Join in with a Traditional Boatbuilding crafts day at Buckler’s Hard on Saturday 20th June

June 17, 2026

Following this week’s traditional carpentry course, which saw 13 students successfully construct three large wooden ship capstans and a traditional sheerlegs lifting device, these historic shipyard machines will be demonstrated in action at the historic village of Buckler’s Hard on Saturday 20 June.

The demonstration will offer visitors a rare opportunity to see traditional maritime engineering techniques brought to life, showcasing the skills and craftsmanship that once played a vital role in shipbuilding along the Beaulieu River.

Alongside them will be others demonstrating traditional boatbuilding skills such as ropework, ironwork, sawyers, shipwrights, blacksmiths and caulkers from HMS Victory as well as the Boat Building Academy and Tools for Self-Reliance. The demonstrations will take place between 10am – 5pm and are free for the public to watch. They’ll take place at the Shipwrights workshop at the bottom of the high street.

Visitors can even try their hand at caulking or knot work, making a treenail or learning about historic sail making. This fantastic event is sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, the livery company of historic shipwrights and the Society for Nautical Research
The Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust’s mission is to bring the story of Buckler’s Hard shipyard alive, with its rich history from medieval times to shipbuilding in the 18th and 19th centuries, its role in WW2, the global footprint of ships originating from it and its rural village community and preserve it for future generations.
Buckler’s Hard is open seven days a week, nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Visitors can explore its picturesque riverside setting and discover its fascinating history through the museum and historic village.
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