A top visitor attraction in Hampshire will be turning the clock back to the 1970s later this month to celebrate a milestone moment for England’s oldest monorail.
Classic children’s characters, the Wombles, are set to make a return to Beaulieu on 31 July as star guests at a big birthday bash, half a century after they opened the award-winning attraction’s pioneering monorail.
Since July 1974 the mile-long Skytrain has offered passengers sweeping views over the grounds and gardens, as well as Beaulieu Palace House.
It also travels through the roof of the Motor Museum giving travellers a bird’s eye view of the collection of more than 280 vehicles below.
Now, Great Uncle Bulgaria and Orinoco will return to Beaulieu 50 years after they opened the monorail.
And as well as a chance to go ‘wombling free’ with the costumed characters, the special event is promising a fun filled day of live entertainment and activities, including Laurence Marshall’s traditional one-man band, free face painting and a monorail exhibition featuring a film made by Lord Montagu. Visitors are also being invited to dress up in 1970s attire to celebrate in style.
Beaulieu’s monorail, which replaced an earlier version installed for the opening of the National Motor Museum in 1972 using battery operated mechanics from milk floats, is still a popular attraction at the award-winning venue.
Today, more than 240,000 visitors take a trip each year on two trains, recently named ‘Monty’ and ‘Mary’, in honour of members of the Montagu family who have called Beaulieu home since 1538.
For the anniversary year, the vehicles have been given a new design on both the outside and inside of the carriages, while the Monorail station has also undergone a refresh.
The special celebrations are included in a general admission ticket, costing £25 adults, £14 children (5-16 years) and £64.50 for a family of up to five, booked in advance online.
One of South of England’s top family days, admission covers the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.
For more details, and tickets, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk
All tourist information for Hampshire can be found at www.visit-hampshire.co.uk
Main picture: The Wombles at the opening of the Beaulieu Monorail in 1974
Photos: Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd
