Maritime Museum

Buckler's Hard, a historic 18th-century village 4km (2 1/2 miles) from Beaulieu, on the banks of the River Beaulieu, is where ships for Nelson's fleet were built, including the admiral's favorite, Agamemnon, as well as Eurylus and Swiftsure. The Maritime Museum highlights the village's shipbuilding history as well as Henry Adams, master shipbuilder; Nelson's favorite ship; Buckler's Hard and Trafalgar; and models of Sir Francis Chichester's yachts and items of his equipment. The cottage exhibits re-create 18th-century life in Buckler's Hard -- stroll through the New Inn of 1793 and a shipwright's cottage of the same period or look in on the family of a poor laborer.

The walk back to Beaulieu, 4km (2 1/2 miles) on the riverbank, is well marked through the woodlands. During the summer, you can take a 30-minute cruise on the River Beaulieu in the present Swiftsure, an all-weather catamaran cruiser.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.