Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard

Idyllically set at the head of the Beaulieu River, historic Beaulieu is an attractive village of red-brick Georgian cottages dominated by Palace House, originally the great gatehouse to a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1204 by King John. To many visitors, Beaulieu is just the abbey ruins and the famous motor museum, but, despite its overwhelming popularity, the village remains relatively unspoilt and is well worth exploring before setting out on this picturesque riverside walk through the Beaulieu Estate to Bucklers Hard.

The timeless village of Bucklers Hard, with its single picturesque wide street leading down to the river, was laid out during the 18th century by the 2nd Duke of Montagu. Having been granted the West Indian islands of St Lucia and St Vincent, he envisaged developing his own port on the Beaulieu River to import and refine sugar grown on the islands. Sadly, his dream was shattered when the French invaded his islands. Twenty years later, having inherited the right to have a free harbour and due to the proximity of plentiful timber supplies, Bucklers Hard became a prosperous shipbuilding centre. Many of the early wooden warships, including Nelson's HMS Agamemnon, were made from New Forest oak here until the company was dissolved in around 1820. In its busy days the wide main street would have been used for rolling great logs to the 'hard' where the ships were built. Today, the whole village is a living museum, the street is free of traffic and the village scene remains exactly as it was in its shipbuilding heyday. While you're here, visit the Maritime Museum and learn about the shipbuilding industry through fascinating displays, large-scale models and various artifacts, including items from the voyages of Sir Francis Chichester who moored his yacht here. Then, explore authentically reconstructed cottage and inn interiors and gain an insight into the life of the workers in the 18th century, before strolling along the riverbank to view the remains of the inlets where some of the 50 wooden naval and merchant vessels were built.

Bailey's Hard was formerly the site of a thriving brick making industry in the 18th century. Bricks were made here until the 1930s and many were used in the construction of the estate houses. It was also where the first naval vessel to be built on the Beaulieu River, the Salisbury, was completed in 1698.

Keeping Copse was replanted in about 1820, after much of the mature timber had been felled for shipbuilding. You can still identify some of the trees that were encouraged to grow the distinctive heavy side branches to be used in the ship's frames.

Where to eat and drink

In Bucklers Hard you will find the Mainsail Café and the Master Builder's House Hotel (bar open all day), the latter offering good bar food. In Beaulieu, try the old Bakehouse Tearooms for light lunches and cream teas, or Monty's for real ale and pub food.

What to look for

As you walk beside the Beaulieu River look out out for the waders and wildfowl, including shelduck, curlew, redshank and oystercatcher, that thrive on the tidal mudflats and saltmarsh. Make a point of visiting Beaulieu Abbey Church (free access before noon), formerly the monks refectory. Note the original 13th-century stone reading pulpit, reached via a vaulted staircase, and the graves of Lady Isabella, wife of King John's son, the Earl of Cornwall who died in 1240, and that of Princess Eleana, infant daughter of Edward I.

While you're there

Take a cruise on the tranquil Beaulieu River from Bucklers Hard aboard Swiftsure and view the abundant birdlife on the salt marshes. On your return to Beaulieu, visit Palace House, the home of Lord Montagu, and the adjacent remains of the 13th-century abbey with its exhibition on monastic life. If time allows, take a look at the famous National Motor Museum, the world's largest collection of vehicles and motoring memorabilia.