Beaulieu Boat Jumble - Sunday 26th April 2015

As spring approaches and the days get longer, sailors start to prepare their boats for the season ahead. Beaulieu’s annual Boatjumble, arriving at just the right time of year on Sunday 26th April, isn’t just the largest outdoor sale of boating items in Europe, but also an enjoyable day out for the whole family.

Beaulieu Boat Mart

You will be spoilt for choice by the hundreds of stands, offering everything you might need to stay afloat for another year, from anchors, chains, rope and fenders, to outboard engines, sails and clothing. Browse, barter, do a deal and enjoy the day.
Visit Boatmall for the very latest products on offer from leading manufacturers, covering every aspect of boating, with deck shoes, dinghies, engine spares and even trailerable yachts on offer. If you’re in the market for a new boat, make sure you see the selection on sale in Boatmart, while Trunk Traders will be the place to find a bargain, with amateur jumblers selling off their surplus nautical paraphernalia.
For hands-on activities for children and adults alike, head over to the Display Arena. Clamber up the climbing wall provided by Calshot Activity Centre, and if you’re feeling fit, have a go on the Centre’s kayak training machine. The Maritime Archaeology Trust will be returning with their popular surf simulator and Maritime bus, while younger visitors will love the nautical themed slides and rides in the Children’s Entertainment Zone.
Boatjumble media sponsor, Practical Boat Owner, will be bringing their popular Ask the Experts feature to life, with practical demonstrations from leading marine experts. Relating essential know-how and answering your nautical questions, they will cover a range of popular how-to topics, including basic fibreglass skills, radar operation, knots and splices for rigging, life jacket checks, diesel engine maintenance and more besides. The magazine’s own restoration project yacht, a Snapdragon 23 named Hantu Biru, will also be on display for visitors to see up-close.
The International Boatbuilding Training College will be on hand to explain their training programme of traditional boatbuilding skills, while a selection of classic racing boats, belonging to members of the Classic Motor Boat Association, will be on display, along with a marine photography exhibition from the Beaulieu Camera Group.
The Marine Police unit will be teaming up with explosive experts Ramora UK to offer a Flare Disposal Service; simply bring along your unwanted flares for the explosive ordnance disposal team.
The all-inclusive admission tickets cost £9.70 for adults and £7.50 for children on-the-day, and allow entry not only to the Boatjumble, but the whole of the Beaulieu attraction. See the astonishing collection of vehicles in the National Motor Museum and enjoy On Screen Cars, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House.
Advance tickets are available to purchase for the even lower price of £8.70 for adults and £6.50 for children, available up to 19th April by phoning 01590 612888 or booking online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk.
For traders, stand prices start at £55 for a single space, but with multi-stand reductions for 2015, you can upgrade to a double-size space stand for just another £35. Boatmart spaces are £30, while Trunk Traders pitches are £35. To book a Stand, Trunk Trader or Boatmart space call the Events Department on 01590 614614 or email events@beaulieu.co.uk.
Boatmall and Boatmart are open to visitors at 9am and Boatjumble at 10am, with the show closing at 5pm. A free shuttle bus service will be running between Lymington Ferry Terminal, Brockenhurst Station and Buckler’s Hard, from 8am and 6pm.

Elvis’s Cadillac Is In The Building! - Beaulieu National Motor Museum

Elvis's Cadillac

Lady Montagu with Cadillac Seville

The latest exhibit to go on display in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is the 1977 Cadillac Seville purchased and driven by the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley. The Cadillac was purchased by Elvis in October 1976 for his own use and he chose the burgundy and silver colour scheme himself. The car is in original condition and still has the CB radio installed that Elvis used to communicate with the kitchen at Graceland and to the guard house outside Graceland, to open the gates.

One of the first people to see the car at Beaulieu was Lady Fiona Montagu, wife of the museum’s founder, Lord Montagu. Lady Montagu has been a life-long fan of the King and posed for a picture beside the car in her own version of Elvis’s famous Las Vegas white jumpsuit. Lady Montagu said: “I am a huge fan and had the costume made to wear at an Elvis themed fund raising evening we held in the museum last year in support of our Beaulieu education charity, the Countryside Education Trust.”

