Latest news with #NationalMotorMuseum
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Gavin & Stacey motors join Hampshire on-screen icons display
Three iconic cars from Gavin & Stacey have joined an exhibition of memorable film and TV blue Citroën Saxo VTS, which he used to drive between Essex and Barry Island in Wales, and Smithy's Volvo 850S Estate have gone on display at Beaulieu, the home of the National Motor the trio at the refurbished On Screen Cars exhibition in Hampshire is Uncle Bryn's reliable Citroën Xsara Picasso, which the character promised he would drive "until the day I die".The hit sitcom, created by James Corden and Ruth Jones, officially ended with a grand finale Christmas Day episode last year. The show began in 2007 and followed the story of a girl from south Wales and a boy from Essex who fell in love, and the ups and downs of their worlds Citroën Saxo was a recurring presence and is a "nostalgic nod to early noughties car culture" for fans of the show and motoring in general, said Beaulieu. Smithy's Volvo was used for his job as a handyman in Billericay, Essex, and bore the slogan "If your husband won't do it – I will…" on the will also remember it as the backdrop to Smithy's 2008 Christmas special rendition of Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas?.It also featured in a sketch for Comic Relief in 2011, when James Corden, in character as Smithy, transported singer George Michael to the studio in the first ever Carpool for Uncle Bryn's Picasso, there were three models used during the series - the one on display at Beaulieu featured in series three cars join a list of other memorable vehicles in the exhibition, including the bewitched blue Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets, Del Boy's Reliant van from Only Fools and Horses, James Bond's Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day and Mr Bean's Mini. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Scotsman
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
The most popular cars of the 1980s in photos, including two driven by Princess of Wales
This retro photo gallery shows the most popular cars of the 80s in the UK, including one driven by an Olympic champion, another adored by a radio presenter and two owned by Diana, Princess of Wales. The top-selling vehicles of the decade included one which was unflatteringly dubbed the 'jellymould' and was a popular choice among travelling salespeople, another which featured in lyrics by Elton John, the Clash and the Arctic Monkeys, and a third which racked up 22 million sales during its remarkable 47-year lifespan. We've used figures from the breakdown recovery company, for our list of the top cars of the 1980s. Did you drive any of the vehicles pictured and if so what did you think of that car? What do you think was the best car made during the 1980s? Do you have retro pictures or nostalgic memories to share with us? Send them online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story or picture will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers. 1 . Vauxhall Nova - 10th The Vauxhall Nova was the 10th best selling car in the UK during the 1980s, according to with half a million shifted. Among its fans is the radio presenter Stephanie Hirst, pictured with her Vauxhall Nova. It was her dad's company car when he worked for the electrical retailer Wigfalls and became her first car when she turned 17. She says it is still her favourite car, so much so that she spent £22,000 restoring it and still drives it regularly. | Jake Smith Photo: Jake Smith Photo Sales 2 . Austin/MG Maestro - 9th The Austin/MG Maestro was the ninth most popular car of the 1980s in the UK, with 605,000 sold during its lifespan. It was launched in 1983 as a replacement for the Austin Maxi and Austin Allegro. It was praised by Which? upon its release as being roomy, comfortable, and nice to drive. | National Motor Museum/Photo: National Motor Museum/Photo Sales 3 . Ford Orion - 8th The Ford Orion was the eighth best-selling car of the 80s, according to with 3,534,239 sold during its lifespan between 