Beautiful Beaulieu

Good morning on yet another beautiful summer's day in our stunningly beautiful New Forest Park with a focus this week on Beaulieu Village. And first a perhaps rather silly observation but until I put those two words 'beautiful' and 'Beaulieu' together, I never really understood why we pronounce the French word meaning 'beautiful place' as Bewley!

So anyway, in that beautiful village there's usually something lovely going on.

First of all of course, there's Beaulieu: the home of the National Motor Museum including its current special exhibition Icons of Formula 1 which runs right through to November; together with Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey both oozing with very special history, all set in the most lovely grounds. On Sunday it's Simply Japanese, and Summer Holiday Fun incorporating a host of family entertainment and activities begins this weekend at Beaulieu too.

The village of Beaulieu close to the river and the start of the very enjoyable - and shady! - walk to Buckler's Hard (link to a fun Mark & Hugh feature article) is also the home of the historic and welcoming Montagu Arms Hotel with its award winning Terrace Restaurant and convivial Montys Inn. Towards the top of Beaulieu High Street you'll find Fairweather's Garden Centre, and if ever there was a perfectly sized garden centre where it's a pleasure simply to wander around both outdoors and in, and enjoy morning coffee, lunch or tea with cake at Steff's while you're there, this is it. In between there are all manner of small independent shops and cafes which merit exploring, and your NFDC parking clock is all you need for the centrally located village car park.

Beaulieu is also the home of the wonderful Countryside Education Trust (CET) which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary and through the year hosts a variety of events and talks. A quick mention here for next Wednesday’s fascinating-sounding National National Coastwatch Evening Talk.

Fun at the Fête

And this morning it's an especial shout out for tomorrow's Beaulieu Village Fête.

First, a cheer for the volunteers — that marvellous bastion of selfless, willing people who keep every village ticking. They work together, give up countless days to prepare (and clear up!), and underpin every local community event. And here, they certainly seem to be having plenty of fun while they’re at it, too!

This lovely traditional fête takes place within the stunning grounds of Palace House at the kind invitation of Lord and Lady Montagu and will be opened at 12.30 by BBC South Presenter Ed Sault. Tickets are £2 for adults (under 16s free) and there's ample parking nearby. This year's theme is "Pirates", so you are invited to enter into the spirit of things and come dressed as your favourite sea-faring character - prizes for the best outfits of course.

The Carousel, Bowling for a Pig, and other classic games will entertain younger visitors; there will be live music and dancing entertainment throughout the day and plenty of refreshments including BBQ, Tea Tent, Strawberries & Cream, Pimm's & Prosecco, and new for this year a Vegetarian Pizza oven! Discover fantastic bargains at the Vintage, Retro, and Jewellery stalls, and take part in the Tombolas (first prize in the Raffle is a stunning 55" Smart LED TV) and other enjoyable events including thanks to popular demand a Dog Show - all dogs as well as all of you, are welcome!

'Wrought in Bloom'...

...is just one of so many striking and varied works of art on show until the middle of September, at this summer's Sculpture at Beaulieu. Sculptures range from giant standout masterpieces which will make you gasp in wonder, to smaller pieces that will inspire a normal size garden. The curated collection of over 200 sculptures by 47 nationally and internationally-acclaimed sculptors has been carefully placed throughout the lovely grounds of Beaulieu including the Victorian Flower Garden and tranquil Wilderness Garden, as well as within Palace House itself.

From a playful hippopotamus family in the fountain along the Central Pathway to charming bear cubs, birds and deer, the exhibition features a wide variety of works including striking steel structures and vibrant stained-glass pieces. With prices starting at just £100, there’s potentially something for everyone. An exhibition guide showing the sculpture zones and trail map will be available to pick up from Visitor Reception as you arrive at Beaulieu. Note that you won't be able to take purchases home until after the end of the exhibition!

In Other News...

On Sunday there's live music at the Turfcutters Arms with Nat and Ryan and next weekend it's the all-weekend-long Turfcutters Beer, Cider & Music Festival, so get ready to party!

In Lymington on Monday it's the start of the New Forest Academy of Dance Summer Workshops and later in the week at Ballard School Arts Centre the New Forest Players present Inspector Drake & the Perfekt Crime.

Next Thursday there's Gin Tasting with 820 Spirits at Stanwell House.

As always there's lots more in the Diary below, and don't forget to keep an eye on the full Events Calendar too.

And with that I wish you all great weekends!Best wishes Jane
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