The Buckler’s Hard team tells us…
(All words and photographs from the team).
Visitors are invited to make the most of Heritage Open Days Festival with free entry to Buckler’s Hard Museum on 11th, 12th and 13th September at the maritime village on the banks of the Beaulieu River.
Highlights include the exhibition HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend, housed in the Shipwrights Workshop. This display reveals how nations are working together to protect the wreck of Admiral Nelson’s favourite ship. On Friday 11th at 11:30am and Sunday 13th September at 2:30pm, Mary Montagu-Scott (pictured below), Chair of the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust will give a free talk within the exhibition, sharing progress on the preservation project and her own experience of diving on the wreck.
Plus, on Saturday 12th September at 2pm, local historian Marc Heighway will present Beaulieu River in WWII, exploring the river’s vital role during the Second World War.
Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to step aboard HMS Medusa, a surviving World War II Harbour Defence Motor Launch which will be moored on the river for the weekend.
On your free visit to the museum, discover more about the maritime village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built. See exhibits, listen in on conversations between villagers of the past and follow residents’ stories in the exhibition of village life. Dogs are welcome on a lead in the museum, so bring the whole family along.
Then enjoy exploring the rest of the picturesque village including:
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Visit the free exhibition Beaulieu River at War, which explores the profound impact of the Second World War on the Beaulieu River and the surrounding estate. This free exhibition is open every day 10am – 4pm in the Shipyard Gallery.
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Step inside the original Shipwright’s Cottage and charming St Mary’s Chapel, with a smugglers’ cellar under the altar, then pass preserved cottages which line the gently sloping street on its way to the water’s edge.
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For an extra charge, step on board the Beaulieu River Cruise as the perfect escape from everyday life. You may even spot a seal, as well as birds and riverbank wildlife, if you’re lucky! River cruises run daily, sailing from the jetty at the bottom of the High Street, from 11am – 4.30pm. Tickets can be bought on board. For details and prices visit https://bucklershard.co.uk/attractions/river-cruise/
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Drop anchor for refreshments at The Captain’s Table and treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.
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Call in at Henry’s, the pub at the Master Builder’s House which is named after shipbuilder Henry Adams who lived there in the 18th century. Enjoy the best of local, seasonal dining, with a summer specials menu and stunning views across the Beaulieu River from the brand-new covered terrace.
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Take a stroll along a riverside loop with stunning views – there’s even a bird hide along the way at Keeping Marsh. For a preview of the walk, follow our video link: https://youtu.be/rpLd1CesqZ0
Free entry code
Heritage Open Days Festival brings together and celebrates heritage sites across the country. For free entry to Buckler’s Hard Museum, just quote the voucher code HOD26 at the admission desk on arrival.
Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest, Hampshire is accessible by foot, car, or motorbike. A parking charge contributes to the upkeep of the historic village.
For more details, visit the website at www.bucklershard.co.uk or call 01590 616203. Keep up-to-date with the latest Buckler’s Hard news and offers at www.facebook.com/bucklershard or www.instagram.com/bucklershard/.