WELCOME TO THE BEAULIEU RIVER & BUCKLER’S HARD YACHT HARBOUR
Welcome to the Beaulieu River, which forms the south-eastern edge of the Beaulieu Estate and is one of the few privately owned tidal rivers in Britain. It is an ideal place from which to sail in the Solent or visit for a short stay and, if you seek the pleasures of the countryside, the Beaulieu Estate and New Forest National Park are on your doorstep.
The river has been in the custodianship of my family since 1538, when Henry VIII closed Beaulieu Abbey and sold its lands to my ancestor Thomas Wriothesley. The monks had settled at Beaulieu partly because the river ensured easy transit between the Abbey and points further afield and so it remains today.
Whilst the river retains many of the qualities it has had for centuries, the facilities continue to change as we seek to meet the expectations of you, our mooring-holders and visitors.
Finally, my thanks to all those who submitted pictures for the photographic competition. Such is the quality of the pictures submitted over the last 10 years that we are now holding an exhibition of some of the best; details on page 37.
MARINA LAYOUT & FACILITIES
1 Marina Reception & Shop
Open from 8.15am, 7 days a week. Stock includes a good range of chandlery items, bottled gas and a small selection of groceries including fresh milk, bread, confectionery, ice, alcohol and newspapers at weekends.
Open at all times for use by berth-holders and visitors. Includes a fully-equipped coin-operated launderette. Outside shower and sinks available. Facilities for disabled visitors.
3 The Boatshed ffices and wor shop bays.
4 Wash Down Area
5 Specialist Waste & Recycling
For disposal of oil filters paint cans batteries and waste oil. Please speak to a member of staff.
6 Rubbish Disposal
Skips and recycling bins are located outside the harbour office.
7 Event Area/Resident Parking
Location for pop-up catering units which will be open every weekend from Easter to September.
8 Pump-out Point
Operated by a token which can be collected from the marina reception.
9 Fuel and Water
Fuel and fresh water are available from the fuel pontoon, which is open until 4.30pm (4pm winter). Fresh water is also available in the marina.
10 Parker Adams
Sole-appointed yacht brokers for Beaulieu River. www.parker-adams.co.uk/beaulieu 77 2 42 andrew.baird par er adams.co.u
11 Master Builder’s House Hotel
The hotel offers 26 guest rooms, some with river views. Enjoy a meal in the Riverside Restaurant, advance booking recommended. Henry’s pub, serving food until 9pm, bar open until 11pm. 01590 616253 | themasterbuilders.co.uk
12 Buckler's Hard Visitor Centre and Museum
Learn about the 18th century village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built. Includes a small gift shop. Opens at 10am.
13 The Captain's Table
Eatery serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Open daily from 9am. 01590 612461
Visitors with accessibility needs
If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact one of the river staff. Please note: ramp access to the marina is steep at low tide.
BOAT REPAIR & MAINTENANCE SERVICES
The Buckler’s Hard boatyard is operated on an open yard policy basis. Boat owners are welcome to use suppliers of their choice, provided they comply with our guidelines, register with the Marina Reception and pay a small daily charge. Alternatively, we have selected a number of approved suppliers who are known for their high standards of service and are pre-registered to deliver services on the Beaulieu River and at the boatyard. The listings below are their advertisements. f you can t find the service you are loo ing for here we will be happy to help you find the right specialist for your needs please as .
Boat Builders & Maintenance
Cooks Maritime Craftsmen & Yacht Surveys
Fully ualified and insured. Pre purchase insurance surveys. A wide range of repairs and refits carried out and craft maintained. 07952 955906 / 01590 675521 www.cooksmaritimesurveys.com coo smcraftsmen gmail.com
Harve & Sam Fletcher
Traditional Boat Builders and Shipwrights Project management, wood repairs and rebuilds, hand painting and vanishing, teak deck restoration.
Harve 07716 916856 / Sam 07558 575611
Jeremy Rogers
Boat repair, maintenance and refurbishment. 4 7 production eremyrogers.co.u www.jeremyrogers.co.uk
ROC Marine Solutions Ltd
System engineering, antifouling services, running gear check and cleaning services, complete yacht refit management. 2 2 44 info rocmarinesolutions.co.u www.rocmarinesolutions.co.uk
Marine Electronics
Hudson Marine Electronics
The complete solution to your electronic needs. Installations, repairs, showroom, listed dealers ualified engineers.