1983 and 1993. Among those who drove it was the Olympic javelin champion Tessa Sanderson, pictured receiving the keys to a Ford Orion 1.6 Injection Ghia from her new sponsors in Wade lane, Leeds, in October 1984, just two months after claiming gold in LA. | National World Photo: National World Photo Sales 4 . Ford Cortina - 7th The Ford Cortina was produced between 1962 and 1982, when it was replaced by the Sierra, with 2.6 million sold over that period. Even towards the end of its life it remained one of the most popular cars in the UK, where it was the best-selling car in both 1980 and 1981, and the second best-selling car in 1982. The beloved medium-sized family car is referenced in songs and poetry, including the Clash song Janie Jones and Elton John's Made In England. | Evening Standard/Photo: Evening Standard/Photo Sales
Business Mayor
27-04-2025
- Business Mayor
English museum home to world-famous collection – as well as UK's oldest monorail
THE UK'S oldest monorail is based at a museum in the New Forest, between Southampton and Bournemouth. The historic monorail, located at Beaulieu, stretches for a mile and allows guests to explore the museum from above. 4 The monorail celebrated 50 years since opening, last year Credit: Alamy 4 A ride on the monorail stretches for a mile Credit: Alamy It even goes over the roof of the National Motor Museum. As guests travel on the monorail, commentary tells the stories behind the different things they see on their journey. Visitors can experience the monorail through regular services across the day. Over 240,000 visitors take a trip on the Monorail each year. Last year, the Monorail at Beaulieu celebrated 50 years since it opened in 1974. Over the decades, visitors have enjoyed the travelling on the monorail at the museum. Back in 1974, it was opened by The Wombles – the furry, secretive creatures created by Elizabeth Beresford. However, it was not the first monorail at Beaulieu. Before the 'Skytrain', there was a less permanent structure in place for the opening of the National Motor Museum in 1972. This monorail featured battery operated mechanics, from milk floats and soon after it was launched, it was realised that something more permanent was needed. Tiny English village named one of the most beautiful in the UK is home to huge motor museum Butlin's was actually the thing that inspired a permanent monorail at the museum, as the resort at Skegness was home to the first commercial monorail system in the UK. An agreement was made, whereby Beaulieu purchased the same mechanism to use for its 'Skytrain'. The trains were recently named 'Monty' and 'Mary' and for the 50th anniversary, the monorail station underwent a refresh, with a new design on both the inside and outside of the carriages paying homage to the history of the ride. Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides of the monorail during their visit to Beaulieu, as this is included in a general admission ticket. There is even Beaulieu Monorail-themed merchandise in the museum's gift shop. Beaulieu is also home to many other attractions for visitors to explore. The National Motor Museum features some of the earliest motor carriages, as well as classic family saloons and Formula 1 cars. 4 Nearby is also Palace House, a medieval abbey that was renovated into a Victorian country house Credit: Alamy Visitors can also head to the Palace House, which was once the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey and has been home to the Montagu's since 1538. The palace was extensively remodelled in the 19th century, making it into a Victorian country house, with Gothic features. A number of rooms in the Palace have recently been refurbished and will open to the public over Easter. Tickets to the full attraction, including the above and more such as the gardens, is £27 per adult or £15.50 per child, when booked in advance. The closest train station is Brockenhurst, where trains from London regularly stop. A new tour of three historic UK train stations was recently announced. Plus, the 150-year-old British train station named one of Europe's best.
