Visitors can enter Buckler’s Hard Museum for free from September 8 to 17 as the maritime village on the banks of the Beaulieu River takes part in the Heritage Open Days campaign.
Exploring the museum, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, is a lovely family day out, discovering more about the maritime history of the village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built.
See exhibits including Nelson’s original baby clothes, then listen in on conversations between villagers of the past and follow residents’ stories in the exhibition of village life.
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Here's our pick of the top five things to do while you're there.
1) Explore the harbourside village which featured in the recent BBC and Disney FX adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. 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.
2) As part of your free access, visit the HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend exhibition to find out how nations are working together to preserve the world’s only surviving wreck of a ship built at Buckler’s Hard.
3) 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 waders and wildfowl, if you’re lucky!
4) Drop anchor for refreshments and sample the tasty new menu at The Captain’s Table and treat yourself to a full cooked breakfast, lunch menu or afternoon tea.
5) To turn your visit into a mini-break, book a room at the Master Builder’s House where Master Shipbuilder Henry Adams once lived. For dog-friendly lodgings, choose a room in their new wing or rent one of three holiday cottages.
Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest is accessible by foot, car, motorbike – or boat! A parking charge contributes to the upkeep of the historic village.
Heritage Open Days bring together and celebrate heritage sites across the country.
Entry is free to anyone who has seen the Buckler’s Hard entry on their website at heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/bucklers-hard-museum and quotes the booking code HOD23.
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