Marine electronics and electrical engineer. 7 4 astaugh.pipistrelle tal tal .net
Marine Engineers
Marine Tec Ltd
Inboard and outboard engine service and repair. 77 7 7 info marine tec.co.u
Riverbank Marine Services
Mobile marine engineer. Inboard and outboard engine service and repair. 07738 915012 info riverban marineservices.co.u www.riverbankmarineservices.co.uk
Ropewalk Marine
A marine engineering business offering a one stop solution for all boat and yacht engine sales, repairs, parts and servicing. 77 7 mail ropewal marine.com www.ropewalkmarine.com
Valeting Services
Solent Yacht Care Limited
Specialist valeting services including polishing and waxing, teak renovation, antifouling, anode replacement. 07917 543877 / 01590 719587 en uiries solentyachtcare.co.u www.solentyachtcare.co.uk
iBoatValet
Boat valeting and management services. 7 7 matt iboatvalet.co.u www.iboatvalet.co.uk
Yacht Rigging
Ocean Rigging
All-round ocean rigging service. 7 2 2 info oceanrigging.co.u www.oceanrigging.co.uk
Boatshed redevelopment
A £2m investment in rebuilding our boatshed has enabled us to offer a range of additional services and facilities.
The first thing regular users will notice is an improved reception and shop which offer a wider range of boating essentials as well as quality food and drink. Alongside, new offices and meeting rooms, most with high level views of the Beaulieu River, have been created to rent from early summer.
Workshop units and new boat fit facilities have been installed so we can accommodate a wider range of service providers for the benefit of our berth and mooring holders. The new insulated bays, with roller shutter doors, will provide a clean, dry space to work on boats for repaints and overhauls. New undercover storage can also be booked, along with an increased number of storage lockers.
To find out more about the new facilities and opportunities for marine-based businesses to relocate, visit www.beaulieuriver.co.uk/ boatyard-redevelopment or contact the Harbour Master at wendy.stowe@beaulieu.co.uk
Photo by Priyesh Sujeendran shortlisted for the 2024 photographic competition.
GROUND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
VISITING
Our berths on the visitor pontoons offer convenient walk-ashore positions, electricity and water. Please report to the Marina Reception located in the shop upon arrival. The Dock Master Team can also be contacted via VHF channel 68 Beaulieu River Radio or via telephone 01590 616200.
To avoid disappointment, we recommend that visitor walk-ashore berths are booked with advance payment by emailing the arbour ffice or via the website by completing the online boo ing form. iver moorings are available on a first come first served basis please remember that a dinghy will be required to get ashore.
Rates for visiting yachts, per vessel, per metre, per night. All visiting vessels will be berthed on the designated visitor pontoon. Subject to availability.
Off peak
1 Nov - 31 March
Peak
1 April - 30 June
1 July - 31 August
1 Sept - 31 October
* Short stays are a maximum of 4 hours with the overnight fee applying after 3:30pm. Overnight visitors should vacate their mooring/berth by midday. Guests of visiting yachts are welcome to come to the marina and park their car. There is a daily parking fee.
† To protect the sensitive habitat of the river, anchoring is only permitted between piles 20 and 22. Does not include use of marina facilities.
The marina is staffed from 08:00–22:30 in summer and 08:00–21:30 in winter, with security outside of these hours.
VisitOR BUOYS
Located just 10 minutes from the entrance, our designated visitor buoys (moorings 1–8) have open views of the Solent and are suitable for vessels up to 12 metres.
A limited number of river moorings are available throughout the river and can be identified by a yellow pickup buoy marked with a black V. Remember a dinghy will be required to get ashore. A few of these moorings are available upstream of the marina but are only suitable for vessels up to 12m and with a shallow draft.
Mid-river pontoons are unavailable for visitors.
Once you have picked up a visitor mooring, call VHF 68 Beaulieu River Radio.
Find out more:
RIVER TEAM
Rob Seymour
Tony Sheppard
Adrian Foulkes
Jon Wild
Matt Thomas
Andy Codd
Jack Stanley
James Murrison Tim Hubble
George Dunston
RECEPTION & shop
From early summer, our newlook marina reception and shop will provide a wider range of supplies including:
• locally sourced fresh produce
• quality ready-made meals
• frozen food
• a bigger bakery and fresh pastries selection
• milk, bread, orange juice, wine, beer and confectionery
• toiletries
shop & admin team
Newspapers are available at weekends during the season and can be enjoyed at the seating area with a hot drink or ice cream. Your fourlegged friends will be wagging their tails with delight at the dog ice cream and other tasty treats, canine life jackets and eco-friendly toys!
For your boat, we stock all the basics from cleaning products to rope, as well as Calor Gas. If you would like to order an item which you can’t see on the shelves, please ask.