The Cadillac Seville V8 Automatic was manufactured by General Motors and the body custom built by Fisher for Cadillac. Its features include electronic windows and mirrors and a grey interior with wood grain accents on the dashboard, doors and steering wheel.

Previously auctioned in Las Vegas in 1994 and sold for $101,500 to a private collector, it again came up for sale in August when Graceland held its first ever auction. The auction coincided with Elvis Week at Graceland, which commemorates the legend's death on August 16th, 1977. All the items in the auction were offered from third-party collectors. Among the items were rare and unique artefacts from the collection of Greg Page, founding member of Australian children’s music group, The Wiggles, and one of the world’s biggest and most well-known Elvis Presley collectors. Page’s items included Elvis’s 1977 Cadillac Seville.

The car was purchased at the auction for $81,250 by Steve Horn as a present for his wife Suzannah. Steve and Suzannah who are great Elvis fans, run Europe’s Tribute to Elvis, an annual Europe tribute artist contest held in Blackpool with the winner taking part in the contest finals in Memphis. Explaining their decision to offer the car for display at Beaulieu, Steve said: “We wanted to give all of Elvis’s UK fans an opportunity to see his car and Beaulieu is the perfect location. We are delighted they could find a space for it.”

Other highlights of the Graceland auction included Presley's first-known signature – on a Tupelo, Mississippi, school library card – a handwritten set list from 1969 and jewellery, like the beloved lion's head pendant he wore while meeting President Richard Nixon.

The Cadillac was the last car Elvis purchased for his personal use and it was driven by him on the day prior to his death. It is believed that Elvis purchased more than 200 Cadillacs in his life; for himself, friends, family and even strangers. After his death it was gifted by his father, Vernon, to Elvis’s girlfriend, Ginger Alden.

The car is now on display in the National Motor Museum and can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction, www.beaulieu.co.uk.

Wallace And Gromit Anti-Pesto Van Is The Latest Star To Join Beaulieu’s On Screen Cars Exhibition

Wallace & Gromit Anti-Pesto Van,
Beaulieu's On Screen Cars

The Wallace and Gromit Anti-Pesto Van is the latest exhibit to arrive in Beaulieu’s On Screen Cars display. A plasticine version of this Austin A35 van was created for the film Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Nick Park, creator of the Wallace and Gromit animations, used to own an A35 and thought it was the ideal model to use in the film because “the van needed to be big enough to transport Wallace’s invention, the Bunvac 2000, while slick enough to go on high-speed chases.”

In the film, Tottington Hall’s Giant Vegetable Competition is fast approaching and Wallace and Gromit are running a vegetable security and humane pest control business, Anti-Pesto. In order to cope with the increasing amount of captured rabbits Wallace invents a brainwashing machine, but a mistake during the operation creates a ‘Were-Rabbit’, a giant rabbit which eats vegetables of any size. It’s down to Wallace and Gromit to capture the rampaging beast before the competition!

The Anti-Pesto Van, which has been loaned to Beaulieu following a call-out for new vehicles for the exhibition, joins a host of other star vehicles.

The ‘flying’ Ford Anglia on display was used during the making of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In the film, the enchanted flying car is stolen a number of times by Ron Weasley, on one occasion to rescue his friend Harry Potter from the Dursleys’ house, and on another to return to Hogwarts after the gate to Platform 9¾ is sealed by house elf Dobby.

Sharing the spotlight with the Anglia is TV favourite, Mr Bean’s lime green mini. This particular car was used in the character's third series and made its first television appearance on 1st January 1991.

Another TV favourite on display is Del Boy’s beloved Trotter Van. Possibly the nation's most famous three-wheel vehicle, this Regal van featured in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses. It was the sole transport for the Trotter family of Del, Rodney, Grandad and Uncle Albert, until Del Boy later went ‘upmarket’ and purchased a Capri Ghia.

On Screen Cars can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction, which also includes the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House and gardens. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for further information.

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.”

Caravans And Charabancs – Leisure Motoring After The First World War – Saturday 15 November 2014

A 1922 Piggott caravan with an Armstrong Siddeley

Day trippers on board a charabanc on Southsea promenade

On Saturday 15th November, transport historian and member of the National Motor Museum Trust’s Advisory Council, Richard Peskett, and Curator of The Caravan Club Collection, Angela Willis, will host a special evening exploring the growth in leisure motoring after the First World War.

