Buckler’s Hard is just East of Dorset, however well worth the visit. Escape to this beautiful spot where history and stunning scenery come together for an unforgettable trip out in the New Forest countryside.

Once a shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, this picture village is now a peaceful haven. Relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake, take a ramble beside the Beaulieu River, or delve into the village’s history in the Maritime Museum.

In the Maritime Museum, you will discover the fascinating story of the village and the ships it built. Listen in on conversations between villagers of the past in the 18th-century New Inn and follow the stories of the 19th and 20th-century residents in an exhibition about village life.

Between Easter and October, take a cruise on the Beaulieu River. This 30-minute voyage gives a close-up view of the wildlife along the banks of the river and tells rich tales of its past. If you’re lucky you might even spot a seal!

For visitors who are yearning for even more history, you can take a trip back in time at the Shipwright’s Cottage, or explore the Chapel of St Mary’s, with its smugglers’ cellar beside the altar.

The village is an ideal destination for walkers and cyclists, who can enjoy the scenic 2-mile footpath between Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard.

For further information about Buckler’s Hard, please click here: www.thenewforest.co.uk/things-to-do/bucklers-hard-p780511