Open 7 days a week marinashop@beaulieu.co.uk 01590 616200
Our cover illustration is the work of Michael Crampton who we commissioned to depict a summer's day on the Beaulieu River. We have now produced special mugs, a tea towel and other items featuring the same design, all of which are available from the Marina Reception Shop.
Amanda Daniel
Angela Shelley
Gill Martin
Georgia Daniel
Bel Coles
Jane Paull
Staying Safe on the river
The Beaulieu River team work hard to ensure all visitors and vessels remain safe when using the river. Please help us to achieve this by observing the following safety rules.
Obligations
⚓ wear lifejackets.
⚓ keep your speed below the maximum of 5 knots to ensure minimum wash throughout the river.
⚓ keep to the starboard side of fairway.
⚓ wear ill cords where fitted.
⚓ ensure dogs are kept on leads at all times.
⚓ all vessels must be of a seaworthy condition and not pose a risk to the safety of navigation to other vessels.
Not permitted
⚓ swimming, jet-skiing, water-skiing or board sailing.
⚓ securing dogs or children to canoes or kayaks.
⚓ mooring onto navigation buoys, beacons or marks.
⚓ fishing.
⚓ underwater diving activities without permission from the Harbour Master.
⚓ operating your vessel whilst intoxicated.
⚓ the ying of drones.
When arriving
⚓ from outside the UK you must call the National Yachtline (0300 123 2021) on arrival and complete a pleasure craft report service at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ sailing-a-leisure-craft-to-and-from-the-uk
⚓ if you have animals on board, you must have the correct paperwork from an authorised port of entry before entering the UK.
⚓ all commercial vessels, vessels over 20m, and vessels not under command, restricted in ability to manoeuvre, or towing another vessel or structure, are requested to give
notice of their movements by calling Beaulieu River Radio on VHF channel 68.
Man overboard
⚓ in a ‘man overboard’ situation, call for help and then try to assist but without putting yourself in danger. There are emergency ladder locations on all marina and river pontoons as well as roaming ladders. Call channel 68.
Slipway
⚓ pre-book your launch using our online booking system at beaulieuriver.co.uk.
⚓ check weather and tidal conditions. We advise against launching and recovering in the hours of darkness.
⚓ the slipway should not be used 2 hours either side of low water due to steep drop-off (other than for paddle craft).
⚓ do not block access; rig your boat away from the slipway.
⚓ be aware of pedestrians and other users of the slipway.
⚓ attach a safety line to your trailer.
⚓ remember to park your vehicle in the designated car park and not in the boat park.
⚓ never stand behind a boat whilst it is being launched or recovered.
⚓ if you are going to leave your vehicle attached to the trailer whilst launching, switch off the engine, leave in gear, and make sure the handbrake is fully applied.
⚓ when parking a boat and trailer in the boat park, check that both are secure.
⚓ pontoons are only to be used for the launching and recovery of vessels.
Pontoon
⚓ take care on the pontoons when it is wet, frosty or icy.
Harve and Sam Fletcher Time served qualified traditional Boat Builders and Shipwrights.
Restoring and maintaining your pride and joy within the historic heart of the Solent on the Beaulieu River.
The old and the new we take pride in our work and look forward to working with you.
Our services
Project management
Wood repairs and rebuilds
Hand painting and varnishing
Teak deck consultation and restoration
Wooden mast restored and varnished, traditional sailing and rigging methods using modern methods considered and understood by traditional sailors
Interior joinery projects undertaken
General seasonal maintenance using traditional and modern systems
Call us to discuss your requirements, tell us what you need.
We look forward to speaking with you and sharing with you and our friends the love of wooden boats.
Harve 07716 916856
Sam 07885 575611
PADDLE SPORTS
The Beaulieu River is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. Due to the protected status of the riverbanks, the slipway at Buckler’s Hard is the only place you are permitted to launch or recover canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on the river. Please help us maintain the natural beauty of the river by proceeding with caution and consideration.
For the safety of all our users, we do not permit launching or landing after dark .
To book and pay for your launch and car parking, please use the pre-booking system on our website: beaulieuriver.co.uk/visiting/slipways-launch-fees/
Launch & Recover Fees*
Paddlecraft (canoe, kayak, paddleboard) £10 per vessel (includes parking for 1 car)
Any boat (regardless of power or size) £ 25 per vessel (includes parking for 1 car)
Paddle safely and responsibly by observing these rules
⚓ if you are new to paddle sports, we encourage you to take lessons first.
