Did something a little different for my dad's birthday this year and took him down to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. My first time ever visiting, his first since the late 1960's.
Just wanted to say this was a fabulous day out, and one which I highly recommend to anyone with more than a passing interest in cars. There's a huge collection of metal, wood, and leather from early horseless carriages, right through to a 1986 Sierra RS Cosworth, with iconic one-off's from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Donald Campbell's 'Bluebird'.
There are also some interesting side attractions, such as a reconstruction of a traditional garage workshop, complete with audio narration, various memorabilia including original telegrams from Donald Campbell announcing the success of his record atttempts, and car related books and games, plus a whole host of small things that caught and held our attention as we went around.
In addition, they are currently running a Bond in Motion exhibition with 50 vehicles from 50 years of the James Bond film franchise. Highlights for me were the underwater Esprit S1 from 'The Spy Who Loved Me', the actual "Little Nellie" autogyro from 'You Only Live Twice', and the AMC Hornet from 'Man With The Golden Gun'. As someone who grew up with these films, it was somehow quite poignant to see them in the metal.
There's also the wreckage of many of the Top Gear experiments in the Top Gear area, such as Clarkson's ill fated Citroen Grand Design, and the amphibious cars which made me howl with laughter in what still remains my favourite TG episode.
Dad and I both had a great day out, and to anyone who hasn't been, either recently or at all, I can highly recommend it. Sadly the weather meant exploring the grounds wasn't really an appealing option for either of us, but the house and grounds, plus the outdoor events held in the summer would only add to the experience. At £19 per head for general admission, I think it's incredibly good value for money given the importance, value and upkeep costs of the exhibits.
Cheers
DP
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thanks for the review. we dont live far away but never managed to go there but will in march whwn a little warmer
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I was there a couple of years ago, it is a "must do" for any petrol or dieselhead. I was there with my OH, bro and sis in law, the girls, whose mechanical interest does not extend beyond the on / off switch of a hoover spent their time in the gardens looking at green and coloured things stuck into the ground.
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My dear departed father in law always used to pronounce it Balloo....
Very good day out indeed and they do give outdoor displays.....one in particular I remember vividly ....
My abiding memory of the display is not of the car so much as the flash of knickers by the beautiful young lady exiting a wartime Mercedes in costume as Marlene Deitrich.....
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National Motor Museum at Beaulieu - nyx2k
