A UK attraction that has been open since 1972 and draws in around 300,000 visitors every year, will be closing its doors following a major update, but it’s not all bad news
A major UK tourist attraction will leave Beaulieu after 60 years (Image: Geoffrey Swaine/Shutterstock)
A popular tourist attraction will be closing its doors after six decades.
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu opened in 1972 in the New Forest, and today, it attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually, thanks to its impressive collection of 280 vintage vehicles. They range from cars used in TV and film productions to ancient motorised carriages, motorbikes, F1 racers, record-breaking speed machines and even a 1950s red bus, each with its own story.
The New Forest attraction is considered one of the best motor museums in the UK, and was named one of the ‘South’s top visitor attractions’ in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2026. However, after 60 years, the National Motor Museum will close its doors as its lease ends.
Earlier this month, the museum confirmed it was in the “process of identifying a transformational new home for the National Motor Museum as its current lease at Beaulieu approaches the end of its 60-year term.” The lease expires in 2032, but it’s reported that the attraction will move out of its current purpose-built building at the estate in the New Forest in 2030.
In a further statement from Beaulieu, they said that the “day-to-day operation of the museum will not change from a visitor experience perspective, and Beaulieu intends to continue to operate a motor museum in the future, as it has for over 70 years. A significant number of vehicles in the museum are either on loan or owned by the Montagu family and will continue to stay here.”
They added that “Beaulieu will continue to be a leading visitor attraction on the south coast and welcome thousands of visitors each year for generations of families to enjoy memorable days out.”
Since it was opened by Edward, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, in 1972, the attraction has been adored by visitors for decades. One traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “I came when I was 9, and after 37 years I returned to show the place to my Husband, we had a fantastic day, he thoroughly enjoyed himself.
“The car exhibition was obviously his favourite, but he also loved seeing the falconry, and we love what the family have done with the rooms in the house, such an extravagant revamp of the rooms, but it fits well as it’s such an extraordinary place with a fascinating history of each family member that has been lord of the estate.”
Those visiting the National Motor Museum can explore the collection of vehicles, various exhibitions, and climb on board the replica 1912 open-top London red bus. On the nearby grounds, there’s also England’s oldest monorail available for a ride, the remains of Beaulieu Abbey to explore, the play area at Little Beaulieu, and the Palace House & Gardens, home of the Montagu family since 1538, with one inclusive ticket providing access to all attractions, including the monorail.
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