2 Best Sights in Beaulieu, The South

With a ruined 13th-century abbey, a stately home, and an automobile museum, Beaulieu (the name means "beautiful place" in French) appeals to a range of visitors. Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John. You can still see the ruins of the cloister and the herb garden, as well as two remaining buildings, one containing an exhibition re-creating daily life in the monastery. Palace House and Gardens incorporates the abbey's 14th-century gatehouse and has been the home of the Montagu family since they purchased it in 1538, after the dissolution of the monasteries (when the abbey was badly damaged). You can explore the drawing rooms, dining halls, fine family portraits, and lovely grounds. The father of the present Lord Montagu established the National Motor Museum, which traces the history of British motoring. The collection contains more than 280 classic cars and motorcycles, from late-19th-century vehicles to futuristic F1 racing cars, rally cars, and luxury cars, plus famous film cars like the flying Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and James Bond's Aston Martin from No Time to Die. Other museum attractions include interactive experiences, the World of Top Gear exhibit devoted to the popular British TV show, and an exhibition devoted to the WW II secret agents of the Special Operations Executive who trained here. Rides are also offered in vehicles such as a monorail and a 1912 London bus. Admission is by prebooked time slot only.

This restored 18th-century shipbuilding village, 2 miles south of Beaulieu, is home to a re-created Shipwright's Cottage along with a Shipwright School. Housed in a replica 18th-century timber workshop, the school offers courses in traditional shipbuilding techniques. The fascinating Maritime Museum traces the village's role in British history, including building Nelson's warships (the New Forest lost many of its trees during the 16th to 18th centuries when it served as the principal source of timber for British Navy ships). From Easter through October, you can sail down the privately owned Beaulieu River. The Master Builder's House Hotel has a bar and restaurant.