Beautiful Beaulieu & The Beaulieu River

The Beaulieu River is fittingly regarded as one of the most picturesque and interesting areas of Southern England. Situated on the South Coast of Hampshire, the 12 mile long river runs from the New Forest National Park to the internationally renowned sailing grounds of the Solent (a 30 mile stretch of water seperating Hampsphire and the Isle of Wight).

Uncommonly for a river in the UK, the Beaulieu River is entirely privately owned, by the 2nd Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, since 1926, along with the foreshore, and a great deal of the surrounding countryside. It was previously Crown property, but was given away by King John in the 13th century to the monks who founded the Beaulieu Abbey.

Beginning near Lyndhurst in the New Forest, the river runs through the forest to Beaulieu where the river becomes tidal. The river continues through the forest to the historic ship building village of Buckler’s Hard, before continuing to the sea through the Solent, where the entrance to the river is marked by the Millennium Beacon. South West of the river entrance, only a few miles across the Solent, lies Cowes, a extremely famous sailing town on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, that hosts the worlds largest sailing regatta every summer.

Nearly all of the Beaulieu is navigable to small boats at high tide, which makes it perfect for a Solent rib hire, although a 5 knot speed restriction is applicable to the whole river, so it would be an extremely lovely trip (especially for the young and elderly) and would not exactly be an adrenaline ride.

There are a generous number of moorings in the river, an anchorage on the other side of Gull Island, and a marina at Buckler’s Hard between them provide more than enough berthing for your Solent yacht charter, but be aware that the entrance to the river can be difficult, and should not be attempted at low tide.

Apart from the Beaulieu River itself, the most popular tourist attractions are:

Buckler’s Hard, which because of its maritime history, including constructing wooden warships for Nelson’s fleet,(his favourite was the Agamemnon), maritime museum, authentic restoration of life in the 18th Century and comprehensive facilities for boats and sailors is an absorbing place to stop at, and you’d be in exceptionally good company. Sir Francis Chichester who was the first person to sail single-handedly around the world in his Gipsy Moth IV chose Buckler’s Hard for his home port, and you are be able to see some exhibits pertaining to this.

The most renowned of the master shipbuilders who worked at Buckler’s Hard was Henry Adams, who lived at what is now the gorgeous Master Builder’s House Hotel. This is a place you really have to see, have a drink or a meal at, and even stay at if possible.

Beaulieu, which is one of the South of England’s top day visitor attractions featuring exhibits such as the National Motor Museum, the James Bond Experience, the World of Top Gear, the Secret Army Exhibition and the Jaguar Jamboree. It also contains the Palace House and the historic Beaulieu Abbey.

Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu are linked by The Riverside Walk, which, is very pretty, rich in birdlife, and your time would be well rewarded.

Exbury Gardens, which are a few minutes walk from Buckler’s Hard, on the west side of the river. This is a 200 acre earthly paradise, famous for its Rothschild Collection of plants, shrubs and trees. There is also a steam railway.

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