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. This year we have received another good round of entries, the best of which appear throughout this book .
MEET THE TEAM
We take pride in offering a warm welcome and professional customer service for everyone who visits us. This, combined with our setting on the Beaulieu River and quality facilities, is why we continue to be ranked as one of the UK’s best marinas in the top 5% of 5 Gold Anchors winners by The Yacht Harbour Association. Whether you are a visitor or mooring holder, we are here to help.
Wendy Stowe Harbour Master
Adam Lewis Deputy Harbour Maste r
The Beaulieu River team
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 now a wider selection of groceries and a gift range. 01590 616200 | harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk
2 Lavatories, Showers and Launderette
Open at all times for use by mooring holders and visitors. Includes a fully-equipped coinoperated launderette. Outside shower and sinks available as well as a dog wash. Facilities for disabled visitors.
3 The Boatshed Offices, meeting rooms, hot desks and workshop units.
4 Specialist Waste & Recycling
For disposal of oil filters, paint cans, batteries and waste oil. Please speak to a member of staff.
5 Wash Down Area
6 Boat Sales
Sole-appointed yacht brokers for Beaulieu River. 07795 215423
7 Rubbish Disposal
Skips and recycling bins are located outside the harbour office.
8 Event Area/Mooring Holders Parking
Location for pop-up catering units which will be open every weekend from Easter to September.
9 Pump-out Point
Operated by a token which can be collected from the marina reception.
10 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.
Buckler's Hard Village
Master Builder’s House
The hotel offers 26 guest rooms, some with river views. Enjoy a meal in Henry’s pub, serving food until 9pm, bar open until 11pm. 01590 616253 | themasterbuilders.co.uk
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. Discount entry for mooring holders and visiting boats.
The Captain's Table
Eatery serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Open daily. 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.
Our boatyard
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is pleased to provide a competitive range of boatyard services all year round, which has been improved and expanded with the redevelopment of its boatshed.
The boatyard operates a 40 ton hoist, which can lift vessels up to 18m in length and the team can lift, pressure wash and block ashore vessels. In addition, there is a telehandler with a 17m reach which can be booked for the stepping and unstepping of masts, plus a boat mover and new cradles to suit all requirements. Onsite facilities include electricity, water and a new and improved marina shop.
Under cover storage is also available at a competitive price for those requiring a more specialised service.
Please refer to www.beaulieuriver.co.uk/ boatyard for a list of prices.
Did you know...?
Berth and mooring holders benefit from 10% off all boat lifts and launches as well as 30 days' free storage any time of year*.
*Excludes undercover storage, survey lift and lift and splash. Please check www.beaulieuriver.co.uk/boatyard for a list of terms and conditions.
Rob Seymour boatyard team
Oliver Rickard
Chris Wilson
Mike Bowers
George Dunsdon
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, and register with the Marina Reception. Alternatively, we have a number of approved suppliers known for their high standards of service who are pre-registered to deliver services on the Beaulieu River and at the boatyard. The listings below are their advertisements with some located on site. If you can’t find the service you are looking for here, we will be happy to help you find the right specialist for your needs; please ask.
Boat Builders & Maintenance
Cooks Maritime Craftsmen & Yacht Surveys
Fully qualified and insured. Pre-purchase, insurance surveys. A wide range of repairs and refits carried out and craft maintained. 07952 955906 www.cooksmaritimesurveys.com cooksmcraftsmen@gmail.com
Classic Shipwright Services
Harve & Sam Fletcher
Project management, wood repairs and rebuilds, hand painting and varnishing, teak deck restoration. info@classicshipwrightservices.co.uk. Harve 07716 916856 / Sam 07558 575611
Jeremy Rogers
Boat repair, maintenance and refurbishment. 01590 646780 | production@jeremyrogers.co.uk www.jeremyrogers.co.uk
ROC Marine Solutions Ltd
System engineering, anti-fouling services, running gear check and cleaning services, complete yacht refit management. 023 8251 4436 | info@rocmarinesolutions.co.uk www.rocmarinesolutions.co.uk
Brokerage
OS
Parker Adams Boat Sales
Sole-appointed yacht brokers for Beaulieu River. www.parker-adams.co.uk/beaulieu 07795 215423 andrew.baird@parker-adams.co.uk
Marine Electronics
S.D. Electronics
Marine electronics and electrical engineer. 07551 949083 | Eastaugh.pipistrelle@talktalk.net
Marine Engineers
Marine Tec Ltd
Inboard and outboard engine service and repair. 07717 155871 | info@marine-tec.co.uk
Riverbank Marine Services
Mobile marine engineer. Inboard and outboard engine service and repair. 07738 915012 info@riverbankmarineservices.co.uk 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. 01590 677073 | mail@ropewalkmarine.com www.ropewalkmarine.com
If you are working from your boat and need a hot desk or quiet place to catch up, we have the perfect workplace in our new boatshed offices.
You can rent a hot desk for as little as £15 an hour or hire the room for £125 for half a day and £200 for a day for meetings.
Or enjoy panoramic views across the Beaulieu River every day if you are looking for a new home to relocate your business.
Your letting includes:
⚓ Parking
⚓ Communal kitchen
⚓ Electricity
⚓ Wi-fi (subject to a service charge)
It can also include:
⚓ Use of meeting rooms
⚓ Secure leased line share to offer guaranteed bandwidth
To arrange a personal tour call in to Reception
When the first boat went into our new-look boatshed for repairs, its proud owner said: This is the equivalent of putting your boat into a Rolls-Royce garage!
Want to join them?
For undercover storage at £20 per metre per week when you require a more specialised service.
Each workshop unit is fully insulated with roller shutter doors for boatyard services.
If you are considering relocating your marine business please check availability with our reception team on 01590 616200 or email harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk
For more details see: beaulieuriver.co.uk/boatyard-development/
Scan QR code for a virtual tour of our office spaces and workshop units.
VISITING
Our berths on the visitor pontoons offer convenient walk-ashore positions, electricity, water and free WiFi. 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 Harbour Office or via the website by completing the online booking form. River 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. Parking fees apply.
† 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 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
Tony Sheppard
Adrian Foulkes
Jon Wild Mat Thomas
Andy Codd
Alan Aldridge
Rob Seymour
James Murrison
Tim Hubble
George Dunsdon
Waste & Recycling
The Beaulieu River is a beautiful place. Please help us keep it this way by following our waste and recycling guidelines.
Waste and recycling facilities can be found by the harbour office. Please make sure you use the correct bin. Contamination reduces the number of items we can recycle and may cause health and safety problems. If you are in doubt or need assistance, please do not hesitate to ask one of the harbour staff.
Recycling
Bright blue bins with mixed recycling labels should be used for cans, aerosols, plastic bottles, paper and card. Green bins should be used for glass bottles.
General waste
Non-recyclable domestic waste should go into the bins labelled general refuse. All waste must be compactable and must not be hazardous. No food waste.
Pump-out service
There is a pump-out facility near the fuel berth. Please ask at the marina reception for details before operating.
Food waste
All food waste must be taken home. Alternatively, please speak to a member of staff. Do not dispose of in bins.
Oil, paint cans, fuel and oil filters and engine batteries
Please ask harbour staff for details of how to deal with these.
Flares
Please contact www.thegreenblue.org.uk for your local flare disposal facility.
Hazardous waste
We are unable to accept hazardous waste including, though not limited to, fuel, liquid chemicals, fuel tanks, any absorbent material used to clear oil, fuel or paint spillages, compressed gasses or gas containers, clinical waste, mattresses, tyres.
The nearest hazardous waste disposal service is in Marchwood.
Please note that the following may not be discharged into the river:
• black water
• oil/oily residue
• waste
• plastics
• food - all food waste to be taken home
• other pollutants
NEW MARINA shop
In our new-look marina shop you will find an even wider range of tasty food, drink and boating supplies It's also home to our Reception Team who are always happy to help with any queries during your stay.
All your essentials are here, with fresh milk, bread, orange juice, confectionery, wine/beer and toiletries. We also stock the basics for your boat, from cleaning products to rope, Calor and camping gas.
Browse everything from postcards, books, t-shirts, caps and water bottles to gifts including a Migual the Parrot range, New Forest Aromatics and Hannah Wisdom bespoke textile ranges.
Stay for a treat in our new cafe area, where hot drinks, pastries and sausage rolls are served. Or choose from local produce, ready-made meals and frozen food to make meals onboard easier.
ADMINISTRATION team
You will also love our 6ft salt water fish tank, showing some of the amazing creatures which live beneath the surface of the Beaulieu River. From crabs, shrimps and eels to a wide variety of fish, many make appearances in the biodiversity tank before being safely returned to the river.
Amanda Daniel
Angela Shelley
Gill Martin
Georgia Daniel
Bel Coles
Ruper t Parkhouse
Outdoor Dining
Cheers from The Boatyard Bar
Sue and Steve Trotman are looking forward to welcoming guests back for another summer of good company from Easter until the end of September.
They will be offering a great selection of hand-picked new and old world wines, craft beer on draught, locally made G&Ts and our ever popular Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktail all served on the river’s edge.
The Boatyard Bar will be open every Friday and Saturday from Easter and additional days during the summer. There will also be a new look dining programme this year with some of the best local street food. The aim is to provide a varied menu of tastes and flavours, all cooked with passion and flair. Vendors will include the bakery LOAF and Bart's Fish on Fridays. Joining them throughout the summer will be Black Butter Social, Comanche Barbecue, and Smoke & Taco & Chef, each adding their own twist to your alfresco dining experience.
For more information, including details of our featured restaurants and opening times, please refer to our website or scan the QR code.
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 and minimum wash throughout the river.
⚓ keep to the starboard side of fairway.
⚓ wear kill 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 flying 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/find-hmrc-contacts/ national-yachtline 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.
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, please use the pre-booking system on our website: beaulieuriver.co.uk/visiting/slipways-launch-fees/
Launch & Recover Fees*
Paddlecraft (canoe, kayak, paddleboard)
£5 per vessel. Car parking fees apply
Any boat (regardless of power or size) £20 per vessel. Car parking fees apply
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.
⚓ no landing at Beaulieu village.
⚓ 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.
Our long term vision is to protect and restore nature in
the Solent
The Solent Seascape Project is a collaborative long term initiative, working to restore multiple habitats including oysters across the Solent strait – a diverse estuarine system between the Isle of Wight and mainland England. Scan the QR code to learn more:
Fambridge
Tollesbury
Jachthaven
Marina
Jachthaven
Jachthaven
Jachthaven
Boulogne-sur-mer
Etaples-sur-mer
Saint
Le
Dieppe
Saint
Fécamp
Le
Port-Deauville
Dives-Cabourg-Houlgate
Ouistreham/Caen
Saint-Quay
Marinas
JOIN US
Experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Beaulieu River and visit us either for a day, overnight or perhaps even longer.
With a five Gold Anchors accreditation, the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour 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, visitors and mooring holders can enjoy the following benefits:
⚓ free WiFi throughout the marina.
⚓ ample ANPR on-site parking.
⚓ CCTV and out-of-hours on-site security.
⚓ conveniently located on-site tenant boatyard services and craftspeople with covered and insulated workshops.
⚓ hot desk, offices and meeting rooms.
⚓ 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.
⚓ dog wash facilities.
⚓ social events for mooring holders.
⚓ pop-up bars and food vendors every weekend from Easter through to the end of September.
⚓ undercover unit storage.
Additional benefits as a permanent mooring holder.
⚓ 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 entry to Buckler’s Hard Museum.
⚓ Free entry to the Beaulieu visitor attraction and National Motor Museum. Excluding externally hosted events such as the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, check beaulieu.co.uk/events for details.
⚓ 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.
⚓ RYA training and own boat tuition offered on site.
MOBILE MARINE ENGINEER
FINDING US
By Boat
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 Reception when the Marina is in sight using VHF channel 68 and call sign Beaulieu River Radio
By Car
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, parking fees apply. 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 on the river) or email on harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk
Our website beaulieuriver.co.uk offers a wealth of information for mooring holders 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 permanent mooring holders. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis only and are predominantly 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.
Photo by Bill MacFarlane,
Pay particular attention when transiting between hammerhead 'A' and the fuel berth especially an hour before high water when the tide can be strongest.
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.
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. 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 mooring 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
g e e s c o m m o n l y s e e n i n t h e S o l e n t
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 chart, please contact the Harbour Master. Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at G with preparing this chart B
u r g e e s c o m
B u r g e e s c o m m o n l y s e e n i n t h e S
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.
g e e s c o m m o n l y s e e n i n t h e S o l e n t
n of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River If you e to see your club burgee in a future chart, plea hanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club a paring th r g e e s c o m m o n l y s e e n i n t h e S o l e n t
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 chart, please contact the Harbour Master. Thanks to the Royal Southam with preparing this chart B
on of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River. If you ke to see your club burgee in a future chart, please contact the Harbour Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at Gins for its assistance paring this chart. r g e e s c o m m o n l y s e e n
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 chart, please contact the Harbour Master Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Clu with preparing this chart
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 chart, please contact the Harbour Master Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Cl with preparing this chart B u r g e
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A selection of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the would like to see your club burgee in a future chart, please Master. Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at with preparing this chart
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A selection of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu Ri would like to see your club burgee in Master Thanks to the Royal South with preparing this chart
A selection of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River. If y would like to see your club burgee in a future chart, please contact the Harbou Master. Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at Gins for its assist with preparing this chart
A selection of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River If y would like to see your club burgee in a future chart, please contact the Harbou Master. Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at Gins for its assist with preparing this chart
A selection of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River If would like to see your club burgee in a future chart, please contact the Harb Master. Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at Gins for its assi with preparing this chart.
A selection of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the B would like to see your club burgee in a future chart, please c Master Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at G with preparing this chart.
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 chart, please contact the Harbou Master Thanks to the Royal South with preparing this chart B u r g e e s
A selection of yacht club burg would like to see your club b Master. Thanks to the Roya with preparing this chart
A selection of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River If would like to see your club burgee in a future chart, please contact the Harbo Master Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at Gins for its assista with preparing this chart
on of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River. If you ke to see your club burgee in a future chart, please contact the Harbour Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at Gins for its assistance paring this chart.
Beaulieu River and Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour
tion of yacht club burgees which may be seen on the Beaulieu River. If you like to see your club burgee in a future chart, please contact the Harbour Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at Gins for its assistance reparing this chart.
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 chart, please contact the Harbour Master Thanks to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club at Gins for its assistance with preparing this chart.
Royal Yacht Squadron
Beaulieu River Sailing Club Christchu
Hornet Sailing Club Hythe
Little Ship Club Lymington
Ocean Cruising Club Old Carth
Royal Artillery Yacht Club Royal Channe
THINGS TO DO ASHORE
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 and 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 Bike hire is available from newforestactivities.co.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 a pub menu in Henry's within a five-minute walk of the marina. The Captain’s Table, at the top of Buckler’s Hard High Street, serves hot and cold refreshments. 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
Buckler's Hard Village
Just a short stroll from the marina lies the riverside village of Buckler’s Hard, steeped in maritime heritage and brought to life in its Visitor Centre and Museum. Wander along the traffic-free high street and imagine the great warships of Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar rising above you as they were crafted here in the 18th century. Once a thriving hub of shipbuilding, the village still features the original cottages lining the broad, gently sloping street down to the water.
Known as ‘Montagu Town’ by John, the 2nd Duke of Montagu, the community celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2024. It was here that Nelson’s favourite ship, HMS Agamemnon, was built. Learn more in HMS Agamemnon - Navigating the Legend inside the Shipwrights Workshop, and discover how Mary Montagu-Scott is helping to conserve the world’s only surviving wreck of a Buckler’s Hard–built vessel.
In the Buckler’s Hard Museum, explore exhibits such as Nelson’s original baby clothes, listen in on reconstructed conversations between past villagers and hear their stories. Then fast-forward in time to discover the village’s crucial role during WWII and the D-Day landings.
Mooring holders enjoy free entry to the museum, while Beaulieu River visitors receive a 20% discount*. Dogs on leads are welcome too, so the whole family can join in.
Take a moment to visit St Mary’s Chapel, where Belinda, Lady Montagu’s altar frontal features a beautiful Tree of Life motif representing the New Forest oaks used for shipbuilding at Buckler’s Hard. Entry to the chapel is free, and you can also step inside an original Shipwright’s Cottage.
When it’s time to relax, head to The Captain’s Table for breakfast, light lunches, afternoon tea, snacks, ice creams and hot or cold drinks. For hearty pub classics, try Henry’s at the Master Builder’s, named after 18th-century shipbuilder Henry Adams. Enjoy their menu of seasonal local produce, Sunday roasts and daily specials. Drinks and meals can be savoured in the Master Builder’s spacious garden overlooking the Beaulieu River.
For those who enjoy exploring on foot or by bike, the Solent Way runs directly through Buckler’s Hard, with Beaulieu just two miles away. (See map overleaf.)
* Please show your Beaulieu River mooring receipt for the 20% discount, within a month of issue.
Free Exhibitions
Explore a variety of free exhibitions celebrating the history, wildlife, and heritage of the Beaulieu River and Buckler’s Hard.
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
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. Expect the footpath to flood when tides are above 3.8m (see tide table at back of book).
4 Burnt Oak Copse
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
It 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
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 floating dock was built here, together with components for the Mulberry Harbour, used in the D-Day landings.
3 Fiddler’s Reach
4 Gins
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 Oil Refinery passes under the river at this point.
5 Sea Banks
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 mudflats along the river is called Spartina Townsendii. It first appeared on the river in the 1870s to help bind the mud flats, 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 prized commodity and Salt Officers 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 flooded. This provides waterfowl, particularly Brent geese and wigeon, with feeding areas in autumn and winter.
Water
Marina
Gins
Black
Beaulieu River
Buckler’s Hard
6 Needs Ore Coastguard Cottages
Built in the 1860s for the Coastguard, who were at the forefront of the fight against smuggling, as well as defence and rescue. Officers were moved around from station to station to prevent them becoming established in the local community and susceptible to bribery and collusion. The Needs Ore Station closed in 1922 but the cottages continue to be occupied by tenants of the estate.
7 Needs Ore Point
This was where Charles Bull created his ‘Bull’s Run’ in 1726–27 as a shortcut into the river from the Solent. It was closed by a Special Act of Parliament in 1986 to protect Gull Island from erosion. Needs Ore is the base of the Beaulieu River Sailing Club whose dinghy races take place in this part of the river. Please note that the Beaulieu River Sailing Club jetty is private and landing is not permitted anywhere at Needs Ore.
8 Gull Island
This is actually a spit and owes its name to the black-headed gulls which used to nest here in abundance, and after a period of time away are now nesting again. This forms part of the Special Protection Area (SPA) and is strictly out of bounds to the public.
9 Millennium Beacon
This miniature lighthouse serves as a day mark and contains a sectored light for guiding boats into the river at night. Its construction was funded by many of the yachtsmen who use these waters.
The lands bordering the river contain an exceptional variety of habitats, which support an equally varied assemblage of wildlife. To protect important colonies of nesting seabirds, Gull Island and Warren Shore are closed to the public; however, access to other parts of the Reserve is possible by permit, issued by the Beaulieu Estate Office. The office can be contacted on 01590 614621.
Inchmery
Lepe House
The Dolphin or Outer Mark
VISIT BEAULIEU
Beaulieu is a marvellous day out that can be enjoyed together. The attraction is home to the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, Little Beaulieu and much more.
The National Motor Museum has one of the world’s finest collections of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia. Explore the new gallery Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story which opens at Easter and delves into the social and cultural impact of motor vehicles through the ages. For a bird’s-eye view of the collection, take a ride through the roof of the museum and around the ground on the monorail.
Take a trip down memory lane in the interactive exhibition, We Had One Of Those. This hands-on display is a celebration of the cars we grew up with, laughed in, sang along in, or even had our first date in.
Palace House , home of the Montagu family since 1538, is filled with family treasures and stories. Rooms open to view include a series of themed bedrooms which have been recently created by Lord Montagu. The latest of these will open in time for Easter 2026.
From the Mill Pond walk, the Victorian Flower and Kitchen Gardens to the Wilderness Garden and Alice’s Topiary Wonderland, Beaulieu’s outdoor spaces won’t disappoint. For younger visitors, Little Beaulieu is a paradise to explore! Climb the wooden replica of Palace House, navigate secret passageways, and zoom down the zip wire.
Experience the serenity of Beaulieu Abbey and learn what life was like for the monks who lived there over 800 years ago. Then, learn about Beaulieu’s role as a ‘Finishing school’ for the heroic Special Operations Executive in WWII.
A ticket to Beaulieu includes entrance to everything the attraction has to offer. What unforgettable memories will you make during your visit? 01590 612345 | beaulieu.co.uk
conservation & wildlife
Matthew Phillips, the Beaulieu Estate's Warden, gives an overview of conservation work on the estate's coastline and lands bordering the river.
The Beaulieu River, which is part of the North Solent National Nature Reserve, is home to many types of birds, mammals, fish and invertebrates, some of which are very rare and of international importance. The diverse mosaic of salt marshes, mud flats, shingle shoreline, coastal grazing marshes, freshwater and saline lagoons provide ideal habitats for provisioning overwintering migratory species such as Dark-Bellied Brent Geese. In fact, the Solent is the winter home to 10% of the world’s population of these birds.
One of our largest conservation projects in 2025 was Snipe Marsh, the low lying grazing marshes to the west of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. By removing dead hedges and cutting the reed beds, we created a large vista where birds feel safe to forage and nest. We have already been rewarded with many overwintering species using these fields. Brent geese, Common and Green Sandpiper, Snipe, Lapwing, Little Grebes, Widgeon, Gadwall and Avocets have all been recorded. Cows and ponies graze these fields and this promotes wildflowers such as sneezewort and dyers greenweed. These same marshes become spring nesting habitats for many ground-nesting species but their success at breeding depends on our abilty to protect them from predators.
We are especially proud of our breeding Lapwings and Redshank whose nesting areas we encircle with electric fences. On the shoreline, Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers additionally benefit from nest cages whilst, on the river banks, Oystercatchers have raised nesting platforms. We have also created safe nesting islands in the lagoons which are popular with Avocets and Black-Headed Gulls. Another measure, currently under trial, is the use of plastic decoys and audio to attract various Tern species to return to their old breeding sites at Needs Ore.
Turning inland, anyone using the Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard footpath can see examples of conservation woodland management in the creation of several woodland glades. These areas of increased ground sunlight promote the growth of woodland flora such as primrose, wood anemone, bugle, brambles and foxgloves. Native species of this kind add colour to the forest floor but, more significantly, encourage insects which in turn feed the woodland birds.
Photo by Zoe Morrall, shortlisted for the 2025 photographic competition.
Photo by Maggie White, shortlisted for the 2025 photographic competition.
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.
How you can help to protect this special environment:
• 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?
• If 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.
• Anchor only between piles 20-22, avoid anchoring in the rare coastal seagrass meadow at the mouth of the Beaulieu River and follow any signs about voluntary no-anchor zones.
In 2025 the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust was formed by Mary Montagu-Scott, along with co-trustees Colin Cain and Iain Rawlinson. This new charity has been established to deliver education and heritage projects about the history of shipbuilding at Buckler’s Hard.
The trust’s mission is to bring the story of Buckler’s Hard shipyard alive, with its rich history from medieval times, to shipbuilding in the 18th and 19th centuries, its role in WWII, the global footprint of ships originating from it and its rural village community, in a way that is truly inspiring, sustainable, inclusive to all and preserves it for future generations.
Projects include the continued survey of the wreck of HMS Agamemnon, Nelsons’s favourite ship built and launched here in 1781 which sank in 1809 in Uruguay, and a programme of archaeological digs of the historic village slipways over the next few years. The long-term ambition is to lay a replica ship ‘sculpture’ in the slipway to show the huge scale of the wooden warships built there.
The new trust is based in the village at No 75
In 2025 the new trust was busy with a volunteer archaeological dig of the No 2 slipway. It revealed the wooden groundway structures had survived remarkably well and much was learnt about its shape, size, declivity and materials as well as finding a huge amount of ‘finds’ in the mud.
We will return in summer 2026 to dig the lower half of this slipway where it is believed the timbers will be even better preserved in the thick Beaulieu River mud.
Working only above the intertidal area, 17 groundway timbers were revealed
A large number of finds were uncovered
Samples taken for timber dating
Visit our website for details of events, exhibitions and projects and ways to get involved. www.bhshipyardtrust.org.uk or follow us bucklershardshipyardtrust
Station Taxis Brockenhurst 07708 866844 / 01590 545454
Marchwood Motorways 02380 842929
For a more comprehensive list please see our reception 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.)
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.)
0.8kn (HW-2)
Direction, Speed & Time of Peak Tidal Flows Spring Tide (Flood)
1.2kn (HW-5)
1.0kn (HW-1)
1.5kn (HW-5)
1.2kn (HW-1)
1.0kn (HW-1)
0.9kn (HW-5)
1.2kn (HW)
0.9kn (HW-5)
1.0kn (HW-1) 1.3kn (HW-1)
(HW-5)
tidal flows
Tidal flows
Direction, Speed & Time of Peak Tidal Flows
Spring Tide (Ebb)
0 . 8k n (HW+1)
1.1k n (HW+4)
0 . 5k n (HW+4)
1.0 k n (HW+6)
1. 4 k n (HW+4)
1.0 k n (HW+4)
1. 4 k n (HW+4)
1. 8k n (HW+4)
0 .7 k n (HW+5)
1. 3k n (HW+5)
1. 6k n (HW+4)
1. 4 k n (HW+4)
1. 8k n (HW+4)
0.9kn (HW-5)
2 .0 k n (HW+4)
2 . 3k n (HW+4)
Peak flow speed
Time of peak flow speed relative to High Water
Direction of peak flow speed
Current speeds indicate maximum tidal flows during large spring tides. Tidal speeds will be lower at other times.
