Buckler's Hard Museum and Village
Beaulieu, New Forest
An 18th-century shipbuilding village on the Beaulieu River where warships for Nelson's navy were built, including three that fought at Trafalgar. The museum and reconstructed cottages tell the story of the shipyard and the families who lived there, and the wide village street running down to the river is free to explore.
Highlights
- Models of the Buckler's Hard ships at Trafalgar and Nelson artefacts
- Cottage displays of village life in the early 1800s
- Beaulieu River at War exhibition, opened in June 2026
- Sir Francis Chichester and Gipsy Moth IV display
- Riverside walk of about 2.25 miles to Beaulieu village
Good to know
- Show a train, ferry or bus ticket from the same day for 20% off standard admission
- The riverside walk to Beaulieu takes about an hour each way
- Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas
- Bike racks are in the coach park
Getting there
Buckler's Hard Museum and Village, Buckler's Hard, near Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7XBParking: Pay on exit by number plate at the machines or by app, with cash and card accepted; last entry is 5pm and there is no overnight parking. Three disabled spaces are within 50 metres of the entrance, and motorhomes and caravans use the overflow car park.
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More things to do in Lymington
Nearby
Exbury Gardens
A 200-acre woodland garden where the Beaulieu River meets the Solent, best known for its spring displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias. More than 22 miles of paths wind through the gardens to riverside walks, with autumn colour from nyssas and acers.
Exbury Steam Railway
A narrow-gauge steam railway built in 2001 inside Exbury Gardens, inspired by the railway enthusiast Leopold de Rothschild. The 20-minute ride on the Rhododendron Line gives a raised view of the Rock Garden and runs through a tunnel, over a bridge and around Dragonfly Pond.
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
A national collection of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia on the Beaulieu estate, running from early motor carriages to Formula 1 cars and land speed record breakers. Entry is part of the single Beaulieu ticket, which also covers Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, the gardens and the monorail.