Village that 'no one can pronounce' named best place to live in 2024 and name literally means 'beautiful place'

Tai Kolade
·2-min read
Beaulieu Palace and a horse
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


On the doorstep of the New Forest lies a village that 'no one can pronounce'. However, many people will be soon learning how to say it because it has recently been named one of the best places to live in 2024.

Beaulieu in Hampshire is pronounced 'bew-lee' and its name is taken from the French Beau Lieu which literally means 'beautiful place'. The village was named in The Mirror's list of Britain's 30 most desirable villages and you can see why.

The charming village has stunning views of the New Forest, old-time houses and quaint shops to visit. It is a great day out and one that is only two hours away from the capital.

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The beautiful Beaulieu Palace House is a must-see
The beautiful Beaulieu Palace House has so much to see in it -Credit:Karen Roe

Beaulieu initially grew around the abbey founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks. The land was given to them by King John, who had a royal hunting lodge at Beaulieu, and 30 monks from the French abbey of Citeaux made this new land home.

The area flourished as Monks traded goods and kept up a medicinal garden. Nowadays the village is known for the 9000 acre estate that King Jogn lived on but also some newer tourist attractions like the National Motor Museum.

The museum has a litany of vintage cars and motorcycles and many fascinating exhibitions. Top Gear fans would love the museum's collection of cars from the memorable TV show from some of the most iconic challenges they did.

The National Motor Museum has over 200 cars all with a historical significance
The National Motor Museum has over 200 cars including loads from Top Gear challenges -Credit:Getty Images

There's also the Palace House which has been the Montagu family home since 1538. It used to be the gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey but now serves as a heritage site that has years of history steeped inside its stone foundations.

A bit more on the modern side, Beaulieu has the oldest monorail in England. Simpsons fans should not fear for this one though as no dodgy salesman with a catchy song has shafted the community into building this one. Opened in 1974, the mile-long 'Skytrain' gives aerial tours of grounds and gardens and even goes through the National Motor Museum.

New Forest Ponies enjoying the summer sunshine in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire, England
Wild ponies roam in the New Forest -Credit:Jacky Parker Photography via Getty

The New Forest is very close by for those who want to truly immerse themselves in nature. The National Park has ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer roaming free along with places to stay in the forest. There are also award-winning gardens, theme parks, farms, museums and outdoor activities too.

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