⚓ label your canoe, kayak or paddleboard so that if you get separated, rescue teams can reunite you.
⚓ observe navigational rules – keep right and give other users space.
⚓ respect other river users and remember you are not always visible to other vessels.
⚓ keep to the main channel (marked with red and green posts). Do not enter the creeks.
⚓ check local weather forecasts and tidal predictions; tidal currents can be hazardous and the wind can easily blow paddleboards off course. Remember that the upper reaches of the river do dry out and that the ebb tide is stronger.
⚓ wear a correctly-sized buoyancy aid.
⚓ ensure you have a waterproof mobile phone or VHF radio.
⚓ bring a whistle in case of emergency.
⚓ do not secure children or dogs to your canoe, kayak or paddleboard.
⚓ only use one paddleboard per person. Don’t be tempted to share, particularly with children.
⚓ do not allow dogs to run free along the river bank or foreshore.
⚓ keep your distance from wildlife and seals and keep noise to a minimum.
⚓ do not drink alcohol and paddle.
⚓ take all litter home.
⚓ you may off load your car at the slipway, but you must return it to the car park before going afloat.
⚓ do not land on private jetties or along the riverbank.
⚓ landing is strictly prohibited on Gull Island.
⚓ a full paddle sports guide is available online.
⚓ parking is available in the marina only.
Please report any incidents or concerns to the Harbour Master’s Office via VHF channel 68 Beaulieu River Radio or by calling 01590 616200. Out of hours call 999.
Malahide
Bangor
Rhu
Troon
Royal
Whitehaven
Fleetwood
Liverpool
Conwy
Neyland
Penarth
Upton
Portishead
Mylor
Mayflower
Buckler’s
Town
Royal
Emsworth
Birdham
Gillingham
Fambridge
Tollesbury
Fox’s
Brundall
Hull Marina
VNZ Blankenberge
VY Nieuwpoort
Marina Den Oever
Jachthaven
Jachthaven
Official Digital Partner
Boulogne-sur-mer
Etaples-sur-mer
Saint
Dieppe
Saint
Le Havre Plaisance
Port-Deauville
Dives-Cabourg-Houlgate
Ouistreham/Caen
Saint-Quay Port d’Armor
Perros-Guirec
Roscoff
Marinas de Brest
Douarnenez-Tréboul
Loctudy
JOIN US
Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Beaulieu River and visit us either for a day, overnight or perhaps even longer.
ith a five old nchors accreditation the uc ler s ard acht arbour offers a sheltered setting for a range of fully-serviced marina berths, while the scenic reaches of the Beaulieu River provide a peaceful setting for river moorings.
Yachts of up to 20m can be comfortably accommodated and the on-site boatyard facilitates repair services, as well as lift-out, washdown and storage services all year round. As well as a friendly service from experienced staff, permanent berth and mooring holders can enjoy the following benefits:
⚓ 30 days’ free storage and 10% off lift and launch throughout the year.
⚓ 10% off fuel.
⚓ reciprocal berthing arrangements with other marinas through membership of TransEurope.
⚓ free WiFi throughout the marina.
⚓ ample on-site parking.
⚓ CCTV and out-of-hours on-site security.
⚓ conveniently located boatyard services and craftspeople with covered and insulated workshops.
⚓ special seasonal offers on boatyard services.
⚓ luxury lavatories, showers and a launderette.
⚓ fuel jetty.
⚓ pump-out service.
⚓ on-site shop, open seven days a week.
⚓ social events for mooring holders.
⚓ pop-up bars and food vendors every weekend from Easter through to the end of September.
⚓ free entry to Buckler’s Hard Museum for mooring holders.
⚓ unlimited family tickets to the Beaulieu visitor attraction and National Motor Museum (family = up to 3 children and 2 adults). Excluding externally hosted events such as the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair.
⚓ 15% discount on food and drink available at The Master Builder’s House and restaurant with the Beaulieu River Privilege Card.
⚓ regular newsletter to keep you updated.
⚓ professional on-site yacht broker.
MOBILE MARINE ENGINEER
FINDING US
By Boat
By Car
The Beaulieu River is centrally located on the Solent. When approaching from the east, keep the lit south cardinal to starboard off Stone Point and steer to the vicinity of a lit, yellow special buoy close to the bearing to run in on. The bearing to run in on is 324° guided by the transit marks, the front mark is port post No. 2 and the back mark is Lepe House.
The Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is a pleasant 3.5 nautical mile cruise upstream. Please report to the arbour aster s ffice when the Marina is in sight using VHF channel 68 and call sign Beaulieu River Radio.
