Mary montagu-scott takes lord mountbatten on vip anniversary tour as kids go free to Buckler’s Hard museum

April 6, 2023

Lord Ivar Mountbatten visited Buckler’s Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River for a VIP tour to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Buckler’s Hard Museum at the start of the bank holiday weekend.

His great-uncle Earl Mountbatten sailed along the river with Edward, Lord Montagu and Belinda, Lady Montagu, before opening the maritime museum 60 years ago.

Lord Mountbatten said: “I was proud to walk in my great-uncle’s footsteps and see the fascinating exhibits in Buckler’s Hard Museum, against the beautiful backdrop of the maritime village on a sunny spring day.”

When Lord Mountbatten performed the re-dedication of the museum for its half-centenary, he was presented with a limited edition David Bell print of Nelson’s favourite ship Agamemnon. On his latest visit, Buckler’s Hard Director Mary Montagu-Scott was able to show him the newly opened HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend exhibition which explains how nations are working together to preserve the world’s only surviving wreck of a ship built at Buckler’s Hard.
The special anniversary visit kickstarted Easter weekend and to join the celebrations, kids are being offered the chance to visit Buckler’s Hard Museum for free until Easter Monday.*

Mary and Lord Mountbatten stepped on board the impressive pilot cutter Amelie Rose which was moored at Buckler’s Hard to celebrate the anniversary on April 6. Amelie Rose took part in the new BBC and Disney FX adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations when scenes were recently filmed at Buckler’s Hard. The series by Steven Knight, the creator of BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinders, is currently being broadcast on Sunday evenings.

Mary Montagu-Scott said: “We were delighted to welcome Lord Mountbatten at an exciting time in Buckler’s Hard’s history, when we have made entry to the village free for even more visitors to experience what life was like in a thriving 18th century shipbuilding village.”

As part of the new free access, visitors can step inside the original Shipwright’s Cottage and charming St Mary’s Chapel, with a smugglers’ cellar beside the altar, then pass preserved cottages which line the gently sloping street on its way to the water’s edge. Or simply enjoy a riverside stroll in the picturesque village where time flows differently.

Then with an admission ticket to Buckler’s Hard Museum, discover more about the maritime history of the village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built. See exhibits including Nelson’s original baby clothes, then listen in on conversations between villagers of the past and follow residents’ stories in the exhibition of village life.

Be amongst the first to enjoy the first River Cruises of the season along Beaulieu River’s meandering saltmarshes. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where you can spot waders and wildfowl and even a seal, if you’re lucky!
Drop anchor and find refreshments with the new menu at The Captain’s Table, where you can tuck into a delicious cooked breakfast, tasty lunch or sumptuous afternoon tea.

To stay overnight, book a room named after Master Shipbuilder Henry Adams at the Master Builder’s House. For dog-friendly lodgings, choose a room in their new wing or rent one of three holiday cottages.

See blossom on the trees in the Apple Orchard. Its apples, along with fruit from the rest of the Beaulieu Estate, are picked in the autumn to make Beaulieu Apple Juice – which is available in Buckler’s Hard gift shop.

Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest, Hampshire is accessible by foot, car, motorbike – or boat! A parking charge contributes to the upkeep of the historic village.

*Kids go free to Buckler’s Hard Museum when accompanied by a paying adult

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