Buckler’s Hard, New Forest, Hampshire
To visit Buckler’s Hard Village on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the New Forest National Park is to step back in time; it was originally intended to be a trading port, but it didn't quite turn out that way and instead the village became famous as a merchant and military shipbuilding settlement. It's all terribly idyllic,mostly because it remains unspoilt by modern development; there's an undeniable calmness in the air, even at busier times, and it makes for a rather interesting day out.
So go, go and watch the world go by at the water’s edge, take a romantic stroll through the apple orchard in the springtime when the trees are frothy with blossom, uncover the local history at the Maritime Museum and find out about the building of ships for Lord Nelson’s Navy fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Sit back and take your ease on an unhurried boat trip up the river, come back and see the the inside of a worker's cottage, just as it was in the 18th century, go in the tiny chapel that was once the village school, and round off your visit with a big fat cream tea at The Captain's Table or lunch at The Master Builder’s House Hotel.
Open daily from 10:00am except Christmas Day
T: 01590 616203 All information correct at the time of writing