We are 25 minutes from the M27 with easy access to the main south coast cities, the M3 and London. There is ample parking for customers. Find us via satnav using SO42 7XB and enjoy your journey through the New Forest.
By Train
The closest main line railway station is eight miles away in Brockenhurst, with a regular service running between London Waterloo and Weymouth. A taxi from Brockenhurst to Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour will take approximately 20 minutes.
Yarmouth
Beaulieu
Brockenhurst
NAVIGATION
Beaulieu River Entrance
Beaulieu Millennium Lighted Beacon: (N13718) – G 318° – 330°, W 330° – 337°, R 337° – 348°
Beaulieu River Entrance Lighted Beacon: (N06630) – Fl.R. 3M 5s
Leading marks at entrance 324° must be aligned exactly due to shoal water either side of leading line. The front is Port No. 2 Pile, the rear is Lepe House.
Racing Mark: FI.Y.4s. 50°46’.58N, 01°21’.46W
Yellow Racing Mark
Beaulieu Spit Dolphin
Millennium Beacon
Yellow
Advice for visitors
The river is a sheltered haven in the central Solent which offers a couple of options for mooring up that are suitable for all weather conditions.
If you need advice or assistance, there are a number of ways to contact us. You can reach us on Ch 68 with the call sign “ Beaulieu River Radio”, or phone us on 01590 616200 (please be aware that mobile phone signal is very limited in the river) or email on harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk
Our website beaulieuriver.co.uk offers a wealth of information for residents and visitors. It includes videos showing the approaches and piloting up the river, live weather and tidal information (depth on the bar at the entrance) and everything you will find in this book.
Mooring Buoys
Visitor mooring buoys are marked by a yellow pick-up buoy, with a black ‘V’ for visitor, and are spread along the river. The position of these varies depending upon which moorings are currently unused by residents. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis only and are downstream of the marina. Only one boat per mooring is permitted.
To assist with orientation, mooring buoys are sequentially numbered, number 1 being the nearest to the mouth of the river. Visitor moorings can be found between number 1 and 155. If you are struggling to find an available buoy please give us a call on Ch 68 and we may be able to advise you on the availability of any free buoys.
Marina
The berths in the marina and on the visitor pontoon are affected by the tide. The strongest flows on both the flood and ebb are shown on the inside back cover. If possible, plan your arrival to avoid the fastest stream of the tide. Please note all visiting vessels are berthed on the dedicated visitor pontoon and not in the main marina.
Photo
Pay particular attention when transiting between hammerhead 'A' and the fuel berth especially an hour before high water when the tide can be strongest.
Give us a call on the radio as you round the last bend on your approach to the marina. We will advise you of your berth location and the current tidal conditions.
Ideally, plan your approaches to the berth to be navigating into/stemming the tide rather than being pushed along with it. If you are ever unhappy with a berth, or do not feel it is safe, please let us know and we will endeavour to find you an alternative berth.
We recommend having fenders rigged on both sides of your boat as this will allow you to change your berthing plan without any delays and also protect the boat next to you if heading into a finger berth. A sensible additional safety measure is to have a roving fender
If entering a berth in the marina we recommend holding station off from the hammerheads before committing to entering between the piers. This will allow you to assess the wind and tide and confirm that you have adequate steerage for the upcoming manoeuvre. Always plan your escape route in case the manoeuvre goes wrong!
For resident berth holders, if the wind and tide conditions are too tricky, we can always find you a temporary berth (usually the visitor pontoon) until conditions ease.
Scan the QR code to watch a video on navigating the river
A selection of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River. If you would like to see your club burgee in a future edition of this booklet, please contact the Harbour Master.
Staying on the Beaulieu River provides the perfect opportunity to hop ashore and explore the New Forest. Here are some suggestions as to how you could spend a couple of hours or days.
Places to Visit
Explore the historic village of Buckler’s Hard, just a short stroll from the marina. The Buckler's Hard Visitor Centre and Museum tell the story of the village and its role in 18th century shipbuilding. Just over two miles upstream is the village of Beaulieu and the Beaulieu visitor attraction incorporating the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey. Beaulieu River visitors receive 20% off admission to both attractions.
7 miles to the south-west of the Beaulieu River is the Lymington River and the town of the same name. Browse the boutique shops or explore the street market held every Saturday.
The villages of Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Burley are within a 30-minute drive of Buckler’s Hard, providing the opportunity to explore shops, cafés and restaurants.
