Have a ‘blooming’ marvellous Mother’s Day at Beaulieu

Come down to Beaulieu to celebrate Mothering Sunday on 3 April and enjoy a stroll through the picturesque gardens, where an abundance of beautiful blooms have sprung up to announce the arrival of Spring.

The informal Wilderness Garden, which dates back to the 1770s, is the best place to see the colourful collection of snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils and bluebells which are among the many flower varieties that grow there as well as in the moat surrounding Palace House. Accompany Victorian gardener, Ruben Moore, on a Spring Flowers tour, and view the stunning mass of 15 different daffodil types that flower at various times, adding a riot of colour to Beaulieu’s extensive gardens throughout this season.

Head over to the Ornamental Vegetable Kitchen Garden, laid out on the site of the original 1872 Palace House kitchen garden, where planting is in progress for this summer’s crop of fruit and vegetables, and wander through the Victorian Flower Garden, created in recognition of the Victorians’ interest in plants and gardens.

Whilst out in the grounds, remember to stop by historic Beaulieu Abbey, built by the Cistercian monks in 1204, on land granted by King John. One of the surviving buildings, the Domus, now houses a film presentation and exhibition of Monastic life, and a series of embroidered wall hangings depict scenes from the Abbey’s history.

Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538, is also well worth a visit. Built around the gatehouse of the former Abbey, it is now kept in the style of its later Victorian additions, and costumed guides give an insight into the workings of a Victorian household in 1889.

Whilst at Beaulieu you can also enjoy wandering through the National Motor Museum, which houses over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring, from World Land Speed Record Breakers to F1 racers. Take a ride on ‘Wheels’, a fascinating journey through 100 years of motoring, and see the museum’s latest exhibition ‘Feats of Endurance’, showcasing vehicles that stretch the boundaries of motoring endurance.

And before leaving, hard-working Mums can be treated to a special Mothering Sunday Cream Tea in the Brabazon Restaurant.

Beaulieu is open from 10am – 5pm and there is free parking available. For more information, visit beaulieu.co.uk.