The evening will form part of the NMMT’s Heritage Lottery Funded project Caravans & Charabancs – Leisure Motoring after the First World War. Using a wealth of material from the NMMT and Caravan Club Collections, Caravans and Charabancs will explore how social and technological developments before and during the First World War, coupled with a post-war influx of surplus materials, led to a boom in leisure motoring in the decades after the conflict. Richard and Angela will tell the fascinating stories behind many previously unseen photographs, which chart the increasing demand in charabanc outings and caravan holidays amongst the British war-weary.

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, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Before, the Museum will open from 6.00pm for a private viewing at no extra charge.

Tickets are £10 (with all profits going to the National Motor Museum Trust) and are available by contacting Theresa Browning on 01590 614792, email: friends@beaulieu.co.uk

Simply Classics and Sports Car - Sunday 24th August - Beaulieu

Beaulieu Simply Classics & Sports Car

Beaulieu Simply Classics & Sports Car

Sunday 24th August 2014

Beaulieu’s popular Simply Classics event, now in its fourth year, has rebranded to Simply Classics & Sports Car for 2014, as the rally has now expanded to include sports cars. Taking place on Sunday 24th August, this event is open to all owners of pre-1989 classic vehicles and sports cars of all ages, with participants invited to drive their vehicle to Beaulieu and display it in the beautiful parkland surrounding the National Motor Museum.
This event provides classic and sports car owners with the perfect opportunity to take a drive through the picturesque New Forest and join the display, meet other like-minded enthusiasts and enjoy a day out at the Beaulieu attraction.

British sports car manufacturer, MG, is this year celebrating its 90th anniversary and will be the featured marque at Simply Classics & Sports Car. In a special display area at the event, MGs of all ages will be on show from early VAs and TAs to the ever popular MGB and Midget, as well as modern classics such as the MGF and MG TF, plus the current MG3 and MG6 models, with displays from regional MG clubs and individual owners as well as a number of trade stands.

During the afternoon there will be a parade of some of the best examples of the MG marque. Beaulieu’s visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite MG, as well as their favourite overall vehicle on display, in the People’s Choice Awards. In an afternoon presentation ceremony, the owners of the winning vehicles for both the People’s Choice and the People’s Choice MG awards will each be presented with a Beaulieu Trophy.

For those participating in the event with a sports car or pre-1989 classic, ticket prices are Adult £10 and Child £5. Event tickets include entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, featuring the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens.

Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk or on telephone line 01590 612888.

All other visitors to the event should enter via the Main Entrance Hall at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your sports car or pre-1989 classic is from 9.30am when catering will be available. The event opens to the public at 10am.

Visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk for more information or telephone 01590 612345.

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 Vauxhall - Sunday 27th July - Beaulieu

Simply Vauxhall

Simply Vauxhall

On Sunday 27th July, the Beaulieu visitor attraction will be holding its second annual Simply Vauxhall rally in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. Open to all Vauxhalls, no matter what age or model, owners can drive their vehicles to Beaulieu and join the display of Vauxhalls in the attraction’s picturesque parkland, all for a great price of £10 per adult and £5 per child.

The event is a great opportunity to meet other like-minded enthusiasts and enjoy a great day out at the Beaulieu attraction, which features the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens.

Several car clubs have already confirmed their attendance at the rally, including the VXR Owners’ Club, Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 Owners’ Club and Vauxhall Drivers’ Club.

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 lead a cavalcade of Vauxhalls through the attraction grounds.

For entrants arriving in a Vauxhall and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, entry prices are adult £10 and child £5. Buy on the day or book in advance at www.beaulieushop.co.uk or on ticket hotline 01590 612888. Event tickets include entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction. Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Vauxhall is from 9.30am. For all trade stand enquiries, telephone 01590 614614.

The event opens to the public at 10am. All those visiting Beaulieu on the 27 July, but not participating in the event with a Vauxhall should enter Beaulieu via the Main Entrance Hall, paying standard Beaulieu attraction admission rates.