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
English museum home to world-famous collection – as well as UK's oldest monorail
Plus, the other things you can explore near the monorail ON THE TRACKS English museum home to world-famous collection – as well as UK's oldest monorail Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE UK'S oldest monorail is based at a museum in the New Forest, between Southampton and Bournemouth. The historic monorail, located at Beaulieu, stretches for a mile and allows guests to explore the museum from above. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The monorail celebrated 50 years since opening, last year Credit: Alamy 4 A ride on the monorail stretches for a mile Credit: Alamy It even goes over the roof of the National Motor Museum. As guests travel on the monorail, commentary tells the stories behind the different things they see on their journey. Visitors can experience the monorail through regular services across the day. Over 240,000 visitors take a trip on the Monorail each year. Last year, the Monorail at Beaulieu celebrated 50 years since it opened in 1974. Over the decades, visitors have enjoyed the travelling on the monorail at the museum. Back in 1974, it was opened by The Wombles - the furry, secretive creatures created by Elizabeth Beresford. However, it was not the first monorail at Beaulieu. Before the 'Skytrain', there was a less permanent structure in place for the opening of the National Motor Museum in 1972. This monorail featured battery operated mechanics, from milk floats and soon after it was launched, it was realised that something more permanent was needed. Tiny English village named one of the most beautiful in the UK is home to huge motor museum Butlin's was actually the thing that inspired a permanent monorail at the museum, as the resort at Skegness was home to the first commercial monorail system in the UK. An agreement was made, whereby Beaulieu purchased the same mechanism to use for its 'Skytrain'. The trains were recently named 'Monty' and 'Mary' and for the 50th anniversary, the monorail station underwent a refresh, with a new design on both the inside and outside of the carriages paying homage to the history of the ride. Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides of the monorail during their visit to Beaulieu, as this is included in a general admission ticket. There is even Beaulieu Monorail-themed merchandise in the museum's gift shop. Beaulieu is also home to many other attractions for visitors to explore. The National Motor Museum features some of the earliest motor carriages, as well as classic family saloons and Formula 1 cars. 4 Nearby is also Palace House, a medieval abbey that was renovated into a Victorian country house Credit: Alamy Visitors can also head to the Palace House, which was once the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey and has been home to the Montagu's since 1538. The palace was extensively remodelled in the 19th century, making it into a Victorian country house, with Gothic features. A number of rooms in the Palace have recently been refurbished and will open to the public over Easter. Tickets to the full attraction, including the above and more such as the gardens, is £27 per adult or £15.50 per child, when booked in advance. The closest train station is Brockenhurst, where trains from London regularly stop. A new tour of three historic UK train stations was recently announced. Plus, the 150-year-old British train station named one of Europe's best.
The Irish Sun
27-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
English museum home to world-famous collection – as well as UK's oldest monorail
THE UK'S oldest monorail is based at a museum in the New Forest, between Southampton and Bournemouth. The 4 The monorail celebrated 50 years since opening, last year Credit: Alamy 4 A ride on the monorail stretches for a mile Credit: Alamy It even goes over the roof of the As guests travel on the monorail, commentary tells the stories behind the different things they see on their journey. Visitors can experience the monorail through regular services across the day. Over 240,000 visitors take a trip on the Monorail each year. Read more about trains Last year, the Monorail at Beaulieu celebrated 50 years since it opened in 1974. Over the decades, visitors have enjoyed the travelling on the monorail at the museum. Back in 1974, it was opened by However, it was not the first monorail at Beaulieu. Most read in News Travel Before the 'Skytrain', there was a less permanent structure in place for the opening of the National Motor Museum in 1972. This monorail featured battery operated mechanics, from milk floats and soon after it was launched, it was realised that something more permanent was needed. Tiny English village named one of the most beautiful in the UK is home to huge motor museum Butlin's was actually the thing that inspired a permanent monorail at the museum, as the resort at Skegness was home to the first commercial monorail system in the UK. An agreement was made, whereby Beaulieu purchased the same mechanism to use for its 'Skytrain'. The trains were recently named 'Monty' and 'Mary' and for the 50th anniversary, the monorail station underwent a refresh, with a new design on both the inside and outside of the carriages paying homage to the history of the ride. Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides of the monorail during their visit to Beaulieu, as this is included in a general admission ticket. There is even Beaulieu Monorail-themed merchandise in the museum's gift shop. Beaulieu is also home to many other attractions for visitors to explore. The National Motor Museum features some of the earliest motor carriages, as well as classic family saloons and Formula 1 cars. 4 Nearby is also Palace House, a medieval abbey that was renovated into a Victorian country house Credit: Alamy Visitors can also head to the Palace House, which was once the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey and has been home to the Montagu's since 1538. The palace was extensively remodelled in the 19th century, making it into a A number of rooms in the Palace have recently been refurbished and will open to the public over Easter. Tickets to the full attraction, including the above and more such as the gardens, is £27 per adult or £15.50 per child, when booked in advance. The closest train station is Brockenhurst, where trains from London regularly stop. A new tour of Plus, the 150-year-old British train station named one of Europe's best. 4 Rides on the monorail are included in the admission fee Credit: Alamy
