A new smuggling-themed maritime education programme and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exhibition are on offer for teachers visiting Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard this year. 

Beaulieu education session

Pupils can immerse themselves in the past during a visit to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

Beaulieu, located in the New Forest, Hampshire, includes a 13th century abbey, a Victorian-styled stately home and a world-famous motor museum.

The nearby historic shipbuilding village of Bucker’s Hard also offers a range of educational programmes for schools. 

What’s new at Buckler’s Hard?

Pupils can immerse themselves in social history with the newest addition to the range of interactive visits, Watch the Wall.

Classes will investigate old smuggling tales and contraband clues from the 18th century village’s shipbuilding heyday, when ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built there.

Learn about the Master Shipbuilder Henry Adams and explore domestic life in this industrial settlement, on the banks of the beautiful Beaulieu River.

What’s new at Beaulieu?

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition aims to add magical motoring fun to educational visits, with inspirational inventions and amazing machines.

In the National Motor Museum until 3rd November, this celebration of one of the world’s best-loved films includes an original screen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Humber 8hp driven by Truly Scrumptious, the original Child Catcher carriage and the wonderfully inventive machines of Rowland Emett.

Learn about revolutionary motoring breakthroughs in the rest of the museum, then discover what Victorian life was like above and below stairs in Palace House.

Beaulieu Abbey brings to life the story of the dissolution of the monasteries, while the Secret Army exhibition gives a fascinating insight into covert operations during World War II.

More about school visits

There’s a host of opportunities for KS1-4 and SEN groups across the attractions with links to a variety of subjects including History, Science, English, Geography, Leisure & Tourism and Art. Teachers also have the chance to make a free preliminary visit to the attractions to meet the team, plan their visit and carry out necessary risk assessments. 

For more information about group visits at Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard, go to www.beaulieu.co.uk/groups/education, email education@beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590-614645.