Bucklers Hard
Just a couple of miles south east Bartley Barn on the western bank of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of the New Forest National Park, you will find the peaceful haven of Bucklers Hard - a unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built.
Bucklers Hard Village is one of England's most attractive and unusual villages. It was created in the early 18th century by the 2nd Duke of Montagu, who planned to build a free port, Montagu Town, on the banks of the Beaulieu River for the import and export of sugar from the West Indies. The idea failed to get off the ground when the French captured the islands, but from the 1740s the site was used for the building of over 50 wooden ships for the Royal Navy.
You'll want to visit The Maritime Museum and the "Bucklers Hard Story" where you'll get a real insight into the history of the village by taking a tour of the village "as it was".
Meanwhile a trip on the river or a walk beside the riverbank provides an opportunity to see some of its abundant wildlife. You can cruise on the tranquil Beaulieu River and while you slowly meander down the river you can enjoy its beauty and see the abundant wildlife that lines its banks. There is also a lovely riverside walk through the trees along the Beaulieu River between Beaulieu and Bucklers Hard - fine for pushchairs too!
At the end of it all you can unwind with a pint at The Master Builder's Arms. With beautiful views over the Beaulieu River and set at the end of the grassy street that is Bucklers Hard village, it is difficult to imagine a more picturesque setting for a hotel on the whole south coast of England!
You can reach Bucklers Hard from East Boldre by taking a 20 minute cycle ride along quiet rural lanes - perfect for a family bike excursion.
Bucklers Hard accommodation
For a self catering accommodation base perfectly situated for visiting Bucklers Hard and Beaulieu in the New Forest National Park, Bartley Barn is hard to beat.