A HAMPSHIRE attraction has been hailed as one of the best in the country.

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, has been given top marks by VisitEngland, which praised the site’s educational and entertainment value.

Beaulieu is one of the attractions awarded a gold accolade following a nationwide survey carried out in August.

A museum spokesman said VisitEngland’s “audit” described it as an outstanding attraction with interesting, fun and well-presented elements that added up to a full and satisfying day out for visitors.

Beaulieu includes the Top Gear experience, an exhibition about Beaulieu’s secret role in the Second World War and the 13th century Palace House, Lord Montagu’s ancestral home.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Paultons Park has also been awarded one of the gold accolades.

Beaulieu’s commercial director, Stephen Munn, said: “It is a great accolade for the New Forest that two of its leading visitor attractions, Beaulieu and Paultons Park, have been awarded this premier standard.”

l Beaulieu hosts its annual fireworks spectacular at 7.30pm today. This year’s theme is rock legends.