National Motor Museum

About the museum

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest began in 1952 as the Montagu Motor Museum. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu founded it as a tribute to his father, John, 2nd Baron Montagu, one of the pioneers of motoring in Britain. At first it consisted of just five cars and some motoring memorabilia in the front hall of the family home, Palace House. The display became so popular that it moved to wooden sheds in the grounds.

By 1964 annual attendance had passed half a million, and the decision was taken to build a purpose-made museum in the parkland. The new building, designed by Leonard Manasseh and Ian Baker, was opened by the Duke of Kent on 4 July 1972. It was renamed the National Motor Museum, reflecting its change from a private collection to a charitable trust. A monorail runs through the building, inspired by one seen at the Montreal World's Fair in 1967.

Today the museum cares for around 300 vehicles made since the late 19th century, from the first motor carriages to family saloons, racing cars, motorcycles and land speed record breakers, along with a large archive of motoring books, photographs and film. The collections are Designated by Arts Council England as nationally and internationally important. One ticket covers the museum and the other attractions at Beaulieu, including Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey, Little Beaulieu and the monorail.

Highlights

• Around 300 cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles from the late 19th century onwards
• World land speed record breakers and Grand Prix cars
• Monorail running through the museum building
• Streets Ahead gallery with cars and shop fronts from the 1950s to the 1970s
• Same ticket for Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and Little Beaulieu

Permanent exhibitions

• National Motor Museum – Around 300 vehicles from the earliest motor carriages to classic family cars, racing cars, motorcycles and land speed record breakers, shown over three levels.
• Streets Ahead – A gallery of cars, motorcycles and shop fronts from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Founded

1952

Operated by

National Motor Museum Trust

Admission & discounts

One inclusive ticket covers the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey, Little Beaulieu, the Secret Army Exhibition, We Had One Of Those, On Screen Cars and unlimited monorail rides. Advance online prices are the lowest; the prices on the day are higher. Visitors can return free within six days of their first visit, except on major event days. A Gift Aid ticket gives an annual pass to the National Motor Museum only. Visitors arriving by train, ferry or bus get 20% off standard admission, and National Art Pass holders get 50% off on-the-day admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The National Motor Museum has three floor levels that can be reached by ramps and lifts, and paths join the sites, although some garden and riverside paths are gravel. The lower floor of Palace House is accessible but there is no lift to the upper floor, where a visual guide is shown instead. Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters can be borrowed free of charge and should be booked on 01590 614646. Wider parking spaces for blue badge holders are next to visitor reception, and there are three sets of accessible toilets. Large print information and induction loops are available. Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area

Little Beaulieu is an adventure play park with a covered seating area, and a children's menu is served in the restaurant. Paths between the attractions suit pushchairs, but pushchairs cannot go into Palace House. For the monorail and the veteran bus, young children must be held.

Getting there & parking

Use satnav postcode SO42 7ZN or leave the M27 at junction 2 and follow the brown and white tourist signs to the visitor entrance. The New Forest is shared with horses and donkeys on the roads.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The Brabazon Restaurant serves hot food from 11.30am to 2.30pm and the Coffee Shop opens at 10am daily. There are gift shops, a plant area and picnic areas. Picnics may not be eaten at the outdoor seats of the Brabazon Restaurant.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Beaulieu offers corporate events and weddings through its hospitality team (enquiries@beaulieu-hospitality.co.uk).

Plan your visit