Simply Vauxhall is part of Beaulieu’s popular Simply Rallies series, which covers a wide range of makes and models.

For further information visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #simplyvauxhall.

Creative Fun at the National Motor Museum

Summer Workshop

Summer Workshop

This August, visitors to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, can take part in a range of fun and creative summer activities inspired by the museum’s First World War commemorative project, Caravans & Charabancs – Leisure Motoring after the First World War.

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and sponsored by the Shell Art Collection, The Caravan Club and Meccano, the sessions will take place in the museum on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 – 28 August, 12.00 – 4.00pm.

Young visitors will discover the impact of this devastating conflict and how it changed the face of leisure motoring in the next decade. Activities include building model charabancs - an early form of motor coach - and caravans from recycled materials and Meccano. Participants will follow in the footsteps of post-war manufacturers who built vehicles and trailers from unwanted parts left over from the battlefield. Families can also explore the Shell Art Collection’s ‘Visit Britain’ series of artworks, designing their own poster collages featuring popular day trip destinations of post First World War Britain.

The activities are included in the price of an entrance ticket to Beaulieu, adult £21, senior £19.50, child (5-12) £10.50 and 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.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/Summer_Activities for more details.

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.

Surrey Sculptures On Show at Beaulieu

Bluebells - Joanna Lloyd

At a special Preview evening held in the gardens of Palace House the Hon. Ralph Montagu, welcomed members of the Surrey Sculpture Society to Beaulieu where, until the 20th August, the attraction is playing host to the Society’s latest exhibition of stunning artwork.  Over 70 pieces, ranging from small to large scale works, are on display in the Montagu family home, Palace House, as well as the historic setting of 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and surrounding grounds and gardens.

Mr Montagu said: “This is the fifth year that we have hosted this popular exhibition by the Surrey Sculpture Society and we are delighted to welcome them back. There is again an excellent selection of work to discover and it is a wonderful way to bringing another element of interest for visitors to Beaulieu during the summer months. There were a high number of sales last year and I hope we can match that again this year.”

In response Sue Cundell, Chairman of the Surrey Sculpture Society, said:  The Society began with just fourteen members, twenty years ago, and now numbers over 350 members, from highly talented amateurs to professionals, working in all mediums. We are delighted to be exhibiting in this lovely venue again, Beaulieu’s beautiful gardens and house provide the perfect setting to showcase our artists’ work.”

Past Present - Eric Duggan

All the pieces in the exhibition are for sale. There is something for everyone to enjoy, in a picturesque setting where browsers as well as buyers are equally welcome.

The exhibition can be seen as part of a visit to the Beaulieu attraction which is open from 10am every day.  For further information telephone 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk

For more information on the Surrey Sculpture Society visit www.surreysculpture.org.uk

Simply Alfa Romeo - Sunday 29th June 2014 at Beaulieu

Alpha Romeo

On Sunday 29 June, Beaulieu will be holding its second ever Simply Alfa Romeo rally, welcoming vehicles from one of the most stylish motoring marques into the grounds of the National Motor Museum to create a stunning display for visitors to admire.

If you own an Alfa, this event gives you the opportunity to drive your vehicle through the beautiful New Forest to Beaulieu and join the display of Alfa Romeos in the picturesque Beaulieu parkland. The rally is open to all ages and models of Alfa, from the classic HP and 6C models of the early 1900s to the modern 4C, Giulietta and MiTo models cruising on the roads today. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet other like-minded enthusiasts and enjoy all the features of the Beaulieu attraction.

See the National Motor Museum’s stunning collection of over 250 vehicles, and don’t miss the two fascinating new displays which have recently opened. For Britain & For The Hell Of It features four iconic Land Speed Record breakers and a moving multimedia presentation on British Land Speed Record achievements, alongside a temporary exhibition of vehicles with a more alternative Land Speed Record heritage. The Motorcycle Story tells the history of two-wheeled transport, with displays of bikes and memorabilia covering a range of racing disciplines, road safety and British youth culture of the 1950s and 60s.

Enter the refreshed and updated World of Top Gear to see genuine vehicles created by presenters Jeremy, Richard and James in their challenges on the BBC television show and pay a visit to On Screen Cars, showcasing star cars from the world of TV and film.

