Beaulieu tell us…
(All words and photographs from Beaulieu).
Beaulieu’s much-loved calendar of Simply Rallies is nearly here, much to the delight of petrol-head enthusiasts. Among the returning favourites are the hugely popular Simply Ford, Simply Japanese, Simply Audi and Simply BMW, with many more in between. Plus, a brand-new rally brings a diverse range of classic cars, spanning various makes, models and eras, to Beaulieu.
NEW for 2026, owners of all pre-2005 vehicles are invited to drive into Beaulieu on Sunday 26 April for Drive-It Day.
This is a fantastic celebration of motoring heritage showcasing an impressive array of classic cars. Originally launched in 2005 by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, the event commemorates the 1900 One Thousand Mile Trial, which demonstrated the potential of the newly invented motor vehicle. Participants can admire a wide variety of vehicles, chat with fellow enthusiasts and may even be selected for the Best in Show Award, while entry to the rally includes access to all Beaulieu attractions, with a portion of each ticket donated to the children’s charity NSPCC.
Kicking off the season is Simply VW on Sunday 24 May, a vibrant event that’s a must for van and car lovers alike. Sure to be filled with everything from sturdy Transporters to quirky Beetles, it’s the perfect start to a fun-filled year of motoring events. Just around the corner, Simply Porsche rolls into Beaulieu on Sunday 31 May. Held in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts’ Club, it’s an unbeatable chance to admire a stunning selection of classy motors in the spring sunshine in the heart of the New Forest.
One of Beaulieu’s largest and most popular Simply rallies, Simply Ford, returns on Sunday 7 June. Sponsored by Foray Motor Group, the day brings together hundreds of enthusiasts to admire models ranging from classic Escorts to modern GTs.
Simply French adds a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to Beaulieu on Sunday 28 June. Rally-goers can expect to see everything from daily Citroëns and Peugeots to rarer makes such as Panhard and Facel Vega.
Fans of the nation’s favourite 4×4 should mark their calendars for Simply Land Rover, returning on Sunday 5 July.
Participants can camp the night before and display their vehicles in the Expedition Camping area during the rally, with camping units available when booking participant tickets. Visitors can also book a session on Beaulieu’s off-road Forest Drive course, in partnership with Land Rover Experience West Country, navigating steep slopes, bumps, and water crossings through the surrounding woodlands. Plus, the Land Rover Rummage gives enthusiasts the chance to browse essential spares and get their vehicles ready for the next adventure.
The following weekend shifts focus to performance machines, with Simply Audi on Saturday 18 July and Simply Japanese on Sunday 19 July, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to marvel at German and Japanese automotive excellence. Whether attending one or both rallies, visitors will find a mix of high-performance cars and everyday favourites on display at each event.
Simply Mercedes takes the spotlight on Sunday 9 August, showcasing a dazzling array of luxury saloons and sleek sports cars.
The following week, Simply Jaguar roars into Beaulieu on Sunday 16 August. Held in association with the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, a stunning selection of both Jaguars and classic Daimlers will be on display.
Up next is Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August, with the Aston Martin Owners Club returning as show partner. This year, the club will showcase a stunning collection of Vanquish models to celebrate 25 years of the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. This iconic model, famously featured in the James Bond film Die Another Day, introduced cutting-edge technologies such as drive-by-wire throttle and Formula 1-inspired paddle shift.
September brings another one of Beaulieu’s most popular Simply rallies, Simply BMW on Sunday 20 September, with everything from iconic models to the latest high-performance cars on display. The following weekend is dedicated to all Italian makes, as Simply Italian takes place on 27 September. The rally will feature Fiats, Ferraris, and everything in between, promising something to delight every fan of Italian cars.
Closing out the extensive Simply Rally calendar is Simply Smart, held annually on Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 8 November this year. A vibrant array of Smart Cars will fill the Beaulieu grounds, from the compact ForTwo to the sporty Roadster.
Both clubs and individual owners are encouraged to participate in Beaulieu’s Simply Rallies, offering a great opportunity to catch up with fellow owners and enthusiasts, and admire some fantastic vehicles.
At every Simply Rally, visitors can vote for their favourite car on display in the People’s Choice Award. The winning vehicle will receive a trophy and prize, with two runners-up also taking home awards. Show commentator, Our Tim, will attend several rallies and present the prizes.
Both visitors and participants can enjoy full access to the entire Beaulieu attraction with their ticket, including The National Motor Museum, interactive We Had One Of Those display, Palace House and its grounds and gardens, the medieval Beaulieu Abbey, and Little Beaulieu, the adventure playground. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Beaulieu Events Calendar.