Beaulieu Motor Museum Trust Set to Leave Its New Forest Home
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News that the motor museum at Beaulieu is preparing to leave its home in the New Forest has come as quite a surprise to regular visitors and local residents alike. Situated in the village of Beaulieu, in the south-eastern stretch of the Forest, the attraction has been a cornerstone of the area’s visitor economy for decades, drawing car enthusiasts, day-trippers and families year after year.
According to coverage in the Advertiser & Times, the decision for the Museum Trust to vacate its current location stems from a disagreement over lease length and financial terms. Whilst specific details about alternative sites or a final timeline have not yet been made public, a departure would represent a significant shift for tourism in this part of Hampshire.
The move has also drawn comment from within the Montague family, founders of the attraction.
The Salisbury Journal reports that Lord Montague, the son of the museum’s original founder, has spoken out about the plans to relocate the collection away from the Forest and has indicated that the museum will remain open…
The National Motor Museum Trust (which will depart the premises) will presumably take the bulk of the collection with it, whilst the remaining cars belonging to the family will remain on display alongside the other attractions on offer (such as Palace House, events and so on). The situation seems somewhat confused and fluid.
Meanwhile, If you’re planning a trip to Beaulieu in the coming months, there is no immediate change to your visit, with the site accessible as usual. It’s at least three years before the lease is up…
Oscar’s Garage YouTube account has produced a couple of videos that dig deep into the background and reasoning behind the decision:
