Situated a few miles apart in the heart of the New Forest, Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard makes a wonderful day out. Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum as well as being a grand stately home and site of a former Abbey. The motor museum contains hundreds of cars ranging from steam powered vehicles from the dawn of motoring up to modern F1 machines. It also has a selection of film icons including a 007 Aston Martin DB5 and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The house is open to visitors and there is a handy monorail to help you get about (as well as a wonderful vintage omnibus.

Buckler’s Harris a peaceful site on the Beaulieu river, where Royal Navy ships were hand crafted from local oak in the 18th and 19th centuries. Several participants in the Battle of Trafalgar were built here. A small museum tells the story. You can also do a lovely pleasure boat trip up the river from here.