Local Attractions

Location

Situated near Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest, within the beautiful Beaulieu Estate, Leygreen Farmhouse is close to the National Motor Museum and the historic village of Beaulieu. 

The quintessential New Forest towns of Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst are just a short drive away, and the attractive port of Lymington is situated a few miles to the South. 

From Lymington you can catch a passenger or car ferry to the Isle of Wight.

​Local attractions include the historic Buckler's Hard, the home of master shipbuilders in the 18th Century, the stunning Exbury Gardens, and Paulton's Park for children of all ages.

To do in Beaulieu

Beaulieu is steeped in history from the medieval days. Visitors flock to the village to see some of the New Forest’s most famous attractions.

The National Motor Museum houses a wonderful collection of classic and iconic cars and motorbikes, ranging from the earliest motorcars through to present day vehicles, including historic vehicles that set World land-speed records and Formula 1 racing cars.

Fans of the popular BBC TV series ‘Top Gear’ can explore the ‘World of Top Gear’ and see first hand vehicles featured in the programmes.

The monorail that encircles the site stops at Palace House, home to the Montagu family since 1538.

Rich in history of the Beaulieu estate, Palace House was remodelled in the 1800s and is now a fine example of a Victorian mansion.

Costumed guides provide informative tours, which include the Victorian kitchen that provides a fascination insight on how the Victorians used to cook.

Prior to its destruction by King Henry VIII in the 1538 dissolution of the monasteries, monks inhabited Beaulieu Abbey.  Visitors can now explore the monk’s aromatic herb garden, the Monastic Life exhibition and the Beaulieu Parish Church, formerly the monks’ refectory.

Further along the Beaulieu River you will find the 18th century village of Buckler’s Hard. Originally developed as a ship-building location, Buckler’s Hard was home to the ships built for Horatio Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar and is part of the Beaulieu estate.

The village’s maritime museum depicts its history.

You can also choose to go on an optional river cruise to see the wider area.​

Outdoor Activities

Regional activities

Beaulieu offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures.

Walkers and cyclists can walk or cycle the two miles along the picturesque Beaulieu River between Beaulieu village or the National Motor Museum towards Buckler’s Hard.

Other activities include kayaking, canoeing, bushcraft, archery, bird-watching and more.

Hatchet Pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest National Park, an ideal location for spotting New Forest ponies and a great place for picnics.

Horticulturalists, gardeners and anyone who loves for nature must visit Exbury Gardens and experience a wealth of colour kin late spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in flower.

There is also a miniature steam railway for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Beaulieu Chocolate Studio in the centre of Beaulieu is a particularly great place to sample great tasting souvenirs.

The city of Southampton is just half an hours drive from us, and offers a wealth of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, including West Quay and the Titanic Museum.

Further along the coast, the city of Portsmouth has a rich maritime history and attractions include both HMS Victory and the Mary Rose. 

To the south, as well as the renowned yachting centre of Lymington, there are attractive beaches at Milford on Sea and Barton on Sea, along with the larger resort of Bournemouth.

With so much to do and see in and around Beaulieu, you will need somewhere comfortable to relax at the end of a busy, sight-seeing day. Leygreen Farmhouse is the ideal short break away, offering a spacious and comfortable home to enjoy with family and friends.