Vintage Wheels

Set in the picturesque village of Beaulieu in the New Forest, this charming hotel is just a short walk from the National Motor Museum – home to over 280 historic vehicles, including land speed record-breakers, classic British marques, and Formula One icons. The surrounding area offers scenic drives through open heathland, ancient woodland, and idyllic villages.

But the cherry on top is The Montagu Arms luxury classic car breaks. “Combining the excitement of classic motoring with the elegance of a countryside retreat, the experience includes dinner, tickets to the museum and the opportunity to take the wheel of one of several iconic vehicles,” says Davide Santocono, General Manager.

Choosing the right car is part of the fun. “The Jaguar E-Type is a true motoring icon, offering timeless design and a smooth, memorable drive through the forest roads. The 1966 Ford Mustang delivers classic American muscle and a strong road presence, making it a favourite for those after something bold and nostalgic.

“For a completely different option, the Morgan 3-Wheeler offers a thrilling and open-air experience – a quirky and unforgettable drive that always leaves a lasting impression,” says Davide. There’s even the resident 1967 Mini Moke to test out if you wish!

The ultimate driving route from The Montagu Arms

“One of the most rewarding routes from The Montagu Arms begins right in Beaulieu and takes you on a scenic loop through the heart of the New Forest,” says Davide. “From the hotel, head towards Lyndhurst, considered the ‘capital’ of the New Forest, via the B3056 – a wonderfully open road that winds through heathland dotted with wild ponies and deer. This stretch is perfect for enjoying the rhythm of a classic car, with gentle curves and far-reaching views. In Lyndhurst, car lovers can admire an impressive collection of Ferraris at the Meridien Modena garage on the High Street.

“Continue to the village of Burley, known for its tea rooms and stories of smuggling and witchcraft. From there, drive on to Brockenhurst via Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, one of the forest’s most beautiful stretches. Towering redwoods and ancient oaks line this peaceful, tree-canopied road. And of course, the drive is best finished with a drink on the terrace back at The Montagu Arms.”

Palé Hall is set on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, and the roads surrounding the hotel are some of the most scenic and breathtaking in the UK – ideal for taking vintage and performance cars for a spin.

“Just a short drive from the main house, The Bryntirion Inn – our estate pub – perfectly complements our motoring offering,” says Marketing Director, Lizzy Lucas. “Originally a local village pub, it has been lovingly restored to reflect our love of cars with plenty of automotive memorabilia.”

During your stay, the Bentley chauffeur experience allows you to sit back and enjoy the views with a bespoke route tailored to your interests – whether that’s winding mountain passes, lakeside drives or charming Welsh villages.

Or, go all in and book one of the Wonder of Wales weekends at Palé Hall. “Held twice a year, these are two-night events with fine dining and thrilling drives through the dramatic landscape,” says Lizzy. “Bringing together curated driving routes and delicious menus created by our Head Chef, Ed Marsh, these events are all about connection – with the road, other car enthusiasts and the beauty of North Wales.”

The ultimate driving route from Palé Hall

“One of our favourites is the route that heads west through Bala and up into the dramatic mountain roads of Snowdonia, passing Llyn Trawsfynydd and descending through the forests of Coed y Brenin,” says Lizzy.

“The scenery is both cinematic and ever-changing – from rugged peaks to peaceful lakes. A stop at the Mach Loop lookout point (a training area for RAF fast jets) is a unique highlight, as is a detour to the Tegid Trail or the charming town of Dolgellau for coffee and a stroll.”

Located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Grantley Hall is a dream destination for vintage car enthusiasts. Set within a stunning 17th-century estate surrounded by immaculate grounds, it not only places you at the heart of some of the UK’s most scenic driving routes, but it’s also the perfect backdrop for their annual event – Supercar Sunday. Featuring rare and iconic cars, both vintage and modern, alongside live music, it’s the ideal opportunity to network with fellow collectors.

“In 2025, we hosted over 560 vehicles with a combined value exceeding £100 million,” says Paul Boulton, Lifestyle Manager and expert racing coach. “Guests can admire everything from modern supercars to historic racing motors like a 1969 Ford GT40 replica – built to Carroll Shelby’s Le Mans-winning specs, with a 302 CID V8 engine, no less. Supercar Sunday is set to return for 2026. Keep an eye out for dates!”

Then, there’s the Grantley Motorsport immersive racing experience. “This is designed for everyone – from beginners to motorsport enthusiasts. The journey begins with a high-energy challenge on the BATAK reaction wall, where guests test their speed against elite athletes.

“You can then step into the professional racing simulator, where you can drive a selection of dream cars – ranging from high-performance supercars to iconic racing machines – on simulated world-famous racetracks.”

The ultimate driving route from Grantley Hall

“The best route depends on your vehicle, but for a fantastic two-hour drive, I recommend a circular route up through and to Stokesley, then back down past Rievaulx Abbey,” says Paul.

“This will take you through some of the finest driving roads in the North Yorkshire Moors. You’ll enjoy wide-open views and clear visibility. There’s also a lovely stop in Helmsley along the way. These roads tend to be quieter than those in the Yorkshire Dales.”