Beaulieu has fascinating gadgets on show, plus displays and activities to suit all the family, why not visit this February 2022 half-term?
This is what they tell us…
Get to grips with gadgets at Beaulieu this February half-term, 19th – 27th February, with the chance to discover incredible devices and amazing inventions as you explore the Beaulieu attraction.
Come face-to-face with the ultimate gadgets in the National Motor Museum, in the new exhibition Bond in Motion – No Time To Die. See some of Q Branch’s top-secret creations, from the iconic gadget-laden Aston Martin DB5, complete with LED number plates, mini-gun headlights and bullet-proof glass, to Bond’s Q-enhanced Omega Seamaster Diver 300M watch and henchman Primo’s bionic eye.
Look up to see the submersible glider, designed for the movie and named ‘Stealthy Bird’ by Q, along with the impressive Aston Martin V8, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, Chevy Bel Air, Land Rover Defender 110 and Bond’s Land Rover Series III.
Pencil at the ready? Then fire up your imagination and design your very own gadget, inspired by the ones on show – have you got what it takes to be the next head of Q Branch? There’s also a chance to buy your very own Bond-themed souvenirs in the Beaulieu gift shop as well as at 007store.com.
Follow your activity trail to Palace House, the historic home of the Montagu family, to discover a selection of labour-saving gadgets created in Victorian times. In the Victorian Kitchen, talk with the costumed servants to find out more about these fascinating items, from the dolly and the tongue press, to the carpet sweeper, the marmalade shredder, the mangle and more. Speak to our living history characters to uncover the purposes of these unusual artefacts.
Little Beaulieu is the place to get hands-on with crazy contraptions, as part of this enchanting play area. Peer through the telescope, call down through the fun funnel speaker and play a tune on the melodic xylophone chimes. Don’t get in a tangle in the tricky rope maze room, try a brainteaser to match up pairs of pictures in a giant wooden game, then let off steam on the epic climbing wall. Accessible in all weathers, parents can enjoy a hot drink or tasty snack in the family-friendly outdoor seating area while kids wear themselves out.
In the Secret Army Exhibition, learn about the extraordinary Special Operations Executive agents trained on the Beaulieu Estate during World War 2, who risked their lives in Occupied Europe. Talk to the costumed character about the secretive gadgets used by many of these agents to help with their missions, including a radio hidden inside a biscuit tin, a map hidden inside a shaving brush and a compact compass for parachuting behind enemy lines, to clever devices used in sabotage operations.
Hop aboard Beaulieu’s much-loved Veteran Bus as you continue to explore, and experience a bird’s eye view from the high level Monorail. Walk in the footsteps of the monks who lived at Beaulieu Abbey more than 800 years ago. The car’s the star in On Screen Cars, while World of Top Gear showcases iconic cars from the memorable TV challenges. For a tranquil walk, experience the stunning grounds and gardens.
Beaulieu, where marvellous days out are enjoyed together, is the perfect place to explore during February half-term. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information and to book your tickets now.
