beaulieu river cruise reviews

Yacht Charter

The salamander sailing adventure.

CH 5 Susan Calman's Grand Day Out on board Salamander

Follow in the footsteps of channel 5's susan calman's grand day out filmed onboard salamander, beaulieu river luxury boat trip.

Get in Touch 2 Get on Board

Lunch ashore at THE MASTER BUILDER'S HOTEL, BUCKLER'S HARD, BEAULIEU

Or picnic by andrew du bourg of the elderflower restaurant.

SALAMANDER OF LYMINGTON

with The Salamander Sailing Adventure

Follow in the footsteps of CHANNEL 5's SUSAN CALMAN's GRAND DAY OUT filmed onboard SALAMANDER sailing in the SOLENT and THE BEAULIEU RIVER

The salamander beaulieu river luxury boat trip stopping for lunch at the quirky luxury 18th century master builder's hotel, buckler's hard, beaulieu or picnic created by multi award-winning and michelin recommended chef andrew du bourg of the elderflower restaurant and star of bbc 2's "remarkable places to eat", the best way to see the beaulieu river with the salamander beaulieu river luxury boat trip.

A full-day cruise exploring the upper reaches of the Beaulieu River, as far as Buckler’s Hard, originally named ‘Montagu Town’ by John, 2nd Duke of Montagu.

Your Salamander Beaulieu River Boat Trip includes a welcoming champagne breakfast on board Salamander of Lymington, stopping for lunch ashore in the Riverview Restaurant or the Yachtsman's Bar at the 18th century Master Builder’s Hotel in Buckler's Hard, famed for its Quirky Luxury on the picturesque bank of the Beaulieu River and afternoon tea back on board Salamander, your private yacht for the day, on your return passage to Lymington.

Peaceful and sheltered, the Beaulieu River offers tranquillity and picturesque displays of natural beauty. Its undeveloped banks play host to an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, where woodland gives way to tidal saltmarsh. Marking the south eastern edge of the Beaulieu Estate, the Beaulieu River is one of the few privately owned estuaries in the world.

The river and its environs form part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which offers habitat for many resident and migrant wildfowl and waders – some 200 species in all.

The easiest and best way get to and book a table at The Riverview Restaurant in the Master Builder’s Hotel in Buckler's Hard Beaulieu is with The Salamander Sailing Adventure Beaulieu River Luxury Boat Trip Call or Text 07798 524111

The Riverview Restaurant in The Master Builder's Hotel for lunch with your Salamander Sailing Adventure Beaulieu River Boat Trip

Departure details for a salamander beaulieu river boat trip.

The Salamander Beaulieu River Boat Trip will normally depart Berthon Lymington Marina at 10.00, viewing Lymington Town Quay, Lymington River, the Solent with views across to Yarmouth and the Isle of Wight, before entering the Beaulieu River itself , stopping in Buckler's Hard, Beaulieu for lunch and returning to Lymington at approximately 16.00.

Times may vary slightly as this Adventure is tide and weather dependant to enter the Beaulieu River.

Bespoke arrangements can also be made to meet guests in Lymington, Buckler's Hard on the Beaulieu River, Southampton, the Hamble, Portsmouth and Gosport in Hampshire, Cowes and Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and Poole in Dorset.

Departure times can be agreed to suit guest’s wishes.

Lymington, Yarmouth, Cowes, Hamble, Southampton, Portsmouth and Poole are well served by trains and ferries making overland connections for boarding and disembarking Salamander very easy.

Lymington, The New Forest and the Isle of Wight are unique destination venues for some amazing scenery, with luxurious boutique hotels and excellent fine dining providing the perfect backdrop to combine with some wonderful sailing on board Salamander, a traditional yacht with a classically designed teak interior .

Transfers from hotels can be arranged.

#NewForestAndTheSea

Buckler’s Hard developed into a hive of shipbuilding activity in the late 1700s. With New Forest oak on the doorstep, it was ideally situated for such a task. The cottages that line the unusually wide street – where logs and planks were once piled – housed tradesmen and labourers. Shipbuilding here went into decline shortly after the Napoleonic wars, but the village has remained unspoilt by the passage of time. In the Maritime Museum you can discover the fascinating story of the village, its residents and the ships they built, including Nelson’s favourite warship HMS Agamemnon.

Many fine old naval ships were built at Buckler’s Hard. In fact you can still see the old grassy ‘slips’ just below the Master Builder's Hotel . The hotel buildings had been the residence of the shipbuilder Mr Henry Adams.

