Situated on the beautiful Beaulieu River, the five Gold Anchor Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is a natural haven where the New Forest meets the Solent.
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.
In 2025, the £2 million redevelopment of the 54-year-old boatshed was completed, following the major expansion of Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour in 2021. The upgraded facility now meets modern marine industry standards and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to enhancing the river’s infrastructure. It also creates new opportunities for marine businesses to relocate, improving services and facilities for mooring holders on the Beaulieu River.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
With a prestigious Five Gold Anchor accreditation, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour provides a sheltered haven on the Beaulieu River. The marina offers 211 fully serviced walk-ashore berths, over 300 river moorings and a boat park with a slipway. Recent upgrades include improved electricity and WiFi, as well as a black water pump-out facility.
A vibrant calendar of events brings together the Beaulieu River boating community throughout the year. Onshore, visitors enjoy the charm of the historic 18th-century village of Buckler’s Hard, home to a museum, restaurant, pub and tea room.
The newly opened boatshed includes five first-floor offices, two meeting rooms and a high-clearance workshop for full-height vessels. Two additional fully insulated bays with roller shutters support a range of boatyard services. The work may be carried out personally or by an appointed contractor.
Letting terms include parking, WiFi, electricity and access to a communal kitchen (service charges apply). Meeting rooms are also available to hire by the day or half-day.
A new marina shop, chandlery and reception have opened, offering fresh food and drink, boating essentials, curated gifts and a café space. These facilities serve berth holders, mooring users and more than 10,000 annual visitors to the harbour.
ACCESS
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 3.5 nautical mile 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 kept their fishing boats and trading ships there.
Looking further afield, Beaulieu River is centrally located on the Solent, giving easy access to the sailing centres of Cowes, Lymington and Southampton. Perfect to use as a base for exploring.
*Please note: to protect important colonies of nesting seabirds, Gull Island and Warren Shore are closed to the public; however access to other parts of the North Solent Nature Reserve is possible by permit, issued by the Beaulieu Estate Office (01590 614621 / estate@beaulieu.co.uk)
OUT AND ABOUT
The New Forest offers a wide range of attractions, from castles and museums to gardens and theme parks. Just a short walk from the marina lies the historic village of Buckler’s Hard (pictured), where ships were once built for Nelson’s Navy. Visit the Buckler’s Hard Museum to explore its rich maritime past and step inside reconstructed 18th-century cottages.
At the end of the high street, the Master Builder’s House offers two great dining options: Henry’s, a cosy pub serving hearty food and local ales from 10am daily, and the Riverview Restaurant, featuring classic British dishes and views over the Beaulieu River.
In the local village of Beaulieu, you will find the popular Beaulieu visitor attraction – best known for its world-famous National Motor Museum.
Brockenhurst station, just eight miles away, provides direct rail links to London Waterloo and Weymouth. Taxis from Brockenhurst to Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour take around 20 minutes.
BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA
COOKS MARITIME CRAFTSMEN & YACHT SURVEYS
HARVE & SAM FLETCHER
JEREMY ROGERS
ROC MARINE SOLUTIONS LTD
OCEAN RIGGING
S.D ELECTRONICS
HUDSON MARINE
MARINE TEC LTD
RIVERBANK MARINE SERVICES
ROPEWALK MARINE
SOLENT YACHT CARE LIMITED
IBOATVALET
REYNOLDS MARINE INTERIORS
PARKER ADAMS BOAT SALES
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION
“The reason I choose to moor my Cornish Crabber at Beaulieu river is very simple. It is stunningly beautiful and as a nature lover there is always something interesting going on throughout the seasons. Add to that a team that is highly professional and truly dedicated to looking after you, helping solve the challenges that go with owning a boat. The team are exceptional. I made a living helping teams achieve high performance. The Beaulieu River team hit all the right markers and best of all they do this without straining. I have not been in a marina that feels so helpful. I also love the good-natured manner that all things are conducted. Sure, it is a business, but it feels much more than that. The facilities are excellent and the range of trades supporting you are again highly professional.”
Chris Lever – Mooring Holder
Harbour Master: Wendy Stowe
Deputy Harbour Master: Adam Lewis
harbour.office@beaulieu.co.uk | 01590 616200
www.beaulieuriver.co.uk
VHF Channel 68 – ‘Beaulieu River Radio’
Harbour Master’s Office, Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7XB