Stroll through the beautifully-kept gardens to Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538, visit 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and explore the grounds on the high-level Monorail or by hopping onboard the open-topped veteran London 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 Alfa Romeos through the attraction.

For entrants arriving in an Alfa Romeo and joining the event on the Beaulieu parkland, entry prices are adult £10 and child £5. Please telephone 01590 612888 or visit www.beaulieushop.co.uk to book advance tickets. For all trade stand enquiries, telephone 01590 614614. All other visitors should enter Beaulieu via the main Reception at normal Beaulieu attraction admission prices.

Alpha Romeo

Entry into the Beaulieu parkland with your Alfa Romeo is from 9.30am with catering available. The event is open to the public from 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 Alfa Romeo is part of Beaulieu’s range of Simply rallies which includes a wide variety of themes covering many makes and models. For more information visit www.beaulieuevents.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #simplyalfa.

Bike to Beaulieu for Motorcycle Ride-in day - Sunday 13th July 2014

Bikes on the Arena

Joining the display at the Motorcycle Ride-In Day

Bikers everywhere will be kick-starting their engines on Sunday 13th July and heading for the fifth annual Motorcycle Ride-In Day at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

Jump on your bike and take a trip through the stunning New Forest to Beaulieu. Display your bike in the attraction’s picturesque parkland, meet other like-minded enthusiasts, and enjoy the Beaulieu attraction, all for a fantastic on-the-day price of £10 rider and bike, £15 with pillion, less if purchased in advance.

Watch amazing tricks and stunts in performances from 3 times British Trials Champion, Steve Colley, as well as the incredible Solent Eagles, children’s motorcycle display team.

Don’t miss the National Motor Museum’s new permanent display, The Motorcycle Story, a journey through motorcycling history with machines displayed in their historical and cultural context, from some of the earliest examples of motorcycles to the latest racing machines. The display is accompanied by artefacts including clothing worn and trophies won by sporting greats in displays which cover varied racing disciplines as well as road safety, British ‘Mods and Rockers’ youth culture of the 1950s and 60s and the Ace Café scene.

Check out the display’s Motorcycling Icons Wall of Fame, a gallery featuring the top twenty riders, as voted for by the public in a recent poll. Has someone been missed, is your favourite there? If not - make sure you vote for the person you would like to see on the wall.

Browse a number of trade stands selling accessories, clothing, parts and all the latest biking gadgets. There will also be refreshments available all day from the Brabazon Restaurant and various catering units in the parkland.

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.

Advance participant tickets are available to purchase at £6 per rider and bike, £12 with pillion, by telephone: 01590 612888 or online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk

Event spectators should enter via the Main Entrance Hall at Beaulieu’s standard attraction admission rates.

Admission to the event includes entry to the whole Beaulieu Attraction. For further information, please visit www.beaulieumotorcyclerideinday.co.uk

Celebrate Father's Day at the Custom and Hot Rod Festival

Custom Bikes at Beaulieu

Custom Car

1961 Allard Dragster

There is less than two weeks to go until Father’s Day, so if you are still looking for an exciting way to celebrate with Dad, why not treat him to a fantastic family day out at Beaulieu’s Custom & Hot Rod Festival on Sunday 15 June. This popular event, in association with Victory Wheelers, the South Coast’s leading Custom, American and Hot Rod club, features colourful displays with hundreds of custom cars and motorcycles, live music and entertainment, as well as all the features of the Beaulieu attraction.

Anyone owning a Hot Rod, Custom or Classic American car or motorcycle can drive to Beaulieu and display their vehicle alongside hundreds of others in the beautiful grounds of the National Motor Museum.

Take advantage of the advance discount rates for both visitor and participant tickets, available until 5pm on Saturday 14 June at www.beaulieushop.co.uk

Back by popular demand, rockabilly band, Ace Trio, will be returning to the Festival to entertain visitors with live sets on the Beaulieu Arena throughout the afternoon and the much-loved Mariachi Band will be serenading visitors as they stroll around the parkland. Singing duo, The Diamonds, will also be belting out swing and rock’n’roll numbers in various pop-up locations.

