Disappointing secret

The sign's promising, but the staircase isn't. I was very excited to see this sign at Palace House, once the gatehouse to Beaulieu Abbey in the New Forest. I couldn't wait to climb the starcase and discover the history behind it.

Unfortunately, it was roped off and no one knows why it was built, leaving the sign more exciting than the staircase.

The rest of Beaulieu is really worth seeing, though - great motor museum, lovely gardens and beautiful surroundings, so don't let this little secret put you off.