The easiest and best way get to and see the Beaulieu River and the Master Builder’s Hotel in Buckler's Hard Beaulieu is to sail there with The Salamander Sailing Adventure Beaulieu River Luxury Boat Trip Call or Text 07798 524111

A perfect day out – Salamander under full sail ready to take you where the wind blows

Your cruise will be on board the luxury 58 foot ocean-going sailing yacht Salamander of Lymington, which has successfully circumnavigated the world with the current skipper. You will be able to try your hand under supervision, if you wish, or you can sit back and luxuriate in the warmth of the teak pilot house saloon with great wrap round windows. Salamander is heated and perfectly suited for year round use, both sailing and cruising under motor.

A great way to see Lymington Town Quay in the New Forest Hampshire on the south coast is from on board an exclusive charter with The Salamander Sailing Adventure Beaulieu River Luxury Boat Trip Call or Text 07798 524111

Salamander’s home port of Lymington in Hampshire - Town Quay with colourful fishing boats and sailing yachts moored alongside

Lymington, where Salamander is normally based, is well worth a visit on foot, a charming Georgian town with cobbled streets, with many hotels, banks, pubs, restaurants and independent shops, lying between the New Forest and the Solent, the most famous stretch of sheltered water in the world of sailing, the venue of so many world class events, and just around the corner from the Beaulieu River, Cowes, Yarmouth, The National Trust Reserve at Newtown River, Portsmouth, Southampton, and last but not least the world famous and iconic Needles on the Isle of Wight.

What's included in the price for a Salamander Beaulieu River Boat Trip?

Full-day cruise on Salamander for up to 12 guests.

A professional crew of 3, probably the highest crew to guest ratio on the south coast, usually including the round the world owner skipper with tales to tell, so you may relax or take part ... it's up to you.

Full dedicated steward service on board serving a champagne breakfast to include a glass of bucks fizz, a bacon roll, Danish bites and tea or coffee.

Harbour fees for Buckler's Hard Marina

Picnic Lunch Option available for eating on the grass or on board Salamander

Afternoon tea including a selection of scones and cakes on board Salamander of Lymington

Soft drinks, tea and coffee are available throughout the day on board Salamander of Lymington

Parking adjacent to Salamander in Berthon Lymington Marina, Bath Road, Lymington, SO41 3YL

*Lunch at the Master Builder's Hotel is not included and will be payable directly to the hotel.

#GetInTouch2GetOnBoard

Let us check availability

And tides for you.

A warm and comfortable way to see the Beaulieu River at all times of the year with The Salamander Sailing Adventure Beaulieu River Boat Trip with lunch at The Master Builder’s Hotel Buckler’s Hard Beaulieu Hampshire Call or Text 07798 524111

Solid teak interior - warm pilot house with great all round visibility

TESTIMONIAL - WHAT DO THE SALAMANDER SAILING ADVENTURE GUESTS SAY ?

“Wonderful Birthday Celebration!”

"Beautiful trip up Beaulieu River with lunch at the Master Builder for my husband's birthday.

Our party included our 18 month old grandson who was welcomed aboard and we all had a great time. The hosts were excellent and nothing was too much trouble.

The highlight for us was the provision of a surprise and superb dairy free birthday cake with champagne.

Would strongly recommend."

Jeremy D - TripAdvisor Review

The Salamander Sailing Adventure receives 5 Star Tripadvisor Reviews for Beaulieu River Boat Trips from Lymington Yarmouth and Cowes Isle of Wight

Travel With No Anchor

Inspirational content to spend more time outdoors, in blue spaces and experiencing Water Wellness.

A visit to Buckler’s Hard Marina and River Cruise in the New Forest

Disclosure: We love how our audience helps us grow. This post may contain affiliate links. Please check our disclosure policy for more information.

A visit to Buckler’s Hard Marina in the New Forest, Hampshire is the perfect little place to explore. Not only does it feel that time has stood still here, but it’s also the ideal place to reconnect, recharge and discover its true delights. It lies on the banks of Beaulieu River – Beau-lieu meaning beautiful place .

If you are not overly into its maritime history, Buckler’s Hard is still worth a visit. The views are magnificent, along with its tranquil atmosphere amongst the cottages and marina. Enjoy the peaceful Beaulieu River cruise – one of the best boat trips in Hampshire . Dine at either the Captain’s Table cafe or award-winning Riverview Restaurant at the Master Builder’s House. Looking to enjoy the outdoors? Take the beautiful Beaulieu River walk amongst the water and woodland to the village of Beaulieu.

