IT WAS built in the 13th century and has been the ancestral home of the Montagu family since 1538.

Originally the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House was extended during the 1800s and is regarded as a fine example of a Victorian country house.

In 1952 it became one of the first stately homes in England to open its doors to the public.

Now the grounds and gardens of Palace House are reopening to the public today following a gradual easing of the lockdown, which has been in place since the middle of March.

Palace House itself will remain closed, as will the National Motor Museum, the World of Top Gear and the abbey exhibition.

But visitors can explore the formal Victorian flower and vegetable gardens, the mill pond walk and the abbey cloisters. They will also be able to walk through a large area of parkland normally only used for major events.

Lord Montagu's private gardens will also be open for a limited period.

A Beaulieu spokesperson said: "The Beaulieu Estate team have been busy during the ten-week closure to ensure the grounds and gardens are in the best possible condition.

"Two new carvings have been completed in the mill pond walk, together with the renovation of a Victorian ice house.

"A visit to Beaulieu wouldn't be complete without the opportunity to see some beautiful vehicles from the National Motor Museum so a handful will be on display near the Palace House garages."

Lord Montagu added: "I expect that many of our visitors will have been to Beaulieu before but probably not just to enjoy the grounds and gardens.

"While our collections and buildings tell fascinating stories the grounds and gardens have tales to tell too.

"In writing the guide to Outdoors Beaulieu I have taken the opportunity to share some personal perspectives and memories of the place in which I grew up, and is still very much my home."

Capacity will be limited to 500 visitors a day. Families can book their preferred date and arrival time by visiting beaulieu.co.uk.