WALKing
The New Forest is popular with walkers and has a variety of footpaths and routes to suit all abilities. For further information visit thenewforest.co.uk. Details of the walk to Beaulieu from Buckler's Hard Yacht Harbour can be found on pages 38-39.
Cycling
Off-road cycling in the New Forest is permitted on a waymarked network of Forestry Commission tracks. A map of authorised routes can be downloaded from newforestnpa.gov.uk
Beach Days
Lepe Country Park and Calshot are good spots to sit on the beach and watch the busy Solent, or within 45 minutes by car you can be sitting on the sandy beach at Mudeford.
EAT & DRINK
The Master Builder’s House offers casual and fine dining within a five minute wal of the marina. The Captain’s Table, at the top of Buckler’s Hard High Street, serves hot and cold refreshments. Both offer discounts to mooring holders and visitors – ask Marina Reception for details. Weekend pop-up bars and food vendors are at the boatyard from Easter to September. Or there is a variety of places to eat in Beaulieu village.
events
For local events information, visit our website beaulieuriver.co.uk/things-to-do
Resident berth and mooring holders enjoy free admission to Buckler’s Hard Museum, while Beaulieu River visitors receive a 20% discount*. Dogs are welcome on a lead in the museum, so bring the whole family along!
You may also like to visit St Mary’s Chapel where Belinda, Lady Montagu’s altar frontal features the Tree of Life representing the New Forest oaks used for shipbuilding at Buckler’s Hard. Entry to the chapel is free, along with the chance to explore an original Shipwright’s Cottage.
Drop anchor for refreshments at The Captain’s Table, where breakfast, light lunches and delicious afternoon tea are served, as well as snacks, ice creams and hot and cold drinks. For good pub food, call into the new pub Henry’s at the Master Builder’s – named after the 18th century shipbuilder Henry Adams who once lived there. Try their new menu for the best local seasonal produce, as well as Sunday roasts and daily specials. Enjoy drinks and food in the aster uilder s large hotel garden with stunning views across the eaulieu iver or for fine dining choose a table at The Riverside Restaurant.
The Solent Way footpath, which passes through Buckler’s Hard, is an ideal starting point for walkers and cyclists, Beaulieu being just 2 miles away. See map overleaf.
* Please show your Beaulieu River mooring receipt for the 20% discount, within a month of issue.
Beaulieu river in focus
A free exhibition showcasing the finest images from the Beaulieu River photo competitions over the last 10 years. he photographs show how mooring holders have seen the natural beauty and wildlife of the river at different times of the day, through the seasons.
This exhibition is located in the Shipyard Office, opposite the Master Builder's House, overlooking the river. Opens 15 February 2025.
WALKING FROM BUCKLER’S HARD TO BEAULIEU
Beaulieu village contains a variety of shops including grocery stores, an art gallery, gift shops, tea rooms, a chocolate studio, a garden centre, florist and hairdresser.
The 2¼ mile footpath between Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu takes approximately 45 minutes each way to walk and forms part of the Solent Way, runing along the border of the North Solent Nature Reserve. This fragile environment, with a gradual transition from woodland through tidal river-edge grassland into saltmarsh, is rare in England and supports a wide range of plant and bird species, particularly wintering waders and wildfowl. The stunted tree growth at the river’s edge is a natural effect caused by poor drainage and the salt water from the river.
Please respect this fragile environment and help its recovery by staying on the marked footpaths. Dogs must be kept on a lead to protect vulnerable wildlife.
Mill Pond
Jarvis’s Copse
Seville’s Copse
Bailey’s Hard
Beaulieu Visitor Attraction National Motor Museum, Palace House & Beaulieu Abbey
Beaulieu Village
1 Duke’s Bath House
This small thatched cottage was built by George, Duke of Montagu, c1760 for his son who suffered from arthritis. Salt water was considered beneficial for sufferers of arthritis so a pond in the garden was filled with river water in which people could bathe. The cottage is now a holiday let and can be booked through www.holidaycottages.co.uk
2 Boatyard, Marina shop and Harbour Master's Office Hub of boating activity on the river of today.
3 Keeping Marsh
4 Burnt Oak Copse
An open expanse of various salt tolerant plants. This mud bank is the holding area for dredgings from the river but was quickly colonised by indigenous plant and animal life, notably shelduck, Canada geese, mallard, oystercatchers, redshank and curlew. A public bird hide is also located here. xpect the footpath to ood when tides are above 3.8m (see tide table at back of book).
The trees here are predominantly oak dating from the early 19th century. They were later supplemented by wild service, hazel, Scots pine and beech with common privet, butcher’s broom, holly and hawthorn providing shelter and food for game birds.
