Kids go free to Buckler’s Hard Museum as Lord Mountbatten comes for a VIP visit to celebrate 60th anniversary

Lord Ivar Mountbatten will visit Buckler’s Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River for a VIP tour to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Buckler’s Hard Museum on Thursday 6th April 2023.

His great-uncle Earl Mountbatten sailed along the river with Edward, Lord Montagu and Belinda, Lady Montagu, before opening the maritime museum 60 years ago.

When Lord Mountbatten followed in his footsteps to perform the re-dedication of the museum for its half-centenary, he was presented with a limited edition David Bell print of Nelson’s favourite ship Agamemnon. During his next visit, Mary Montagu-Scott will show him around the newly opened HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend exhibition, which shows how nations are working together to preserve the world’s only surviving wreck of a ship built at Buckler’s Hard.

The special anniversary visit will kickstart Easter weekend and to join the celebrations, kids are being offered the chance to visit Buckler’s Hard Museum for free, from Thursday, April 6 to Easter Monday.*

Impressive pilot cutter Amelie Rose will be moored at Buckler’s Hard for Thursday’s anniversary, at the 18th century shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built.

Amelie Rose took part in the new BBC and Disney FX adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations when scenes were recently filmed at Buckler’s Hard. The start of the series by Steven Knight, the creator of BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinders, will be broadcast on Sunday 26th March 2023.

Visitors can explore Buckler’s Hard for free and enjoy a riverside stroll in the picturesque village where time flows differently. Step inside the original Shipwright’s Cottage and charming St Mary’s Chapel, with a smugglers’ cellar beside the altar, then pass preserved cottages which line the gently sloping street on its way to the water’s edge.

Discover more about the maritime history of the village in Buckler’s Hard Museum where fascinating exhibits include Nelson’s original baby clothes, then listen in on conversations between villagers of the past and follow residents’ stories in the exhibition of village life.

From Easter, enjoy the first River Cruises of the season along Beaulieu River’s meandering salt marshes. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where you can spot waders and wildfowl and even a seal if you’re lucky!

See blossom on the trees in the Apple Orchard. Its apples, along with fruit from the rest of the Beaulieu Estate, are picked in the autumn to make Beaulieu Apple Juice – which is available in Buckler’s Hard gift shop.

Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest, Hampshire is accessible by foot, car, motorbike – or boat! A parking charge contributes to the upkeep of the historic village.

For tickets and details see www.bucklershard.co.uk or call 01590 616203.

*Kids go free to Buckler’s Hard Museum when accompanied by a paying adult.