed Record display and exhibition is now open and can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction, which includes the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and gardens.

Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/attractions/landspeed-story for more information or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #landspeed.

Hare off to Beaulieu for an Easter Egg-stravaganza

Hare off to Beaulieu for an Easter Egg-stravaganza

Easter bunny at Beaulieu

During the Easter holidays, 5th – 21st April, young visitors to Beaulieu can follow an egg-citing Trail and collect a sweet treat at the end. At Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538, youngsters can have an Easter-themed face painting, and all the family can play with fun Victorian toys and games. If you visit over the Easter weekend, you may even get to meet the Easter Bunny!

Take a look around the National Motor Museum’s stunning collection of over 250 vehicles, from world land speed record breakers to F1 racers, plus quirky motoring oddities including a Cadbury Crème Egg car. Journey through 100 years of motoring in the museum’s pod-ride ‘Wheels’ and visit Jack Tucker’s Garage, which recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a typical country garage from the 1930s.

Don’t miss one of the first opportunities to see the museum’s fascinating new display, For Britain & For The Hell Of It. Opening for the Easter holidays, it features Beaulieu’s iconic land speed record cars and tells the story of British pluck, technological mastery and national pride – alongside new vehicles with a more alternative land speed heritage. A moving audio-visual presentation transports you back to a golden age of invention, courage and patriotism and introduces you to those who are keeping the record breaking dream alive today.

There’s a lot more for all the family at Beaulieu this Easter; take a ride on the high-level Monorail or see the sights from the replica open-topped London Bus. Budding drivers can get behind the wheel on the Mini Car Driving Circuit and younger visitors can get physical on Dipstick’s Mini Motor Play Trail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars.

In World of Top Gear see actual vehicles created by presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for some of their most ambitious challenges on the TV show over the years.

Fans of the show will experience the Top Gear ‘Enormodrome’ which recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio.  As well as regular features from the programme including the Cool Wall and Celebrity ‘Lap Time’ boards, visitors can watch an exclusive video presentation from behind-the-scenes at the Top Gear HQ with Jeremy, Richard and James plus clips from the show featuring the cars on display.

Visit the Secret Army Exhibition, to learn about the training of special agents at Beaulieu during WWII, and stroll through the beautifully kept gardens, where in April a colourful mass of crocuses and daffodils that surround Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.  Over fifteen species of daffodils bloom at various times during the flowering season, ensuring a spectacular show lasting many weeks. 

Beaulieu is open from 10am every day so hop along to Beaulieu for some Easter fun.  For further information telephone 01590 612345 or visit: www.beaulieu.co.uk

#Beaulieu #Easter

'Hands On' Half Term 15th at Beaulieu - 23rd February 2014

Museum Entrance Hall

Scalextric In The Museum

Get ‘hands-on’ at Beaulieu this February Half Term, 15th– 23rd February, with lots of interactive fun for all the family to take part in!

In the National Motor Museum, there is a rare opportunity to handle and learn about historical motoring objects at special ‘drop-in’ sessions running between 10.30am and 4.30pm daily. Take an up-close look at early motoring clothing, photos and unusual motoring items.

See over 250 vehicles on display, from the earliest examples of motoring and family cars of the 30s and 40s through to classic cars of the 70s and 80s and rare motoring oddities such as a giant orange on wheels! Jack Tucker’s Garage recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a typical country garage from the 1930s while ‘Wheels’ - a space-age pod ride - is a fascinating voyage through 100 years of motoring.

Also in the museum, you can try your hand at racing your friends and family on the giant Scalextric track. See if you can get to the top of the Leader Board for your chance to win a fantastic prize!

In Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538, costumed guides will be talking to visitors in the Kitchen about what cooking in a Victorian country house was really like. You can also see fascinating exhibition, Royal Pageant, which explores the links between Beaulieu, its owners and royalty, going right back in time to before the foundation of Beaulieu Abbey in 1204.

In the Abbey, join the costumed Monk to discover what life was like for the monks that lived there in the 13th century and learn the secrets of medieval builders. Explore an exhibition on monastic life in the Abbey’s Domus and view historical objects from the time.

We are also offering a special Half Price Child Offer through February Half Term in exchange for your support of our world record-breaking attempt! On the 5th May 2014, we hope to smash the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous line of toy cars... but we need your help to collect the 10,000 toy cars required.
Each child who donates two or more toy cars to our record attempt when purchasing admission tickets, in person, on the day of their visit, will qualify for half price child admission. We will not be able to return toys to their owners – but will be auctioning them off on completion of our attempt, in support of a local charity. T&Cs apply, see the website for details.

Beaulieu is open from 10am – 5pm daily. For more information, please visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Goodbye Mr Bond.... Beaulieu's Bond In Motion exhibition comes to an end

The National Motor Museum’s acclaimed BOND IN MOTION exhibition was seen by over 800,000 visitors during its successful two year run which ended earlier this month. Bond fans came from all corners of the globe and the exhibition contributed to the Beaulieu attraction being recognised as the Large Attraction of the Year at the 2013 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

The exhibition, which celebrated fifty years of the enduring James Bond franchise, featured fifty of the most iconic vehicles from the Bond films and was the largest official collection of original James Bond film vehicles staged anywhere in the world.

Following the exhibition’s departure, the museum is moving on with its ambitious plans for a complete re-display of its collection. In the 50th  anniversary year of Donald Campbell’s Bluebird CN7 record, a new display, For Britain & For The Hell Of It, featuring Beaulieu’s iconic land speed record cars, tells the story of British pluck, technological mastery and national pride – alongside new vehicles with a more alternative land speed heritage.
A moving audio-visual presentation transports you back to a golden age of invention, courage and patriotism and introduces you to those who are keeping the record breaking dream alive today.

Another new display, The Motorcycle Story, immerses you in a journey through motorcycling history, the human quest for freedom and the desire to win. Machines are displayed in their historical and cultural context; tying technological developments to changing trends in fashion, style and sport.
Memorabilia including clothing and trophies won by sporting greats can be seen in displays which cover a wide range of racing disciplines, road safety and British youth culture of the 1950s and 60s.

Both new displays will be open for Easter 2014 and can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction.  For more information visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Bluebird Cn7’S Original Nose Panel Loaned To The National Motor Museum For New Land Speed Record Breakers Display

Original nose panel with the Bluebird CN7

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has become the proud custodian of the original front nose panel from Donald Campbell’s famous World Land Speed Record Breaker, the Bluebird CN7.
The Malcolm Campbell Heritage Trust has offered the item on loan to the museum following its donation to the Trust by Stadco Ltd Coventry, formerly Motor Panels Ltd – the original manufacturing company that worked on the CN7.

In a presentation in the museum, in front of the Bluebird CN7 itself, two nephews of Donald Campbell, Don Wales and Peter Hulme, handed the panel over to the Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum Trust (NMMT), Russell Bowman. Two representatives from Stadco, Paul Jaggers and Neil Holloway, were also present to witness the handover.

The panel, displaying the Union Jack and US flags alongside the Bluebird insignia, is the original nose panel from the Bluebird CN7, damaged during the world’s fastest ever survived car crash at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1960 in a land speed attempt prior to Donald Campbell’s 403.1mph record set in the car in 1964 at Lake Eyre, Australia.
Following the crash, the CN7 returned to Motor Panels for a redesign, including the addition of a tail fin to stabilise the vehicle at speed, and during the repairs the panel was removed and replaced. The old, damaged nose panel spent the next 50 years in various places on the Coventry site at Stadco before its recent donation to the Malcolm Campbell Heritage Trust.

Since receiving Stadco’s donation, the Malcolm Campbell Heritage Trust has loaned the panel to the National Motor Museum, which has housed the Bluebird CN7 since the late 1960s, for a brand new Land Speed Record Breakers display.

Don Wales, nephew of Donald Campbell, said: “We are very grateful to Stadco for returning this special panel to the family. It is an iconic piece of land speed motoring history and we are delighted to be able to loan it to Beaulieu for the new Land Speed Record Breakers display being unveiled next year.”

