Enjoy a summer visit to Buckler’s Hard

July 17, 2024

A cool breeze and rippling waters…step back in time this summer at Buckler’s Hard. With its beautiful scenery, shipbuilding heritage, River Cruise and brand new free-to-visit art exhibition, Buckler’s Hard is ideal for a summer’s day out, whether you’re simply taking in the view, treating yourself to an ice cream or diving into the rich history of the village.
Start your day in the Buckler’s Hard Museum to discover remarkable stories from centuries of maritime history, including the heyday of Buckler’s Hard when ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built there. Take a closer look inside the preserved shipwright’s cottage and the Chapel of St Mary’s, with its smugglers’ cellar beside the altar.

Entry to the Buckler’s Hard village is free, including entry to the HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend exhibition, showing how nations are working together to preserve the world’s only surviving wreck of a ship built at Buckler’s Hard.

Whilst visiting, take a break from the summer heat and feel the breeze as you hop aboard our seasonal River Cruise. Keep an eye out for the resident wildlife including waders and wildfowl and listen closely to the engaging commentary that will reveal the fascinating history of the Beaulieu River and the creatures that inhabit its riverbanks. You might even be lucky enough to catch sightings of our resident seals!
See the original paintings by Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year semi-finalists and collection of artworks from the Montagu family archives in our new exhibition, The Art of Buckler’s Hard. Plus, more than 20 new artworks have gone on show in the free exhibition after judges selected their shortlist from nearly 200 competition entries. Paintings on a tea bag and leaf, a montage of stamps and wood slice engraving were among more unusual submissions by amateur and professional artists. The Art of Buckler’s Hard is now open in the Shipyard Office on the High Street – and entry is free!
f you’re feeling peckish, drop anchor and find refreshments at The Captain’s Table, where you can tuck into a tasty lunch or sumptuous New Forest ice cream.

For those after a fine dining experience, the Master Builder’s House can be found at the bottom of the high street, offering fresh, seasonal food, good quality wines and ales. Henry’s Pub at the Master Builder’s House is inviting you to get your thinking caps on as they host a pub quiz every Wednesday through summer, and live music every Friday to get you ready for the weekend ahead. Plus, the brand-new Crew Bar BBQ is open from the 17th July, then every day through the summer* until September, serving tasty street food, draft beers, cider and handpicked wines.

If you have extra time, extend your visit to Buckler’s Hard with a New Forest walk to see the oak trees that might once have been used for ship construction in their native habitat. The Solent Way footpath runs through the village, making Buckler’s Hard the perfect destination for walkers and cyclists alike, just a gentle 2¼ mile walk or cycle from Beaulieu.

Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest, Hampshire is accessible by foot, car, bike – or boat! The village is free to enter. For those arriving by vehicle, a parking charge applies, which helps maintain the heritage site. If you wish to explore the Buckler’s Hard Museum or River Cruise, a small admission charge applies.

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