Beaulieu tells us…
(All words and photographs from Beaulieu).
Beaulieu is set for an exciting year ahead, with 2026 bringing new experiences and returning favourites across the attraction. Leading the programme of developments is the opening of a brand-new entrance to the National Motor Museum, alongside the launch of the permanent gallery Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story, and Palace House will see the opening of another new bedroom in the former private side. Throughout the year, school holidays will bring history to life with immersive experiences and new family trails, including Horrible Histories and Top Trumps, while a packed events calendar will offer a blend of much-loved highlights and brand-new additions. With so much to discover, 2026 promises to be a fantastic year to visit Beaulieu.
Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story
Opening for Easter 2026, the National Motor Museum’s new gallery tells the story of how motoring shaped Britain, from fearless early pioneers to the cars, people and moments that transformed everyday life.
The new exhibition will remodel the entrance hall and upper gallery of the Museum – one of the most significant changes to the Museum since it was built in 1972. Six sections will explore the eras of motoring with personal stories to surprise, engage and inspire. There will be spotlight loan vehicles and fun interactive displays, along with rarely seen items from the Museum’s collections and opportunities to watch and hear videos and sounds from their archives. Change up a gear and journey through British motoring history at Beaulieu!
See Disney and Pixar Cars
Ka chow! There’s still time to see some of the world’s most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise inside the National Motor Museum until the 12 April. Life-size models of Disney and Pixar Cars Lightning McQueen, alongside his toughest opponent Jackson Storm and the suave British spy Finn McMissile have made a pit stop at Beaulieu, and it’s the perfect chance for families to see these fan-favourite racers and Radiator Springs residents.
Horrible Histories
Join Beaulieu on a Horrible History trail across the attraction that dives into one of the grubbiest, grimiest and ghastliest eras of them all… the Vile Victorians! From the 23 May – 31 August, discover the horrid truths hidden in Beaulieu’s Victorian past. From fantastic and frightful motoring firsts, Victorian jobs around the Beaulieu estate and weird superstitions, to vile foods and deadly fashion, a world of extraordinary stories are waiting to be uncovered.
What’s back and what’s new for events in 2026
Family favourites and must-see motoring shows are set to return to Beaulieu this year, alongside a brand-new event launching in the calendar. Petrol-head enthusiasts can enjoy their favourite Simply rallies celebrating specific marques and countries, while families and day-trippers can enjoy the Outdoor Theatre offerings, History Re-enactment Weekend and much more.
Owners of pre-2005 vehicles are invited to showcase their prized classics at Drive-It Dayon 26 April. This new event allows participants to compete for the Best in Show Award, meet fellow enthusiasts and explore the full Beaulieu attraction. Plus, a portion of all tickets will be donated to children’s charity, NSPCC.
Following hot on its heels is the great gardening show, BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fairon 1-3 May, packed with inspiration, expert advice, workshops, entertainment and shopping.
Spring also sees the return of Beaulieu’s iconic Spring Autojumble on 16-17 May, now including NEW features such as a Vintage Market and a Classic Car Park.
Beaulieu’s family fun-packed Custom and American Show is back on Father’s Day on 21 June. Hundreds of cool American and quirky custom cars will be on display, along with plenty of live entertainment and fairground rides.
The thrilling Beaulieu Supercar Weekendreturns on 1-2 August with more jaw-dropping displays and live demonstrations, offering an unrivalled chance to see the world’s finest supercars up close and in action.
The biggest outdoor sale of motoring items in Europe, the International Autojumble is back on 12-13 September, bringing together motoring enthusiasts from all over for a weekend of buying and selling action.
Tickets are on sale now for Beaulieu’s 2026 events at www.beaulieu.co.uk/events – with many offering Early Bird savings which are ending soon. Visit the website for details and to book your tickets.
A Palace House Christmas returns
Following a successful debut in 2025, Beaulieu’s brand-new festive experience, A Palace House Christmas, will return in 2026. With the theme announced later this year, guests can look forward to enchanting decorations, beautifully dressed rooms and a warm, festive atmosphere throughout Palace House, creating the perfect setting for a special Christmas day out. Set within this historic house, the experience promises seasonal magic for visitors of all ages.
“We Had One of Those”
Get behind the wheel of cars from your past in Beaulieu’s interactive car exhibit We Had One of Those! Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and sit back in the driver’s seat of some of the most popular cars from the 1960s through to the noughties and beyond. The latest additions to the collection include much-loved motoring favourites, such as a 2003 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec and a 1990s Peugeot 405 2.0 GLX. Visitors may even spot the very cars that once carried them on fondly remembered road trips. Kids can even collect their own Beaulieu driver’s licence!
A ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Do you dream of riding in one of the most magical machines ever created? Well, now is your chance as the eye-catching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang reconstruction will be back touring the attraction grounds during school holidays and weekends from March to October, bringing movie magic to life and delighting visitors of all ages. Visitors can book their own ride and take a seat in this famous “fine-four-fendered friend” for a spin around the grounds.
And that’s not all. Fans of the beloved classic The Wind in the Willows can step into the story by booking a ride in Mr Toad’s Car. Inspired by the iconic television series, these rides offer a feeling of nostalgia and adventure, and will be an unforgettable highlight of a truly grand day out at Beaulieu. *
*Additional charges apply with tickets available upon arrival.
Plus all the features of the attraction you love
A ticket to Beaulieu includes entrance to all that Beaulieu has to offer.
Step inside the National Motor Museum to see one of the finest collections of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia in the world. Home to a large variety of vehicles ranging from legendary F1 cars and land speed record breakers to some of the earliest motor carriages ever built, there’s so much to see.
Wander down to Palace House, once the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey that has been the Montagu family home since 1538. Guests can explore a set of newly opened bedrooms, each themed and recently refurbished as part of a project with the interior design department at Solent University in Southampton.
Little ones will love Little Beaulieu, the enchanting play area modelled on Lord Montagu’s ancestral home of Palace House, where there’s plenty to spark young imaginations. With a tree-top boardwalk, a secret staircase, epic climbing walls, a zip wire and many more exciting features, this is the perfect place for the kids to let off steam, nestled within Beaulieu’s grounds and gardens.
Take a ride on Beaulieu’s nostalgic Veteran Bus for a gentle journey through the grounds between the two on-site bus stops or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the attraction from the Monorail, which goes right through the roof of the National Motor Museum.
Throughout the school holidays, families can enjoy a packed programme of activities designed to entertain and inspire younger visitors. With brand-new trails to explore, including Top Trumps and Horrible Histories, alongside a range of hands-on activities, children will be spoilt for choice.
During the Summer holidays, visitors can also step back in time as historic vehicles burst into life and drive out from the National Motor Museum in thrilling motoring parades**. Guests will have the chance to meet the friendly characters behind the wheel, learn their stories, and collect living history character cards as part of an unforgettable day out.
Beaulieu is the perfect place for your 2026 together day. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information and to book your tickets!
**Parades will not take place on event days. See www.beaulieuevents.co.uk for our full calendar of events.