Expected to launch in Spring 2014, the museum’s new display will feature four iconic World Land Speed Record cars, including the Bluebird CN7, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Blue Bird 350hp, Major Henry Segrave’s Sunbeam 1000hp and Golden Arrow, accompanied by new high definition images and archive film footage.

The panel will join a number of other rare land speed artefacts that will be showcased alongside the record breakers themselves.

NMMT Chief Executive, Russell Bowman, said: “We are delighted that visitors to Beaulieu will be able to see the original panel alongside the car itself, helping us to illustrate the determination exhibited by Donald Campbell and his team to overcome major setbacks and achieve his 1964 record. We are very grateful to Stadco and the Campbell Family for this loan.”

Richard 'Jaws' Keil and Honor Blachman visit Bond In Motion at Beaulieu

Bond In Motion at Beaulieu until 5th January 2014

Honor Blackman in Goldfinger

Pussy Galore and her flying circus

Richard Kiel in The Spy Who Loved Me

Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December

On Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December, Richard Kiel and Honor Blackman will be visiting the BOND IN MOTION exhibition at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu between 10.30am and 4.00pm.
Richard Kiel played the formidable Bond villain Jaws, recognisable for his razor sharp steel teeth in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977) and MOONRAKER (1979).  Honor Blackman played Pussy Galore in GOLDFINGER (1964).

Visitors will be able to purchase Richard’s autobiography, Making It Big in the Movies. Both Richard and Honor will sign purchases and be available for photographs.

This opportunity is included in your general admission to Beaulieu, an all inclusive ticket covering the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, World of Top Gear, Palace House and gardens and Beaulieu Abbey. For information call 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

BOND IN MOTION
On display until the 5th January 2014, BOND IN MOTION is the world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles. Celebrating over 50 years of the franchise, the exhibition features 50 vehicles from the films.

To arrange an interview with Richard Kiel or Honor Blackman, please contact Jane Riddiford on 01329 822866, email jane.riddiford@polymedia.co.uk

Donation of the Percy Lambert Plaque: 14th October 2013

National Motor Museum

On a misty February morning at Brooklands in 1913, Percy Lambert achieved the long sought-after target of being the first man to drive 100 miles in one hour. In a streamlined Talbot belonging to the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot, Lambert broke the record by driving 103.76 miles within the hour. To commemorate the occasion, a brass plaque was placed on the wall of the Clubhouse where it remained until the track closed. Tragically, the same year, on the 31st October 1913, Lambert was fatally injured trying to improve on his own record and was pronounced dead on arrival at Weybridge Cottage Hospital.

Brooklands Museum

When the Clubhouse was being cleared out after World War II the plaque was discarded and rescued by the Brooklands racing motorcyclist, Charles Mortimer. Recognising its historic significance, he later donated it to The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The plaque was in turn loaned by the National Motor Museum Trust to the newly founded Brooklands Museum in the 1980s for inclusion in a display on Percy Lambert.

NMM Curatorial Officer Gail Stewart-Bye with John Pulford

Now, in the centenary year of not just Lambert’s great achievement, but of his death too, The National Motor Museum Trust has kindly donated the plaque to Brooklands Museum for permanent display, together with replicas of his silk racing jacket and cap.

John Pulford, Head of Collections & Interpretation at Brooklands Museum Trust Ltd said: “We are extremely grateful to the National Motor Museum for its generous donation of the Percy Lambert plaque and his replica silk racing jacket and cap.  In this the 100th anniversary year, not just of his I00 miles in one hour record, but of his death too, it is very appropriate that these items can be seen together in their original environment and stand as a fitting tribute to an outstanding Edwardian racing driver.”

Allan Winn and Andrea Bishop

Andrea Bishop, Director of Collections at the National Motor Museum, said: “In this 100th anniversary year is was important to tell Percy Lambert’s story. His original racing silks at the National Motor Museum required urgent conservation and replica sets were required for display at Beaulieu and Brooklands. I am very grateful to Arts Council England for its support in this endeavour, and also to Alfred Dunhill Ltd. We had loaned the Percy Lambert plaque to Brooklands for many years, and the centenary of his achievements provided an appropriate occasion to donate it, along with the display silks.”

