Visit the Buckler's Hard Visitor Centre & Museum to discover the fascinating stories of this historic maritime village, nestled on the edge of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest, including a talk on Nelson's HMS Agamemnon by Mary Montagu-Scott.
Buckler's Hard on the Beaulieu Estate is steeped in history from its beginnings in the 13th century when owned by the Cistercian monks, to its time as a shipyard where boats for Nelson’s Navy were built. Today it welcomes visitors from far afield but continues to tell the village’s stories in the Museum and cottage displays. It was also used as a location for the BBC's adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, broadcast in 2023.
Explore the museum for FREE from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th September, and learn about the village’s shipbuilding history, smuggling secrets, wartime stories and discover how the village has transformed into the tranquil haven that stands today.
Visit the exhibition in the Shipwrights Workshop, HMS Agamemnon - Navigating the Legend, telling the story of how nations are working together to preserve the wreck of Admiral Nelson's favourite ship. Plus, on Friday 6th and Sunday 8th September, Mary Montagu-Scott will be hosting a talk in the exhibition about progress being made to preserve the ship, including her recent dive on the wreck of the Agamemnon. The talk will be free with spaces on a first come first served basis.
Event Times
Friday 6 September: Museum opens 10:00am-5:00pm. Talk in the Shipwrights workshop by Mary Montagu-Scott at 2pm.
Saturday 7 September: Museum opens 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 8 September: Museum opens 10:00am-5:00pm. Talk in the Shipwrights workshop by Mary Montagu-Scott at 11am.
Booking Information
Pre-booking: Not required.
Address & Directions
Buckler's Hard Visitor Centre & Museum, Buckler's Hard, Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7XB
Please park in the main Visitor Car Park, or the village can be accessed by foot from Beaulieu, by bicycle or boat (subject to availability in the Buckler's Hard Yacht Harbour marina).
Additional Information
1 hour.
Due to the historic nature and riverside location of Buckler’s Hard, some areas are less accessible to visitors with limited mobility. For further accessibility information visit the Bucker's Hard website.
Please quote the code HOD24 on arrival at the Buckler's Hard Museum to access your free admission as part of the Heritage Open Days Festival. Visitors to the village can also take a cruise on the Beaulieu River which is a separately charged for experience. Please see the website for times and ticket prices.
Check out their social media:
Organised by:
Buckler’s Hard
Header image: Buckler’s Hard maritime village on the banks of the Beaulieu River_credit Beaulieu Enterprises