5 Bailey’s Hard
The tall red brick chimney is that of the old estate brickworks which drew on the local deposits of clay. Built in 1790, it last produced bricks in 1935 and is now a private residence. It was here that Salisbury the first naval vessel to be built on the river, was completed in 1698.
6 Curtle Meadows
t was here that scenes for the film A Man for All Seasons were shot in 1966, as the unspoilt river looked as the Thames might have done in the 16th century.
BUCKLER’S HARD TO LEPE FROM THE WATER
4 Gins
5 Sea Banks
The lower reaches of the Beaulieu River are best seen from the water as they are not served by a footpath.
1 Gilbury Pier No public access to the Exbury Estate.
2 Mulberry Dock
This is the site of the old oyster beds created in the 1870s. During the Second World War, an experimental oating doc was built here together with components for the Mulberry Harbour, used in the D-Day landings.
3 Fiddler’s Reach
This was where the monks of Beaulieu Abbey kept their fishing boats and trading ships. It was a convenient place to load and unload without having to navigate the narrower channel upstream. The name ‘Gins’ is thought to derive from ‘ingenium’, a lifting or winding mechanism used to move the load. Today, Gins is home to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. An oil pipeline from Wytch Farm near Poole to Fawley il efinery passes under the river at this point.
In the 18th century, this was an anchoring point for the hulls of newly launched ships en route for Portsmouth. The grass that covers the mud ats along the river is called Spartina Townsendii. t first appeared on the river in the 1870s to help bind the mud ats thus reducing erosion. A second variety, Spartina Anglicana, was introduced in 1898.
The land behind these banks was reclaimed in the 18th century and used for salt production. Salt was a highly pri ed commodity and Salt fficers were based in Buckler’s Hard to check that the quantity of salt produced tallied with the amount of tax paid. Two hundred years later, the banks remain intact, but they do not hold out the highest tides and the meadows behind are periodically ooded. This provides waterfowl, particularly Brent geese and wigeon, with feeding areas in autumn and winter.
Water
Marina
Gins
Black
Beaulieu River
Buckler’s Hard
VISIT BEAULIEU
Just two miles upstream from Buckler’s Hard is Beaulieu, a marvellous day out to enjoy together. This attraction includes the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, Little Beaulieu and much more.
The National Motor Museum is home to a world-famous collection of over 285 vehicles and celebrates 140 years of ingenuity, imagination, and engineering genius. Marvel at cars that broke World Land Speed Records including the Sunbeam 1000hp, currently being restored ahead of the centenary of its record-breaking run, or walk through a 1930s garage packed full of period artefacts. For a bird’s-eye view, riding through the roof of the museum on the monorail with accompanying commentary is a must.
Palace House home of the ontagu family since is filled with family treasures and stories. More of the house will be open to visitors from Easter 2025, with the introduction of a suite of themed bedrooms.
From the Mill Pond walk and Kitchen Gardens to the Wilderness Garden and Alice’s Topiary Wonderland, Beaulieu’s outdoor spaces won’t disappoint. Between mid-June and September, explore the biennial Sculpture at Beaulieu exhibition featuring about 150 sculptures within the gardens and Palace ouse. reen fingered enthusiasts won t want to miss ardeners orld Spring Fair which returns from 2nd 4th ay 2 2 and showcases beautiful borders oral displays from top nurseries, live entertainment and more.
For younger visitors, Little Beaulieu is the perfect place to let off energy. They can clamber around a wooden replica of Palace House, uncover secret passageways and ride the zip wire. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a tea or coffee with a slice of cake at the perfectly placed cafe! Look out for additional activities for younger visitors during the school holidays, including the Fairy & Dragon trail from 1st May to 8th June.
Experience the serenity of Beaulieu Abbey and learn what life was like for the monks who lived there over 800 years ago. Then, in the Secret Army Exhibition , discover Beaulieu’s wartime secrets as the ‘Finishing School’ for secret agents.
A ticket to Beaulieu includes entrance to everything the attraction has to offer. What unforgettable memories will you make during your visit?
The Beaulieu River, and the lands which border the estuary, form part of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), providing habitats for more than 200 species of birdlife.
These habitats are an important feeding ground and lifeline for birds, with up to 125,000 wildfowl and wading birds visiting the Solent each winter. The Solent is home to 10% of the world’s population of dark-bellied brent geese and the Beaulieu Estate’s coastline provides habitats for 50% of the Solent’s breeding pairs of ringed plover, as well as 40% of Hampshire’s breeding population of oystercatchers.
