IMAGES: ALAMY; THE MONTAGU ARMS
SMART TRAVELLER
S TAY AT HOME BEAULIEU
Roam the New Forest National Park, explore medieval abbey ruins or curl up with a fi reside pint in this scenic Hampshire village
Why go? The Cistercian monks who founded an abbey on this spot in the 13th century and named it Beau Lieu (‘beautiful place’) would be pleased to know that the village that grew up around it lives up to the name. Sitting on a bend of the Beaulieu River, on the southern edge of the New Forest, this is a place of gentle charms — not least thanks to the regular appearance of the wild donkeys and horses for which the region is known. The village consists largely of a single main street, with brick-and-timber cottages housing antique, homeware and produce stores.
What to do Beaulieu is an excellent base for walks and cycles through the varied landscapes of the 219sq-mile New Forest National Park, made all the more attractive under a layer of winter frost. Closer to home, the Beaulieu Estate is within a 20-minute walk of the village. Among its attractions is the National Motor Museum, with exhibits including the Ford Anglia that featured in the Harry Potter fi lms and the Bluebird Proteus CN7, which broke the land speed record in 1960. Also within the extensive grounds are an annually changing sculpture park (summer only); the Victorian stately pile of Palace House; and the remains of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey.
newforestnpa.gov.uk beaulieu.co.uk
Where to eat Local produce is at the heart of the two options at The Montagu Arms Hotel. Convivial, wood- panelled Monty’s Inn serves elevated pub food such as wild boar and apple sausages with mustard mash. The Terrace Restaurant, meanwhile, off ers views over the garden and fi ne-dining dishes such as wild Hampshire partridge, and New Forest beetroot with goat’s cheese mousse.
montaguarmshotel.co.uk
Don’t miss A two-mile stroll along Beaulieu River leads to the village of Buckler’s Hard, which originated as an 18th-century shipbuilding location. Its pretty terraces once housed the tradesmen who built prestigious seafaring vessels such as those used by Admiral Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar, and a museum traces the village’s maritime history. Call in for a fi reside pint at the Master Builder’s House hotel before heading back.
bucklershard.co.uk
We like Beaulieu is well stocked with speciality food shops. Try Bellord & Brown for deli items such as local cheese and pies; Beaulieu Farm Shop for venison and Dexter beef; and the Beaulieu Chocolate Studio for all things cocoa-based.
bellordandbrown.com
beaulieufarmshop.co.uk beaulieuchocolate
studio.co.uk AMANDA CANNING
WHERE TO STAY There’s been an inn on the site of The Montagu Arms Hotel since the 16th century, and a sense of history pervades, with oak flooring, lead-lined windows and brick fireplaces among the original features. There are 22 country-style rooms and suites in the main house, with nine more guest rooms and two suites in the garden, each featuring a private terrace and standalone bath. From £160, B&B.
montaguarmshotel.co.uk
Above: Some of the New Forest’s free-roaming horses, grazing in the mist
MARCH 2024 33
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