Buckler’s Hard, New Forest

If Hampshire wasn’t stunning enough already, Buckler’s Hard takes it to the next level. Where the New Forest meets the Beaulieu River; it’s where time flows differently.

Buckler’s Hard is accessible by foot, car, motorbike, bicycle and boat! The Solent Way footpath runs through the village and is just over a 2 mile gentle walk or cycle from Beaulieu . Getting there by public transport may prove more challenging, however would be possible with the use of a taxi for the final leg of the journey.

Find out more information here on how to get there.

When we visited on a gorgeously warm, sunny weekend, we weren’t quite expecting it to be laid out with a model village-type feeling. It’s quite commercialised as you enter with paid parking, maps of the village, plenty of signposts, available facilities and cafes to choose from. Thankfully, keep heading towards the marina and the village begins to show its true heritage.

Once a busy shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, this charming village is now a peaceful haven. Many people still live here and are engaged in the recreation and tourism of the village. As you wander further down the hill, you appreciate how lucky you would be to live somewhere like this. Its character beams. It was still early in the summer season so we had the views all to ourselves for a while. In the height of summer, it would no doubt have much of a different feel.

Museum and Visitor Centre

When entering Buckler’s Hard from the car park and go past the facilities and cafe, the first attraction you come to is the Heritage Maritime Museum . The building was once the New Inn public house but now offers a series of interesting displays that tell the fascinating stories of this historic Beaulieu riverside village. Discover how the village transformed into the tranquil haven that stands today.

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour

With a five Gold Anchor accreditation, Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour offers a sheltered setting for 211 fully serviced berths, more than 300 moorings and a boat park with a slipway. There have been some major recent redevelopments within the harbour, making it a popular choice for visitors. You can book ahead here .

Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is one of the two Beaulieu River marinas – the Beaulieu Marina and the Beaulieu Moorings, which are further downstream.

Take a wander around many of the sailing boats or explore the dry docks where plenty of work is going on to maintain a variety of vessels.

Beaulieu River Cruise & Boat Trip

Take to the water on the gentle 30 minute Buckler’s Hard Beaulieu River Cruise . River cruises run from Easter to October and are reasonably good value for money.

Head out towards the mouth of River Beaulieu, where the Solent meets the river. Your guided tour draws attention to the major historical parts of the village’s past, with moments in between that feel like you’ve slowed down in time to take in the scenery. Glide past sailing vessel after sailing vessel berthed along the riverbanks, smiling at their names. Before you reach the river mouth, the captain turns the boat around close to Lower Exbury. The journey on the way back is just as mesmerising as the way there. Upon approaching Buckler’s Hard, The village views from the water are as pretty as a picture. This Beaulieu River Cruise is definitely the highlight of visiting this charming village.

Oliver B River Vessel - Buckler's Hard Cruise

Beaulieu River Kayaking

Did you know that the Beaulieu River is one of the few privately owned rivers in the world? It has been in the ownership of the Montagu family for over 400 years. As a result, there is a launch and recovery slipway fee for all vessels, including Paddlecraft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards). The price includes the parking of one vehicle.

Find more information out here about taking a kayak or other vessel on the Beaulieu River.

As a Site of Special Scientific Interest, there is plenty of information available to enjoy the river and also protect the wildlife. It’s an idyllic spot for paddlesports.

Paddling information at Buckler's Hard - Beaulieu River Map

The Captain’s Table Cafe

For some light refreshments and a well-earned break from walking, enjoy the menu at the Captain’s Table . Serving breakfast, and lunch, including hot food, paninis sandwiches and jacket potatoes. They also offer traditional afternoon cream tea with lashings of jam and clotted cream (go on… you deserve it!).

Perfectly located at the beginning or end of your Buckler’s Hard journey, there is plenty of inside seating with a chic design, or continue soaking in the vitamin D from the outside tables.

There is also an ice cream shop next to the cafe to further tempt your sweet tooth! Why not take one down to the river’s edge? There’s nothing better than licking away an ice cream with a water view!

Prices are reasonable considering these are the only casual dining and refreshments offered in the area.

The Master Builder’s House Hotel and Restaurant

One of the main reasons for visiting Buckler’s Hard is the Master Builder’s House . As part of the Hillbrooke Hotels brand, it’s absolutely gorgeous and steeped in history with stunning views over the Beaulieu River. Stay. Eat. Drink. The choice is yours – none of which will disappoint. Spend hours here soaking in the tranquillity, take in the views of the marina and just enjoy the moment.

