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.”

Beaulieu Wins Prestigious National Award

The Beaulieu attraction has been awarded Gold in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category at VisitEngland’s prestigious 2013 Awards for Excellence ceremony.

Beaulieu received its award from Sue Gill, Head of Skills & Training at Tourism South East. The VisitEngland citation stated: This attraction exceeds expectation. There are 'attractions' within Beaulieu that could be stand-alone businesses in their own right. Interpretation and presentation are of a very high standard throughout. Staff excel in customer care and their enthusiasm creates a 'special' experience for every visitor. Nothing is 'too much trouble' and their 'can do' attitude comes to the fore. Beaulieu really is a memorable and enjoyable attraction for all.

Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn, said: “England is world-renowned for the quality of its visitor attractions, which number over 6,000, and with this award Beaulieu is delighted to be recognised as the ‘best of the best’.”

VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford, said: “The quality of the 320 applications we received was very high, making the competition for a Gold Award extremely tough. It is therefore a tremendous achievement for Beaulieu to win a Gold Award, the highest accolade for Excellence in Tourism which VisitEngland can bestow. They raised the bar for excellence which others can aspire to. I warmly congratulate them.”

Beaulieu was one of the first stately homes to open its doors to visitors in 1952 and in the 60 years since, has developed into an award winning attraction that offers something for all ages and tastes. In addition to the world famous National Motor Museum it features World of Top Gear, Palace House and 13th century Beaulieu Abbey.

To celebrate Beaulieu’s 60th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films in 2012, the attraction played host to BOND IN MOTION. This exclusive, official exhibition of 50 original James Bond vehicles, is the largest of its kind staged anywhere in the world. The exhibition has brought a whole new audience to the attraction and, due to its phenomenal success, its run has been extended to 5th January 2014.

Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information.

Buckler’s Hard Announced As One Of Visitengland’s ‘101 Things To Do Before You Go Abroad

Buckler's Hard Village Street View

River Cruise Boat

The picturesque 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard, nestling on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, has been revealed as one of VisitEngland’s ‘101 Things To Do Before You Go Abroad’.

The list, announced on St. George’s Day, aims to remind people of the fabulous range of experiences they can enjoy right on their doorstep. It covers the very best of English experiences as selected by a panel of experts, with Buckler’s Hard appearing in the History and Heritage sector.

The Buckler’s Hard visitor attraction is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the village and its inhabitants. During the 18th century, Buckler’s Hard was a centre for shipbuilding and was the unlikely birthplace of some of the most fearsome warships to ever set sail, including three ships built for Nelson’s Traflagar fleet, HMS Swiftsure, HMS Euryalus, and ‘Nelson’s favourite’, HMS Agamemnon.
During World War II, Buckler’s Hard again became a strategically important area, where sections of the floating Mulberry Harbour were built. Hundreds of landing craft also used the Beaulieu River as a departure point during the D-Day Landings.

Today, this beautiful village is a peaceful haven where visitors can learn about its history and enjoy a tranquil cruise along the river.

For more information about Buckler’s Hard, please visit www.bucklershard.co.uk