Admire some of the quirky and unusual artwork that can only be found on the colourful custom scene, enjoy free rides on the fairground dodgems* and browse trade stands selling clothing, Americana memorabilia, merchandise and accessories.

In another exciting feature, the Ratcatcher Resurrection slingshot dragster and the National Motor Museum’s 1961 Allard Chrysler dragster will be on display at the Festival and will be firing up twice during the day to demonstrate their engine power. The Allard, Europe’s first dragster, was the focus of a five year restoration project by the Allard Chrysler Action Group (ACAG). In celebration of the project’s completion, ACAG officially handed back the dragster to the museum at last year’s Festival.

Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite vehicle in the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Willydog Hotdogs, with the winner receiving a special trophy in an afternoon prize-giving ceremony. Prizes will also be awarded in four other categories – Best Custom, Best American, Best Hot Rod and Best Bike – and Victory Wheelers will be presenting their ‘Big Al’ award to one of their members.

Beaulieu is also offering Festival-goers the chance to win a prize in a special Custom & Hot Rod Festival photography competition. To enter, email your favourite photograph from the Festival to photo@beaulieu.co.uk by the 17 June. A shortlist of photos will then be added to the Beaulieu Facebook page and the owner of the photo with the most ‘likes’ by midday on 25 June will win a family ticket to the Beaulieu Fireworks event on 1 November 2014. For full terms and conditions, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/photo-competition

Admission to the Festival includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, which features the National Motor Museum with two new displays for 2014 – For Britain & For The Hell Of It and The Motorcycle Story, the updated World of Top Gear exhibition, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House, grounds and gardens, plus unlimited rides on the high-level monorail and open-topped veteran London bus.

The show opens to the public on Sunday from 10am, with entry at 8am for those participating in the event with custom vehicles.

All-inclusive advance event admission tickets (for both visitors and participants) are available to buy at an advance discount rate until 5pm on 14 June, online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk or on Ticket Hotline 01590 612888.

On the day ticket prices for participants with Custom vehicles are £10 per adult and £5 per child**. On the day ticket prices for visitors are priced at normal on the day Beaulieu attraction admission rates.

Whether you are bringing a custom car or not, you are welcome to join Beaulieu for the whole weekend, to enjoy camping on the Friday and Saturday nights, live music and entertainment. Those with custom cars can also enjoy the Saturday Cruise Out. Weekend tickets can be booked at an advance discount rate online by submitting a booking form, available to download from www.beaulieucustomfestival.co.uk, by the 12 June.

For more information about the Custom and Hot Rod Festival, visit www.beaulieucustomfestival.co.uk or join the conversation with @Beaulieu_Hants on Twitter using #customfestival

Bluebird Cn7 50th Anniversary Celebration Evening On Saturday 19 July

Donald Campbell with Bluebird Lake Eyre 1963

On 17 July 1964, despite mechanical problems and unpredictable weather, Donald Campbell and his team persevered to set a new British Land Speed Record of 403.10mph in Bluebird CN7, at Lake Eyre in Southern Australia. 

Fifty years on, this iconic vehicle is an integral element of a new display, For Britain & For The Hell Of It at the National Motor Museum, telling the story of British Land Speed Record achievement.

What better way to mark the 50th anniversary than to spend an evening in the company of both the iconic Bluebird CN7, and Donald Campbell’s widow, Tonia Bern-Campbell.  The evening will include a first public screening of the digitally re-mastered film ‘How Long a Mile…’, on Donald Campbell’s world record breaking year of 1964 when he took both the land and water speed records – a unique double that has never been equalled. 

The screening will be followed by an exclusive dinner in the National Motor Museum and a talk by Tonia Bern-Campbell, recalling that magical time. There will also be an opportunity to explore the Museum including the new For Britain & For The Hell Of It display.

This evening is a must for any Campbell or Bluebird enthusiast. Tickets for the evening are now available, to book your individual tickets or a table, contact Leith’s at Beaulieu on 01590 614605 or email corporate@beaulieu.co.uk.

For more information & ticket prices visit http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/cn7

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.

Beaulieu’s International Autojumble Wins Silver At The 2014 Visitengland Awards For Excellence

Beaulieu’s International Autojumble has won a Silver Award in the Tourism Event of the Year category at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014 Ceremony.