The AA Rosette awarded Riverview Restaurant is known for its fresh, seasonal food with quality wines and ales. It’s got its own style as it stands proud at the end of the village. During the summer months, enjoy the Crew Bar & Grill on the terrace. The Yachtsman Bar also opens daily for drinks and bar nibbles.

You don’t get much more Buckler’s Hard than this.

Are you planning a visit to the beautiful village of Buckler’s Hard? The Beaulieu River Cruise? The Master Builder’s House? We would love to know what you are most looking forward to in the comments below.

The Best Boat Hire in Windsor

Boat Hire on the Norfolk Broads - Herbert Woods Boat Hire, Norfolk cruising past a tranquil windmill

The Best Boat Hire on the Norfolk Broads

West Wittering Beach - best beach in Chichester

The Best Beaches in Chichester, UK

Promo title text

CTA text goes here

River cruise

A place of serenity and beauty… step aboard for a peaceful 30 minute boat trip along one of the few privately owned tidal rivers in the UK.

The river cruise is a great optional extra to enjoy during your visit to Buckler’s Hard.

Discover history & wildlife

Originally granted to the monks of Beaulieu Abbey by King John in 1204, the rights and responsibilities of caring for the Beaulieu River later passed to the Montagu family. Their careful ownership has created a river which is largely unspoilt and a haven for wildlife.

Sailing times

River cruises will operate daily from the 29th March until the 3rd November 2024. The river cruise sails from the jetty at the bottom of the high street at the following times:

11.00, 11.45, 12.45, 13.30, 14.15, 15.00, 15.45, 16.30

River cruise tickets – sold onboard the boat

Join the buckler's hard newsletter.

For all the latest offers & happenings here...

Gifts and Vouchers

Purchase gift voucher

Check voucher balance

Experience hosting

Apply to host an experience

Learn about hosting

Partner log in

Terms & conditions

Get in touch with the team

2 hour sunset Beaulieu River boat tour, with expert wildlife guide

Experience overview

Petra Duffin

Emma roberts, who's going, gifts for those impossible to buy for people.

Our gift vouchers are the perfect gift for those who have everything or who can never decide what they really want. So whether Granny uses hers for paintballing with her pals or your not-so-little nephew Peter can’t wait to spend his on paddle-boarding - you’re giving the gift of an experience they chose but will never forget.

Add to waitlist

Add to wishlist, sign up to news & offers.

Be first to hear about unique new activity providers, artisans, hosts, and local experts

Working for wildlife in the New Forest National Park

Beaulieu River Boat Tour

A gentle wildlife-watching cruise along the scenic Beaulieu River

Service Description

Meeting at Bucklers Hard, we will board Lazy Daze for this gentle 2.5 hour cruise along the Beaulieu River to the Solent coast and back. The Beaulieu River is rich in wildlife with no two trips the same. This low-tide cruise will enable us to watch a great variety of birds and other wildlife from the unique viewpoint of the river, while operating at a safe and responsible distance to ensure there is no disturbance. Our guests will be able to immerse themselves in the beautiful scenery of this tranquil corner of the New Forest, and to take advantage of the fantastic photo opportunities of landscapes and wildlife. Maximum group size of ten; tea, coffee and cake is provided, suitable for accompanied children aged five and over, fee applies for all ages on this tour. Lifejackets are also provided, but note that there are no toilet facilities on board. Lazy Daze is fully licensed to operate on the Beaulieu River. Note, there is a £5.00 charge per car for parking at the Bucklers Hard marina.

Upcoming Sessions

Cancellation policy.

See our terms and conditions under the Guided Tours section for details of our cancellation policy

Contact Details

07949 032702

[email protected]

New Forest, United Kingdom

VHF Channel 68

Explore By Boat

The lower reaches of the beaulieu river aren’t served by a footpath, so the views from your boat cannot be bettered., buckler’s hard to lepe.

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.

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 / [email protected] )

Mulberry Dock – as you head downstream you’ll pass the old oyster beds where a floating dock was built for use in the D-Day landings. Find out more about the role of Buckler’s Hard and the Beaulieu River in the Second World War a special display in the Buckler’s Hard Museum .
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.
Gull Island – this small island is home to a rare colony of Black-Headed Gulls which, having been absent for a period of time, are now nesting again. Please note that Gull Island is closed to the public and landing is strictly forbidden.

>Download the route

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 if you want to go exploring!

Common burgees of the Solent

A selection of burgees may be seen on the Beaulieu River.

>Download our guide to common burgees on the Solent