Beaulieu

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a proper petrol-head's day out, housed inside the grounds of a 13th-century abbey just outside Brockenhurst. You're looking at around 250 vehicles spanning from veteran cars to modern supercars - everything from a 1894 Daimler to a jet-powered vehicle. The collection fills several exhibition halls, and honestly, the breadth of it means you can easily spend three to four hours here without getting bored.

Beyond the cars themselves, there's the actual abbey to wander round, plus the Motor Museum's own story about the collection's founder and the history of motoring in Britain. The palace house is here too if you want to add more layers to a visit. Families with car-mad kids will absolutely love it; those not fussed by engines might find it a bit much, though the grounds are pleasant enough for a stretch.

Admission isn't free - expect to pay entry fees - so it's worth factoring into your budget. The museum is well signposted from Brockenhurst and sits nicely within New Forest holiday park territory. Several campsites lie within a few miles: Roundhill, Matley Wood, and Hollands Wood are all close by, making it easy to base yourself locally. Go on a weekday if possible. Weekends draw coach parties. The café does decent food, though bring a packed lunch if you want better value.