England’s oldest monorail turns 50 this summer – and its award-winning home is planning a big birthday bash.
Since July 1974 a mile-long Monorail at Hampshire visitor attraction, Beaulieu, 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.
Opened by The Wombles, costumed characters from the popular 1970s children’s TV show, the ‘Skytrain’ was inspired by Butlins at Skegness, which launched the UK’s first commercial monorail system in 1965.
Almost a decade later, Beaulieu’s version went into service, replacing the first ‘monorail’ at the attraction, which was a less permanent structure installed for the opening of the National Motor Museum in 1972 using battery operated mechanics from milk floats.
Today, more than 240,000 visitors take a trip on the Monorail 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.
More details of the 50th birthday bash in July will be revealed shortly, and new Beaulieu Monorail merchandise will also be available in the attraction’s gift shop.
Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides on the Beaulieu Monorail, which is 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/attractions/50-years-of-the-monorail
All tourist information for Hampshire can be found at www.visit-hampshire.co.uk
Photos: Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd
