What’s On In And Around Beaulieu This Summer
It’s time to make summer plans and book your New Forest break; escape the city or simply ensure you make time to getaway and relax this summer.
With so much going on in and around Beaulieu to look forward to this year, you won’t want to miss out, from arts and crafts to foodie favourites.
Throughout the summer, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is boasting a full events calendar, with everything from niche motoring events and their ‘Simply’ series, to their internationally renowned Autojumble in September. However, if motoring history and rallies aren’t for you, why not plan a visit to the beautifully cared for grounds and gardens and meander for an afternoon, because what is a short break good for, if it isn’t to allow you the time to simply relax.
If summer for you is all about roaming quaint villages and perusing craft fairs, discover the J & A Artisan Craft Fair in our own sleepy village of Beaulieu, at the Beaulieu Village Hall, showcasing unique handmade crafts and creations from local artists and makers.
And those who wish to admire works of art at local exhibitions, and relish the opportunity that you may just come across something special for your own home, add these to top spots to your list.
The exhibition at Buckler’s Hard, in Beaulieu is ‘showcasing art from the recent Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year Semi-final, as well as paintings from the Montagu family collection.’ Or the Five Arrows Gallery at Exbury Gardens, hosting the Cowprint artists group’s summer exhibition 'Making an Impression' until 14th July. Entry is free with garden admission – so perhaps you can give a day to strolling around Exbury, admiring the beautiful gardens in full summer bloom.
Book a stay and make a weekend of it. It’ll be a truly relaxing short break allowing you to retreat from the everyday to the tranquillity of the New Forest; wake to the birds, enjoy long breakfasts, sip coffee into the afternoon, then wander around exhibitions, before heading back to freshen up for your dinner reservation at The Terrace.
Foodies, but specifically seafood lovers, ought to visit the New Forest National Park this summer for the Lymington Seafood Festival. From the 12th – 14th July, make your way to the nearby charming market town of Lymington for a celebration of all things seafood with stands and stalls inviting you to try every fishy delight. Sample local craft beers, or find out more about the special collaboration between Lymington Gin and English sparkling wines by Hattingley Valley.
For something a little different, and a huge dash of creativity, head to the old capital of England, the city of Winchester from the 5th July – 7th July for the Winchester Hat Fair 2024. ‘The UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts’ and street performance is back, and this year celebrates its 50th birthday. The event begins with the Carnival and is jam-packed with circus, theatre, music and dance performances from professionals, local community groups and young talent.
Another long-running favourite for locals and visitors that happens annually near to our Beaulieu hotel is The New Forest & Hampshire County Show. Growing for more than 100 years, it takes place between 30th July – 1st August, and visitors can expect unforgettable displays in the main arenas, including impressive equine events, as well as the Grand Parade of Livestock, Show Jumping and the Tractor Tug of War.
If a visit to Beaulieu is all about being close to both the coast and country, head to the Southampton International Boat Show, from 13th – 22nd September, where you can experience “Britain’s biggest and best festival of boating”. Spend a day wandering around exhibits, watching demos, attractions and trying activities, the Boat Show, showcases everything from paddleboards to catamarans and superyachts.
But, after a day or two of walking around shows and fairs, we know all you would like to do is rest. Extend your break in Beaulieu and enjoy some midweek relaxation. Book an Afternoon Tea, walk our winding forest trails, or seek the sanctuary of a spa. All overnight guests are given complimentary access to the leisure club at our sister hotel, Careys Manor, and the chance to upgrade and use SenSpa’s award-winning spa facilities. Book treatments, massages for tired feet or experience the long relaxing strokes of a Swedish massage, and head home feeling reinvigorated and well-rested after a summer break away in the New Forest.