Description

On the banks of the Beaulieu River you will find the peaceful haven of Buckler’s Hard, developed as a shipbuilding village, where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built.

The Maritime Museum offers an interpretation of Buckler’s Hard and the Beaulieu River, focusing on its ships and revealing the stories of the unique village, bringing to life the characters who lived here at the time of Henry Adams, the Master Shipbuilder between 1744 and 1805.

The SS Persia exhibition tells the remarkable story of this P&O liner, which was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1915. Following the world’s deepest salvage operation of its type; several of the ship’s artefacts are on display for the first time.

Historic displays in the Labourer’s and Shipwright’s cottages show how the village would have looked in the early 1800s and in the New Inn; you can hear residents from the time gossiping about local matters.

The Beaulieu River was believed to be a major landing point for smuggled goods from the late 18th century with the cottage that is now the chapel of St Mary’s a centre of operations.

Follow the Woodland Walk to discover how the local timber at was used in the 18th and 19th centuries to construct ships for the British Navy.

Stroll along the pathways beside the Beaulieu River, or join the River Cruise, operating between Easter and October, which transports you on a tranquil journey along the River, revealing the abundant wildlife that inhabits its riverbanks.

Facilities

• Tearoom
• Gift Shop
• Picnic Area

Prices

Please see our website for all of our prices.

Directions

Buckler's Hard is in the heart of the New Forest, just 3 miles from Beaulieu.

Opening Times

November to February 10.00am - 4.30pm
March to June 10.00am - 5.00pm
July to August 10.00am - 5.30pm
September to October 10.00am - 5.00pm