A visit to the picturesque New Forest village of Buckler’s Hard is a chance to step back in time, listen in to the stories of yesteryear and walk in the footsteps of the villagers who once lived and worked there.
Buckler’s Hard has a great deal to offer everyone – so whether you come for its history, the natural beauty of this riverside gem, or simply to entertain the children for the day, you’ll all leave transformed and enriched by having visited this magical place.
And how about staying nearby in another historic home-from-home? From hunting lodges to coaching inns and magnificent manor houses, New Forest Collection presents an incredible opportunity for guests to stay in stunning locations full of heritage charm, whilst enjoying all the elegance, luxury and stylish contemporary touches you’d expect from the very best hotels this glorious part of the UK has to offer.
A great day out
The best place to begin your day in the now tranquil and peaceful hamlet of Buckler’s Hard is the Visitor Centre and Museum, where its former life as a bustling and important centre of the shipbuilding industry is revealed. There are some fantastic immersive exhibitions, rare artefacts (including some of Admiral Nelson’s baby clothes) and an intricate model of the village as it would have been hundreds of years ago. This is interesting to bear in mind as you step outside and return again to the 21st century, viewing the village with new eyes.
From the High Street, look out for the red door of the Shipwright’s Cottage. You can pop inside to see how life was a little easier for this well-paid craftsman and his family than it would have been for the labourers you met inside the museum earlier.
Also well worth a visit is St Mary’s Chapel, and even this building has worn many guises over the years. Can you find the hidden cellar said to have been used by smugglers sailing along Beaulieu river? Clue: there’s a mysterious window near the altar that will give the secret away.
Nowadays, you can take a river cruise from the pier at the end of the High Street and whilst smugglers are no longer in evidence, you might spot an oyster catcher, a moon jellyfish, or even a seal if you’re lucky!
The best places to stay near Buckler’s Hard
Beaulieu Inn
After such a wonderful day out, imagine returning home to the nearby Beaulieu Inn. This former coaching inn nestled within the wild heathland of the forest has plenty of its own stories to tell, and is the perfect place to relax and unwind, leaving the cares of the modern day world behind you just for a little while.
With some delightfully quirky touches a reminder of its past lives, the fresh, modern interiors at Beaulieu are welcoming and comfortable. There’s a heated pool and steam room too, and you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep in any of its cosy rooms or peaceful suites.
There are plenty of New Forest delights to explore right on the doorstep and a short stroll takes you to The Drift, the laid-back and stylish country pub next door. Like all the New Forest Collection restaurants featured here, The Drift proudly showcases locally sourced and seasonal ingredients on its ever-evolving menu, and offers an award-winning range of modern-British and traditional favourites sure to please everyone.
Another remarkable place to stay near Buckler’s Hard is Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst. The Lodge was famously used as a hunting box by King George IV, and guests today still make the most of its perfect location on the edge of the forest and its well-deserved reputation as an intimate, stylish townhouse retreat.
Its elegant, contemporary interiors have a boutique feel, you can take a dip in its heated pool, and its in-house award-winning brasserie,1820, offers a delicious range of grill classics and modern British plates for guests to savour.
Historic charm is nowhere more in evidence than at 800-year-old Burley Manor, located within the ancient and captivating village of Burley, and another superb option for those seeking the perfect hotel near Buckler’s Hard.
Comfort, relaxation and wellbeing lie at the heart of the Burley experience, with its sumptuous suites, luxurious spa facilities and a renowned mediterranean-inspired menu that deserves extra special mention.
After a busy day exploring Buckler’s Hard, perhaps you’ll choose to come home to Grade II listed Bartley Lodge. Its enchanting woodland drive leads you into its beautifully landscaped grounds and further on to the impressive country house itself.
With its elegant and calming interiors, comfortable suites and exquisite menu, Bartley Lodge is a heritage treasure nestling invitingly within the spectacular New Forest countryside, and only around half an hour away from Buckler’s Hard along the A326.
Beaulieu Inn is also ideally located just a few miles away from Buckler’s Hard, a mere 12 minutes by car along Hatchet Lane.
Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst is a 20-minute drive away via Hatchet Lane and the B3056, and to drive from Buckler’s Hard to Burley Manor takes half an hour along the B3055.
And so, if a visit to Buckler’s Hard leads you to step back in time, your stay in any one of these sensational New Forest Collection hotels will invite you to make inspiring new memories, and look back on your stay in the New Forest feeling very glad you passed this way.
Stay in touch
Sign up for the latest news, events and best rates
