Palace House was built as the gatehouse for Beaulieu Abbey, but has been the ancestral home of the Montagu family since 1538, following the dissolution of the monasteries, by King Henry VIII.
Where is Palace House & Beaulieu Abbey located?
Both Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey are part of the Beaulieu visitor attraction, which lies within the New Forest. It's easily accessible from Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury, Winchester and Portsmouth.
What is the history of Palace House & Beaulieu Abbey to the present day?
With a history stretching back more than 800 years, the Beaulieu estate has been held by the Montagu family for the last four centuries.
The Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1204, and it remained an active abbey until the dissolution of the monasteries, when the estate was sold to the First Earl of Southampton, Thomas Wriothesley, who converted the gatehouse into Palace House.
Palace House opened to the public in 1952, making it one of the first ‘stately homes' in the UK to permit public admission.
What is there to see and do at Palace House & Beaulieu Abbey?
Sitting in the heart of the New Forest, looking out towards the millpond, Palace House is a stunning Victorian property, filled with memorabilia, family portraits and other fascinating items. The ruins of Beaulieu Abbey are an atmospheric and evocative place, offering an insight into the lives of the medieval monks who lived and worked there.
Other Information
Both Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey are part of the Beaulieu visitor attractions. Beaulieu is also home to The National Motor Museum and The World of Top Gear. One ticket allows access to all of the attractions on site.
