Bank Holiday weekend at Buckler's Hard

August 21, 2025

Looking for something fun and memorable to do this bank holiday weekend? Buckler’s Hard, tucked away on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, is a perfect spot for families and history fans alike.
Once a bustling shipbuilding village, it’s now a place where you can step back in time, explore the fascinating museum, enjoy a river cruise, and take in the beautiful surroundings, all without breaking the bank.

Entry to the village is free. For those arriving by vehicle, a parking charge applies, which helps us maintain this special heritage site.

Beside the apple orchard you’ll find the Buckler’s Hard Museum. Originally the village inn, the museum is a highlight, bringing the village’s story to life with interactive displays and fascinating artefacts.

Highlights include:

  • HMS Beaulieu – keep a look out for a ship called Beaulieu while you’re in the museum.
  • Model of Buckler’s Hard village – get a bird’s eye view of Buckler’s Hard as it was on 3 June 1803. Look at the height of the wood stacks against the windows of the cottages, and compare the height of the ships under construction to the terrace roofline. Think back to this when you visit the high street later!
  • The New Inn – this reconstruction of the village pub is in its original location and shows an evening in the 1790s. Unsubstantiated stories suggest the inn was once a centre for smuggling!

Be sure to visit Cottage 75, home of the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, to discover their work bringing the shipyard’s rich history to life, from medieval times through 18th- and 19th-century shipbuilding, its role in WWII, and its global legacy. Learn about their inclusive, sustainable efforts to preserve the village’s heritage, including the recent archaeological excavation of Slipway 2, one of the largest surviving historic slipways. Read more here.
For a change of pace, hop on a river cruise, enjoy the stunning scenery, and see the village from a new angle. Afterwards, take a relaxed stroll along the riverside paths where shipbuilders once walked. With its rich history and beautiful setting, Buckler’s Hard makes for a perfect bank holiday day out.

River cruises run daily, and tickets are sold onboard. For sailing times and prices, click here.

Fancy a longer walk? The 2¼ mile riverside walk to Beaulieu winds through woodland, grassland and salt marsh before ending at the village of Beaulieu, home to the Beaulieu visitor attraction with its world-renowned National Motor Museum as well as a variety of charming shops. The route takes approx. 1 hour each way.

Talk to one of our team for more details or download the route from the Beaulieu River website.

Buckler’s Hard, in the heart of the New Forest, is accessible by foot, car, motorbike, bicycle, or boat! For those arriving by car, a small parking charge contributes to the upkeep of the historic village. For more details, click here or call 01590 616203.

To enhance your visit and learn more about the special heritage of Buckler’s Hard, you have the option to pay a small admission charge to explore the Museum or enjoy the River Cruise.

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