Grandparenting duties in Beaulieu

For Jamie's birthday treat we took him to the Beaulieu Motor Museum.  It's not the typical theme park but if you are looking for a relaxed place to have a family day out, then this is for you!!  They have a mono rail and a vintage bus.  The Motor museum is brilliant!!

On arrival we picked up some quiz trails.  Each trail is tailored to a different age group and the puzzles kept Jamie and Chloe entertained all day.

As we left reception we spotted the tree-top griffin.

First stop was the world-famous National Motor Museum, which is home to over 280 vehicles.  Both Phil and I recognised our first cars.

Jamie and Chloe enjoyed dressing up in costumes and climbing behind the wheel of the 1904 Pope Tribune.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  Everyone knows this one!

Bluebird CN7.  The fastest vehicle in the museum.

Mini Outspan Orange.  A giant orange on wheels?!  Unlike Bluebird, this vehicle definitely isn't built for speed - when it reaches over 30 mph it has a tendency to roll!

Peel P50.  One of the cutest vehicles in the museum, this microcar doesn't have a reverse gear.  But that's no problem - the driver can simply pick it up and move it using the handle at the rear of the car!

Now for something a little bit different.  Jamie and Chloe loved the monorail for a high-level journey around the grounds, including a trip through the roof of the Motor Museum.  One circuit was never enough!!

We then visited the Enormodrome to find out what it feels like inside the Top Gear studio and walked through the Challenge Gallery to see the challenge cars in the condition they were left after filming.

Next was the Test Track Challenge to see whose driving skills were the best on the remote-control cars.

Next door to World of Top Gear was the exhibition of TV and film  favourites in On Screen Cars.  Mr. Bean's Mini, Del Boy's Reliant Regal and the 'flying' Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

We hopped on the Veteran Bus for a trip to the Secret Army Exhibition.

We really enjoyed Palace House, it was beautifully decorated for Christmas.  The Victorian Christmas pantomime and singing (we were the 7 swans a swimming) was a real highlight.  Jamie loved looking for the hidden mice and Chloe making decorations.  All the staff we came across were very helpful and happy to see the visitors.

Then it was time to go exploring with a stroll along the Mill Pond Walk.  The peaceful route took us past ancient oak trees and supernatural characters.   We challenged the kids to spot the fairy doors at the base of the trees lining the path plus looking for tree carvings - a sprite, a legendary Green Man and a many-headed serpent.

There was so much to see and do but we didn't need to worry that we couldn't fit absolutely everything into our day.  Beaulieu offer a Return for Free pass (terms apply) so we returned the next day and did it all over again, slightly differently this time, plus Beaulieu Abbey and the Grounds and Gardens.  We tried to build a medieval arch in the Abbey, we did it but it wasn't easy.

On the third day we returned to Beaulieu again but without the grandchildren this time.  Alun and Gemma had treated us to a three course lunch at the Terrace Restaurant in the Montagu Arms Hotel.
After a warm welcome and a glass of English sparkling wine in cosy and comfortable surroundings by a log fire, we enjoyed a delicious meal.  The food was excellent.  The ambience in the restaurant was quiet and relaxed, it was such a treat to be able to relax between each of the different courses.  It was a truly wonderful dining experience.  Thank you Alun and Gemma and Emmie.