Beaulieu’s International Autojumble wins Silver

The Silver Award is one of the highest accolades for Excellence in Tourism in England which VisitEngland can bestow. Beaulieu was presented with their Silver Award at a glittering Awards Ceremony which was held on 12 May 2014 at The Jockey Club, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham.

Commenting on the Award James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said: "We received hundreds of applications of an extremely high quality this year.  Winning Silver is therefore a considerable achievement and one of the highest accolades for excellence in tourism which VisitEngland can bestow.  I warmly congratulate Beaulieu on their achievement.”

Beaulieu received their award from Penelope, Viscountess Cobham, Chairman of VisitEngland.

Judith Maddox, Beaulieu’s Events Manger said: “The International Autojumble, now in its 48th year, is the oldest and most prestigious of our events and held in high regard within the motoring industry so it is especially rewarding for it also to be recognised by the tourism industry as one of the leading tourism events in England.”

Meet Transformer Optimus Prime At Beaulieu’s Truckmania!

With over 230 fantastic trucks now confirmed to attend, Beaulieu’s popular Truckmania event, on Sunday 25th and Bank Holiday Monday 26th May, is shaping up to be even bigger and better than last year.

Every type of truck imaginable will be on display, from film branded vehicles and brand new modern eco-friendly lorries to commercial heavyweights and more traditional models, plus some unique, one-off designs.

Do you love Transformers? To celebrate the launch of the new movie and toy line, the most iconic Transformer of all time – Optimus Prime – will be rolling into Truckmania to meet all his fans. Come and have your photo taken with Optimus – both in his truck and robot form – ready to defend the earth from evil!

Optimus Prime

The British Army will be trooping in with a large display of modern Army trucks, ranging from a Challenger 2 tank carrier to a ‘roller-coaster’ troop deployment carrier and will be taking part in special activities and action displays throughout the weekend. They will also be encouraging visitors to have a go on their inflatable assault course.

World-famous monster truck, BIGFOOT, will be performing two action-packed displays each day in the Beaulieu parkland, featuring power demonstrations, gravity-defying stunts and car-crushing.

In the Grand Marquee, see Mini Truck World with a wide range of remote-control model trucks driving around highly detailed mini construction sites and road networks, recreating everything that full-size trucks do on a daily basis.

Meet TV trucking personality, Mark Dixon, who will be joining the action on both days and talking with event commentator, Kevin Harris.

Optimus Prime Truck

Each day in the Beaulieu Arena, watch as truck drivers take on the Truckagility challenge. The professionals will attempt to score ‘nil points’ whilst driving around the tricky obstacle course with a bath full of water and plastic ducks on the back of their truck. The aim is to avoid gaining faults and keep as many of the ducks in the bath as possible!

Enjoy free rides on traditional fairground dodgems and test your strength in the Beaulieu Truck Pull. Both individual and team participants of all ages are welcome, with all those taking part receiving a very special ‘I Pulled at Beaulieu’ badge of honour.

Don’t forget to vote for your favourite truck in the People’s Choice Award, with the owner of the most popular truck winning a Beaulieu Trophy in an afternoon presentation ceremony each day.

Admission to the event also includes entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, featuring the National Motor Museum and two brand new displays for 2014 – For Britain & For The Hell Of It and The Motorcycle Story, the newly updated World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens.

Big Foot Car Crushing!

Budding drivers can get in the driving seat on Dipstick’s Driving Circuit, whilst younger visitors can get physical onthe Mini Motor PlayTrail with its Veteran Bus climbing frame, swings and Little Tykes ride-on-cars.

Families can enjoy some extra special school holiday activities, not just for the two days of Truckmania, but throughout the May Half Term, 24th May – 1st June. Play Giant Games in the gardens, including Draughts, Chess and Connect Four, and in Beaulieu Abbey, join the costumed monk in a fun game to discover how medieval arches were built.

Specially discounted advance visitor Truckmania event tickets are available to purchase online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk until 5pm on Saturday 24th May, or you can buy tickets at standard attraction admission rates on arrival at Beaulieu.

Free parking for visitors is available onsite, with the event opening from 10am – 6pm each day.

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