The river is participating in Green Blue Project, a joint environmental programme by British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association, which promotes sustainable boating and cleaner waters. We are also working with Blue Marine to re-establish oyster beds, which are one of the best indicators of river cleanliness.
We were assessed and awarded The Yacht Harbour Association’s International Clean Marina accreditation in 2023. The criteria included blackwater capture and treatment, correct management of hazardous waste, spill prevention and treatment, washdown capture and filtration, drain interception, the use of sustainable products and preventing plastic pollution.
We are also ready to respond to oil spills, a task for which our staff have regular training, and participate in exercises with other agencies.
Photo by Robert Abbott, shortlisted for the 2024 photographic competition.
How you can help
• Use our eco-friendly pump-out facilities and don’t discharge waste into the river.
• Dispose of all rubbish at the facilities provided and recycle where possible.
• Don’t throw anything overboard, including food. Did you know that orange peel can take up to two years to biodegrade in salt water?
• I f you find a bird nesting on your boat or have any other wildlife concerns, please contact the harbour office team, who work with Natural England and partner organisations to give guidance.
• Use binoculars and keep your distance to give seals, breading birds and wildlife space on the water.
• Adhere to river speed limits.
• Avoid anchoring in the rare coastal seagrass meadow at the mouth of the Beaulieu River and follow any signs about voluntary no-anchor zones.
HMS Agamemnon dive report
Mary Montagu-Scott
In March 2024, after years of planning, I achieved one of my lifelong dreams, to dive on the wreck of HMS Agamemnon, the 64-gun ship built at Buckler’s Hard. The ‘Ham and Eggs’ as she was affectionately known, was Nelson’s favourite ship on which he served for three-and-a-half years, honed his skills as a captain, met Lady Emma Hamilton and lost the sight in his right eye. Agamemnon, launched in 1781, had a remarkable 28 year service record, taking part in many major battles including the Battle of Trafalgar, Battle of the Saints, blockades of Toulon, Copenhagen and Calvi.
She later formed part of the Royal Navy’s South American squadron, protecting the interests of Britain in the newly emerging nations. In June 1809, whilst coming in to anchor in Maldonado Bay, off Uruguay, she went aground on a shoal where her anchor snagged and pierced through the hull. After many hours of manning the pumps, it was decided to abandon ship and all the crew transferred to the other ships nearby. Much of the rigging and upper deck guns were salvaged but, following a storm, the ship broke up and sank on the bed of the River Plate.
The University of Southampton, along with partners Maritime Archaeology Trust and Bournemouth University joined with UDELAR, a university in Uruguay, to undertake an archaeological survey of the wreck which started in 2024. The remains are only 800m from land and at a depth of 10m, but the visibility is poor most of the time. The Yacht Club Punta del Este kindly provided support boats and facilities, and the teams did an extensive photogrammetry survey. This revealed that the starboard side is largely intact, albeit on its side, with the copper bolt fastenings being clearly visible. A large amount of ballast blocks and shot can be seen around the main mast step. For me, the greatest thrill was being able to see and touch the keel, knowing that it would have been made from Beaulieu oak.
We hope to return this year to do a second survey, this time covering a wider area with the aim of finding the port side and monitoring the ongoing deterioration of the timbers.
There is a new film about the pro ect screening in the Shipwright s or shop. oo out for news about how we might use the wreck data in the future at Buckler’s Hard. We have the original slipway, the ship’s plans, the wreck to measure and quite a few oak trees nearby so I am getting close to the second part of my lifelong dream, to lay the keel of the Agamemnon again.
Bow
Port
Our resident parrot, Miguel, loves meeting all our guests and has put together this puzzle with some sea creatures to colour-in, especially to entertain younger visitors. He also enjoys seeing pictures drawn of him—why not drop yours off at the Marina Reception?
For a more comprehensive list please see our notice board.
In the approaches to and within the Western Solent double high waters occur at or near springs; on other occasions there is a stand which lasts about 2 hours. The predictions refer to the first high water when there are two and are approximate. For Summer Time add one hour in yellow areas. Tide differences: Portsmouth +27 mins (approx.) Dover +4 mins (approx.)
In the approaches to and within the Western Solent double high waters occur at or near springs; on other occasions there is a stand which lasts about 2 hours. The predictions refer to the first high water when there are two and are approximate. For Summer Time add one hour in yellow areas. Tide differences: Portsmouth +27 mins (approx.) Dover +4 mins (approx.)
tidal flows
Tidal flows
Direction, Speed & Time of Peak Tidal Flows Spring Tide (Ebb)