New additions galore to sustainable Motoexpo programme (Event now postponed - see post above)

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September 2013 at National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

One of the largest and most varied sustainable and eco-friendly motoring events take place at the internationally renowned National Motor Museum, Beaulieu next month. The organisers are delighted to confirm a number of new additions to the already packed programme:

* The Rt Hon Vince Cable MP Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, will unveil the new Bluebird DC50 electric sports car and Bluebird GTL electric race car at 15:00 on Saturday 28 September.

* Kingston University Electric Bike Phoenix will be on display having recently achieved 160mph at Elvington Airfield, York (A non-official UK Land Speed Record). The team is aiming to break the 200mph barrier. Kingston University has been developing world class electric bikes since 2009, and are actively competing on a world stage at the Isle of Man TT. They hope to return to the TT in 2014.

* Surrey-based Team Green MotorSport will display its Peugeot ION that recently completed the World Advanced Vehicle Expedition, WAVE 2013. A rally where forty teams from all over the world drove from Vienna to Zürich, powered by renewable energy. The team collected first prize for Best Car Decoration and were awarded 3rd for the most efficient drive. The Peugeot ION hosts a 16 KWh Lithium-Ion battery (220 V) and comes equipped with rapid charge port, enabling the car to be fast charged in less than 20 minutes to 85%. The total weight is 1195 kg. The maximum power of the synchronous motor is 49 kW delivering a maximum torque of 180 Nm EU standard.  Green MotorSport visited many European cities en route, completing a total recorded distance over 2600 km powered only by electricity generated from renewable sources. The Moss Solar Trust supplied solar energy, and over 600 kW hours of energy were isolated for the journey making their efforts carbon zero.

* Taking to the circuit will be two Tesla Model S electric sedans, one of which will be driven to the event by Carl Nielsen, CEO of Clear Drive in Copenhagen, a company that is setting up a Tesla S Limo Service in Copenhagen. The Tesla Model S has been popping up in cities throughout the world as a viable replacement for traditional cabs, bringing another green transportation alternative to the public realm. The car can drive up to 265 miles on a single charge, and its supercharger can juice up the battery in just an hour, while the spacious interior can seat up to seven people, making it an attractive alternative to a traditional cab. There are three battery options – 40 kWh, 60 kWh and 85 kWh Model S, each delivering unprecedented range.  The Model S comes standard with everything you need to plug into the most common 240-volt outlet.

* Stephen Vine, from New Forest Environmental, which runs a fleet of Twizy two-seater electric cars, will be providing hour-long drive experiences. The New Forest is the country's first destination to offer a fleet of Twizy electric vehicles with a comprehensive charge point network as a fun and innovative way to explore the stunning scenery. The Twizy two-seaters offer a truly 'green' stay for visitors who can arrive at the main train station at Brockenhurst, hire a Twizy and make use of a network of 20 charge points at hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and attractions throughout the New Forest, and benefit from great money-saving discounts at all places.

* As well as live electric vehicle demonstrations and passenger rides on a 400m circuit, there will now be an electric kart trophy university challenge.

Together with live electric vehicle (EV) demonstrations, displays of the latest electric and hybrid cycles, cars and motorbikes plus a programme of debates in regards to UK Motor Sport in 2013 and Beyond.

Organised by Eco-Motorsport Ltd, Sustainable MotoExpo will include a strong presence from universities and colleges which focus on automotive and motor sport engineering showcasing their latest research and technology. For anyone thinking about pursuing a career in the automotive and/or motor sports industry, course leaders, career advisors and students will be on hand throughout the weekend to provide advice on the various options available.

Tickets:  
One-day admission price, valid on either day, if purchased in advance up to 5pm on Friday,  27th September, 2013:
Adult/Senior  £14.00,
Child/Youth   £9.00
Family           £40.00
Under 5's      FOC

Entry includes access into all of the Sustainable MotoExpo talks and seminars running over the weekend, plus entry to the National Motor Museum including the BOND IN MOTION exhibition, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.

Tickets are available from the following places:
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu online shop, visit: www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or Tel: 01590 612888

Or from Tickets South, please visit: at: www.ticketsouth.co.uk/MotoExpo or Tel: 023 8071 1818.

