England's Quaint Village Inside New Forest National Park Is An Idyllic Escape With Tasty Eats And Historic Charm

Travelers looking for an idyllic retreat from the busy streets of London should head into the English countryside. Dotted all across the gentle, forested hills and river valleys are plenty of rural hamlets for a weekend getaway. To the southwest of London, tucked within the leafy woodlands of New Forest National Park, is Beaulieu, a village so picturesque its name literally translates to "beautiful place". With centuries of history to explore and tasty eats all around, Beaulieu is an ideal escape from the bustle of the city.

Before the village even came into existence, there was first a monastery. Back in the 13th century, the notoriously unpopular King John established a religious site as a gift to the monks of the Cistercian Order, which eventually became Beaulieu Abbey. As the centuries went by, the sleepy Beaulieu village sprang up alongside the busy monastery. Stepping into the village's narrow lanes, situated along the bends of the Beaulieu River, feels like traveling back in time. Rust-red cottages with tall brick chimneys and half-timbered facades are shaded by leafy trees, creating a pleasant backdrop for a leisurely sightseeing stroll.

Nature enthusiasts wanting to bask in the wilderness of the New Forest can head to nearby Hatchet Pond, where fishing and woodland strolls await. Meanwhile, history buffs can stick around the village to explore the historic charm. Wander the haunting ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, and bask in Victorian extravagance amidst the various rooms of the Palace House, a stately country manor overlooking the river. Beaulieu's sleepy High Street is dotted with quaint gift shops, and at the end of the day, you can stop here for a tasty meal at one of the rustic eateries. Travelers coming from London can either drive or hop on a train and bus to reach Beaulieu in two to three hours.

Without the monastery, there would be no village, so history buffs will no doubt want to spend the day poking around Beaulieu Abbey. Left in ruins thanks to King Henry VIII's infamous dismantling of all Catholic religious houses in the 16th century, Beaulieu Abbey still offers visitors a glimpse of how the monks would have lived. Weathered stone walls decorated with pointed archways surround the cloisters, which feature a wide, manicured lawn. Benches dotted along the pathway offer a spot to relax while admiring the medieval architecture.

Eerie tombstones can be found in the grounds, and visitors can even walk through the same arched gateway the monks would have used when attending services. Attached to the cloisters is Beaulieu's parish church, which was converted from the refectory where the monks once gathered for their meals. Head inside for a peek at the stained glass windows, then head over to the abbey's museum exhibits, which include miniature dioramas of how Beaulieu Abbey would have appeared in its heyday.

Just across the grounds from Beaulieu Abbey (and included in the same admission ticket) is the Palace House, which will no doubt impress visitors with its crenellated walls and pointed stone roofs. "Lovely location and lots of history," says a previous review on Google. Though most of the furnishings within the mansion date from the Victorian era, the mansion itself was actually the entrance gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey. Explore the various bedrooms, the banquet hall with arched ceilings, and the particularly elegant library, then wander around the tree-shaded lawns outside to admire the architecture. Another historic destination to explore less than two hours away by car is Henley-on-Thames, a charming river town with shops and tasty restaurants.

After exploring Beaulieu's historic landmarks, it's time to find something to eat. Stop for lunch at Bellord and Brown along High Street. Tucked within a red-brick townhouse, hungry visitors can step inside the rustic interiors to grab sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Previous customers have mentioned the welcoming vibe, along with the decent portions. Browse the display counter for pastries both sweet and savory, like apple pie and spinach quiche, or look through the menu for options like a breakfast burrito with sausage and tomatoes or French toast.

Farther down the street is The Beaulieu Bakehouse, a sprawling brick cottage where diners can enjoy the "fabulous friendly staff and beautiful setting," according to a previous review. Enjoy the cozy interiors, or dine at the picnic tables in the courtyard. A classic English lunchtime experience is an afternoon tea spread with sandwiches and scones, but the menu also offers dishes like avocado toast and a soup of the day. The full English breakfast with baked beans, eggs, and sausages is also a popular choice.

For a quintessential English pub vibe, head to Monty's Inn right on the corner of High Street. Sit up at the bar to enjoy a drink, or find a table amidst the elegant interiors, where squishy armchairs and wood-plank floors set a cozy scene. The menu includes options like fish and chips, pork chops, and mussels served with garlic sauce, not to mention a selection of wines and cocktails. Next, while you're down by the south coast, why not continue your adventures over in Bournemouth, considered England's new hotspot for beach trips? You could also explore Salisbury, a Stonehenge gateway with fairytale trails.