Major UK tourist attraction forced to close after 60 years
A HISTORIC UK attraction is set to close after more than 60 years.
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in the New Forest in Hampshire will close after six decades.
The museum sits in a purpose built building but has reached the end of its lease, which it has been unable to renew.
The museum, which is home to around 250 heritage vehicles, wanted to extend its lease by 50 years.
The lease expires in 2032, but the museum will move out of the building in 2030.
The Trust has already started looking for a new location to house its collection of vehicles.
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The decision was made due to a number of reasons including rejected National Lottery funding.
A spokesperson for the museum said: “Changes to the organisational structure of the charity will start taking place from later this year as it pivots towards its future direction, and the resource it requires to do so.
“Any changes to the physical collection and the management of that will take place in a carefully managed and gradual way over the next four years.”
The museum welcomes 300,000 visitors each year and opened back in 1972.
Famous cars in the museum’s collection include Mr Bean’s Mini, Del Boy’s Reliant van and the flying Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Overall, the museum is home to 1.9million items.
To enter the museum, you’ll need to get a ticket which covers the museum, Palace House, gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and the monorail.
Tickets cost from £24.80 per adult and £14.57 per child.