In person: The Ticket South shop in The Marlands Shopping Centre, Southampton

Eco-Motorsport Ltd
Eco-Motorsport Ltd is a joint venture between Cheltenham MotorSports Ltd and Concession Cirkitz International. The team has a track record in staging Sustainable MotoExpo events, combining the latest in low carbon, energy efficient race and road cars, motorbikes, bicycles and go karts and eco motorsport. Cheltenham MotorSports provides the academic, industry and Government eco-system and race series development, while Concession Cirkitz International contributes the design and engineering expertise of IAAP award winning go-karts. Sustainable MotoExpo 2013 is the next step on our journey to develop a future eco motorsports race series and share the latest in low carbon technology and sustainable transport.

Beaulieu
Beaulieu is one of the South of England’s top day visitor attractions and is set in the heart of the New Forest National Park. It is a guaranteed great family day out with lots for everyone to enjoy including the world famous National Motor Museum, home to a stunning collection of automobiles telling the history of motoringfrom the dawn of motoring to the present day, Palace House, home of the Montagu family, historic Beaulieu Abbey which was founded in 1204 by Cistercian Monks, BOND IN MOTION, the world’s largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles, World of Top Gear featuring vehicles from some of the presenters’ most ambitious challenges.

Sponsored by Next Green Car, the UK’s leading green car website providing independent and expert advice to help people find a more economical and environmentally friendly car.   With all the latest news and reviews, a comprehensive database of new and used cars and the unique Green Car Rating enabling comparison across technologies - Next Green Car is an essential destination for those researching a greener car. http://www.nextgreencar.com

More information: www.sustainable-motoexpo.com www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

Creative Fun At The National Motor Museum 6th – 29th August

This August, visitors to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, can take part in a host of fun and creative Summer Activities inspired by the museum’s outstanding collections.
Sponsored by The Caravan Club, the sessions will take place in the museum on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6th – 29th August, between 12:00 – 4:00pm.

There will be a range of activities on offer including construction, colouring, and crafting.  Families can take part in a Towcar Challenge to design, build and road test their very own car and caravan.

Come along and find out more about the wonderful Motoring Collections housed at Beaulieu while you enjoy creating your own artwork and vehicles.

The activities are included in the price of your entrance ticket to Beaulieu, adult £21, child (5-12) £10.50, youth (13-17) £12.50 or £55 for a family ticket (2 adults +3 children/youths or 1 adult + 4 children/youths).

No booking is required, just drop-in and join in the exciting sessions. Visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk for more details.

Simply Land Rover

On Sunday 11th August, join the droves of Land Rovers heading for Beaulieu to take part in Simply Land Rover. All Land Rovers, of any age or model, are welcome. Owners can display their vehicles in the parkland, take part in the event activities, and enjoy all the delights of the Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum’s exciting BOND IN MOTION exhibition, which showcases 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films as well as behind-the-scenes footage from some of the most thrilling vehicle stunt sequences.

Beaulieu has partnered with the Land Rover Experience, West Country, to give visitors to Simply Land Rover the opportunity to try Beaulieu’s very own off-road Forest Drive. Event participants can book a space at a cost of £25 per vehicle to take their own Land Rover on the 45 minute course, and can also enjoy a second drive after 3pm for a discounted rate of £15 per vehicle, when booked with the first drive.

Visitors who do not have a Land Rover, but would like to try the course, can book a slot in a Land Rover Experience vehicle. Land Rover Experience’s trained instructors can take you on the course for £40 to drive, or £10 for a passenger ride. Please note that to drive you must be aged over 25 and have both parts of your full UK driving license with you on the day.

The Forest Drive prices do not include the entrance fee to the event or Beaulieu attraction. The first group will leave at 10am with the final rotation leaving at 4.30pm. Terms and conditions apply. There may be some slots available on the day, but to avoid disappointment it is advisable to book in advance. Booking for the Forest Drive will be available soon at www.beaulieushop.co.uk

Throughout the day visitors will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite vehicle on display in the People’s Choice Awards. In the afternoon a cavalcade of the most popular vehicles will parade around the Beaulieu attraction, and the winning vehicle will receive a Beaulieu Trophy.

