Beaulieu is tiny, but extremely picturesque: a little row of stone buildings beside the Beaulieu River, a rather glorious stone manor house — now converted into the Beaulieu National Motor Museum — and New Forest ponies and cows roaming all over. There’s not a huge range of choice when it comes to the best places to stay in Beaulieu, so we've expanded our radius to include nearby Buckler’s Hard, which is a bit further along the Beaulieu River — and where many of the ships for Nelson’s navy were built.

Both Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard are charming country escapes, surrounded by the lush green of the New Forest. But these are also wonderful destinations for family explorations. The New Forest is a fantastic place for walking, and there are a number of stables offering pny trekking.  For exploring further afield Beaulieu is not far from Lymington and the ferry to the Isle of Wight, and from the fantastic naval museums of Portsmouth.

Beaulieu’s own charms shouldn’t be rushed over, either. Visitors to the National Motor Museum also have access to Lord Montagu’s Gothic seat, called Palace House, and to Beaulieu’s medieval-built Abbey. There’s also a fascinating museum recounting the story of Beaulieu’s role as a finishing school for SEO agents during WW2. Whatever your reason for visiting, the best places to stay in Beaulieu are always popular, so get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Beaulieu

For Country House Decadence

• There are very few buildings in Beaulieu proper, but the charming, 17th century-built, The Montagu Arms is one of them, close to the water and the green, and with views of the manor house. Behind the stone and ivy-clad exterior, the hotel has 22 rooms and suites, decorated in traditional country-house style, but with a fresh modern feel. There’s also a library bar, a beautiful terrace, and a gourmet restaurant.

For a Waterside Escape

• The wonderfully historic Master Builder’s is right on the Beaulieu River just outside Buckler’s Hard. There’s a list of the ships built here in the wonderfully atmospheric bar — where you can also get a top class meal. Or if you’re looking for something more formal there’s a restaurant facing the river. Standard rooms have a traditional, country house feel, with a nautical edge and colourful Indian fabrics, but you can upgrade to rooms in the actual house and those are really something — expect plenty of historic features and wonderful details. Perfect for families.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Beaulieu can be a quick trip on the train from London, though the closest you can get by rail is Southampton. Southampton Airport is the closest airport too, half an hour away by car or taxi.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Beaulieu is busiest during the spring and summer months, like the New Forest, but this part of the world, close to the Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth, is lovely in the autumn and winter too. Whenever you plan to visit there’s a decent chance you’ll see some rain — with more wet days in autumn and winter, so it’s definitely worth packing your waterproof gear, even if you’re visiting in the height of summer sunshine. There are plenty of indoor activities in the region too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay in the New Forest
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for: the best spa hotels in the New Forest, the best Pubs-with-Rooms in the New Forest or the best hotels for families in the New Forest
• You might also want to consider some of Beaulieu’s pretty neighbours: Lymington or Brockenhurst
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.