Beaulieu

Set in the heart of William the Conqueror's New Forest, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, stands this 16th-century house. It has become most famous as the home of the National Motor Museum, but the site also contains the picturesque abbey ruins, which have an exhibition on life in the middle ages, and various family treasures and memorabilia. Back at the Motor Museum, visit the World of Top Gear, and see actual cars from some of the show's most ambitious challenges. The Secret Army Exhibition tells the story of the secret agents trained at the Beaulieu 'Finishing School' during WWII. There are rides and drives for all the family. 2012 is the 60th anniversary of Beaulieu becoming a visitor attraction and 40 years since the current National Motor Museum opened.