For entrants arriving on the day in their Land Rover and participating in the event, individual ticket prices are £10 per adult and £5 per child. Book advance tickets online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk or by telephone on 01590 612888, which you can also call for information on group/club entry. For all enquiries regarding trade stands, telephone 01590 614614.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Land Rover is from 9.30am with refreshments available in the Brabazon Restaurant.

All other visitors who wish to see the event, but not participate in a Land Rover should enter Beaulieu via the Main Reception from 10am at normal attraction admission prices.

Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction; the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens.

Simply Land Rover is part of a growing calendar of Simply rallies which has rapidly expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering many makes and models. All Simply rallies are run and organised by Beaulieu and take place in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. For more information please visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

Simply Porsche June 23rd 2013

People’s Choice Awards - Steve Burgess

Over 150 examples of the Porsche marque, spanning a range of models, headed to Beaulieu for the first Simply Porsche event, held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. An enthusiast’s delight, the fantastic display of these iconic cars with their distinctive styling, didn’t disappoint.

All major Porsche models were to be seen, both classic and new, with the 924 Owners Club and Porsche Club GB well represented by their members. Porsche Bournemouth showcased a selection of their new models and Canford Classics displayed a number of classics.  In the Display Marquee, the South Hants Model Auto Club put on a display of Porsche marque model cars.

A selection of the best vehicles was chosen to take part in a cavalcade around the parkland, showing off some of the finest examples of the marque.

Throughout the day, Beaulieu’s visitors had an opportunity to vote for their favourite Porsche vehicles in the People’s Choice Awards. The overall winner was Steve Burgess from Chippenham, Wiltshire in a Porsche 911 997 GT3 RS 4.0. This model is the last Special Edition 997, with just 600 manufactured and available in only two shades, black and white. Steve, a lifelong fan of the marque, has owned his Porsche for 12 months and is a member of Porsche Club GB with whom he has already attended a number of rallies and meets.

Simply Porsche is one of the latest additions to Beaulieu’s calendar of Simply events, which has expanded to include a wide variety of themes covering a range of makes and models.

Bike To Beaulieu For Motorcycle Ride-In Sunday 14th July 2013

Motorcycles arrive at Beaulieu

Motorcycle Ride-In

Trade Stand

On Sunday 14th July, biking enthusiasts from across the country will be revving up their engines and taking a trip into the beautiful New Forest to join Beaulieu’s fourth annual Motorcycle Ride-In Day.

If you’re a bike owner, ride your bike to Beaulieu and display it for the day in the attraction’s picturesque parkland, voted as one of Britain’s Top 10 Biking Destinations by users of www.keepbritainbiking.com. Meet other like-minded enthusiasts, view the stunning range of bikes on display and watch a thrilling acrobatic stunt show performed by a professional stunt team in the Beaulieu Arena.

You can also enjoy everything the Beaulieu attraction has to offer. See the National Motor Museum’s fantastic collection of over 250 vehicles, BOND IN MOTION – the world’s largest ever exhibition of original James Bond film vehicles, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the gardens.

Browse a number of trade stands selling accessories, clothing, parts and all the latest biking gadgets - there are sure to be some great biking bargains to get your motor running. There will also be refreshments available all day from the Brabazon Restaurant.

As always, visitors to Beaulieu will be asked to vote for their favourite bike in the People’s Choice Awards and in the afternoon, the winner will be presented with a coveted Beaulieu Trophy.

Motorcycle owners can be part of the display in the Beaulieu Arena at a great rider, bike & pillion advance ticket entry of only £6 per person. On the day ticket prices are £10 rider and bike, and £5 pillion. Advance tickets are available to purchase by telephone on 01590 612888 or online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk

All other visitors should enter via Visitor Reception at Beaulieu’s standard admission rates.

If you have motorcycle accessories to sell, why not take a stand? Uncovered stand prices start at £75. For more information telephone the Beaulieu Events team on 01590 614614 or email events@beaulieu.co.uk

Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu Attraction.

For further information, please visit www.beaulieumotorcyclerideinday.co.uk