The pretty English village named UK's 'most beautiful' just 6 miles from the beach
The UK's most beautiful village is just a stone's throw from the beach
For those wanting to horse around in the countryside this summer, they could do a lot worse than one the nation's most beautiful villages - which is only six miles from the beach.
The charming village of Beaulieu, Hampshire, combines the best of both an idyllic rural location and a sun-kissed sandy spot to catch some rays or take a swim.
The 13th century settlement built up around the historic Beaulieu Abbey and Beaulieu Palace House, both of which are still stunning local attractions worth a visit today.
Just under 1,000 people live in Beaulieu which sits in the incredible beauty of the New Forest where horses, donkeys and cattle are free to graze on common land.
It's not unusual to see one the local equine residents sauntering up the main street in the village of an afternoon, which paints a picture of a time gone in much of the English countryside.
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The successor to the horse, the modern motorcar, is celebrated with aplomb at the nearby National Motor Museum which houses exhibits from the UK's motoring past.
And for any petrolheads wanting to cool off after seeing all the exciting exhibits there is the tranquility of nearby Lepe Beach to enjoy, which has a beautiful sand and shingle stretch of shoreline to enjoy.
History buffs will also find Lepe has some remnants from Allied preparations for the D-Day invasion of Nazi occupied France in 1945. Several massive concrete blocks from the landing drills can still be found on the beach.
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Visit the New Forest says the village of Beaulieu is "probably best-known the world-famous" motor museum, adding: "The museum houses more than 280 vehicles and includes legendary motor vehicles from all over the world, including the record-breaking Bluebird."
The website explains: "Entry to the Motor Museum also gives you access to Beaulieu Abbey, where you can step back in history to the times of the monks and not forgetting Palace House, the home of the Montagu family.
"Here, costumed guides are on hand to give you the flavour of what life was like in Victorian times. Make sure you allow time to wander through the gardens and grounds including the colourful Victorian Kitchen Garden.
If you enjoy walking then why not follow the Beaulieu River path from the village down to Buckler’s Hard, you may even be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher on the way."
