Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is an award-winning marina nestled on the scenic Beaulieu River in Hampshire.
Located in the heart of the New Forest, the Beaulieu River has been under the careful custodianship of the Montagu family for over four centuries which has helped preserve its unique character. Recent investment has further strengthened the river’s reputation as one of the South Coast’s premier boating destinations. In 2025, a £2 million transformation of the 54-year-old boatshed was completed, building on the significant expansion of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour in 2021. The modernised facility reflects the marina’s commitment to providing high-quality marine infrastructure while supporting the continued growth of businesses operating on the river.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
Holding an esteemed Five Gold Anchor rating, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour offers far more than a place to berth. Nestled on the Beaulieu River, the marina combines 211 fully serviced walk-ashore berths, over 300 moorings and excellent boating facilities with a genuine sense of community. As an independent marina, Buckler’s Hard has built a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere, attracting visitors from across the South Coast and beyond. A calendar of popular pop-up events, social gatherings and riverside activities brings together berth holders, mooring holders, visitors and local businesses throughout the year, creating a vibrant hub both on and off the water.
Recent improvements, including WiFi and a black water pump-out facility, free of charge, complement a growing range of amenities. These include waterfront workspaces, marina shop and reception, alongside a variety of services provided by on-site and approved tenants.
With the historic village of Buckler’s Hard, its museum, pub, hotel, restaurant and tearoom just a short stroll away, it is easy to see why Buckler’s Hard continues to attract boaters seeking not just outstanding facilities, but a unique and welcoming riverside community.
ACCESS
The Beaulieu River is centrally located on the Solent, ideally positioned near the popular sailing hubs of Cowes, Lymington and Hamble. For those arriving by road, it is just 25 minutes from the M27 motorway, offering convenient access from across the South Coast.
When approaching by boat 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 journey continues with a picturesque 3.5nm cruise upstream to reach Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour.
Visitors are welcome to enter the Beaulieu River at any time, day or night. However, marina berths are only available with an advance booking. Upon arrival, all visiting vessels should report to the Harbour Master’s Office via VHF channel 68 using the call sign “Beaulieu River Radio”.
CRUISING
Large sections of the Beaulieu River and its banks are part of the North Solent Nature Reserve which restricts public access, so hop aboard your boat to see the wide range of habitats and wildlife it supports. Highlights:
Mulberry Dock – as you head downstream you will pass the old oyster beds where a floating dock was built for use in the D-Day landings.
Gins – now home to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, Gins was once bustling with activity as the monks of Beaulieu Abbey used to keep their fishing boats and trading ships there.
OUT AND ABOUT
Nestled just a short walk from the marina, the historic village of Buckler’s Hard offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s shipbuilding heritage, having once supplied vessels for Nelson’s Navy. Visitors can explore this rich maritime history at the Buckler’s Hard Museum and its reconstructed 18th-century cottages.
At the end of the village high street, the Master Builder’s House provides an excellent waterside dining experience. Henry’s offers a relaxed pub atmosphere with hearty dishes and local ales, while the new covered terrace enjoys stunning views across the Beaulieu River. Seasonal summer specials showcase the best local seafood, including fresh oysters, dressed crab and delicately prepared fish dishes.
Nearby Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum and a selection of independent shops, while the wider New Forest offers countless attractions, from gardens and museums to family-friendly days out. Brockenhurst station, around eight miles away, provides direct rail links to London Waterloo and Weymouth.
BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA
Boat owners are welcome to use suppliers of their choice, provided they comply with the marina guidelines and register with the Marina Reception. Alternatively, the marina has a list of approved suppliers known for their high standards of service.
ON-SITE TENANTS:
BOAT BUILDERS & BOAT 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. www.cooksmaritimesurveys.com
Harve & Sam Fletcher – Traditional Boat Builders and Shipwrights – Project management, wood repairs and rebuilds, hand painting and vanishing, teak deck restoration. 07716 916856 / 07558 575611
MARINE ENGINEERS:
Marine Tec Ltd – Inboard and outboard engine service and repair. info@marine-tec.co.uk
UPHOLSTERY:
Reynolds Marine Interiors – Bespoke marine interiors, covers, upholstery, curtains, headlining. jordanmorrisreynolds@icloud.com
ON-SITE BROKERAGE:
Parker Adams Boat Sales – www.parker-adams.co.uk
APPROVED TENANTS (OFF-SITE):
BOAT BUILDERS & MAINTENANCE
Jeremy Rogers – Boat repair, maintenance and refurbishment. www.jeremyrogers.co.uk
ROC Marine Solutions – System Engineering, anti-fouling services, running gear check and cleaning services, complete yacht refit management. www.rocmarinesolutions.co.uk
MARINE ELECTRONICS:
S.D. Electronics – Marine electronics and electrical engineer. Easteugh.pipistrelle@talktalk.net
MARINE ENGINEERS:
Riverbank Marine Services – Mobile marine engineer. Inboard and outboard engine service and repair. 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. www.ropewalkmarine.com
VALETING SERVICES:
Solent Yacht Care Limited – Specialist valeting services including polishing and waxing, teak renovation, antifouling, anode replacement. www.solentyachtcare.co.uk
YACHT RIGGING:
Ocean Rigging – All-round ocean rigging service. www.oceanrigging.co.uk
RECOMMENDATION
“For us, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is far more than a marina. It is a friendly and welcoming community built around a shared love of boating. Nestled in the heart of the New Forest on the beautiful Beaulieu River, it feels less like a marina and more like a way of life. While the harbour has undergone extensive modernisation to create outstanding facilities for today’s boat owners, it has carefully retained the charm and character that make it unique. What sets Buckler’s Hard apart is the people. The staff, craftsmen and berth holders create something special, and the Boatyard Bar is arguably the finest watering hole in the Solent.”
Dewi Thomas – Môrial
FURTHER INFORMATION
Harbour Master: Wendy Stowe
Deputy Harbour Master: Adam Lewis
E: harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk
T: 01590 616200
W: www.beaulieuriver.co.uk
Harbour Master’s Office
Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour
Beaulieu
Hampshire SO42 7XB
VHF Channel 68
‘Beaulieu River Radio’
