Scenes for Great Expectations being filmed at Buckler's Hard

The former shipbuilding village of Buckler's Hard is one of the locations being used to film a new version of the Charles Dickens novel Great Expectations.

The script has been penned by Bafta-winning Steven Knight, writer and creator of Peaky Blinders.

Buckler's Hard is one of the New Forest's biggest attractions.
Buckler's Hard and the neighbouring Beaulieu River will be closed to the public for several days from today to enable scenes to be shot.

First published in the early 1860s, Great Expectations is a classic coming-of-age tale about an orphan named Pip.

Ms Colman, 48, plays wealthy spinster Miss Havisham, who was jilted at the altar and insists on wearing her wedding dress for the rest of her life.

The yacht harbour will be closed to visitors.
It is not known if any scenes involving Ms Colman will be filmed at Buckler's Hard.

In 2018 she visited another part of the New Forest after taking over from Claire Foy as the Queen in the Netflix drama The Crown.

Rhinefield House, near Brockenhurst, portrayed one of the royal residences on the Balmoral estate.

Ms Colman and fellow cast member Helena Bonham-Carter, who played Princess Margaret, stayed at the hotel during two-and-a-half days of filming.

Buckler's Hard overlooks the Beaulieu River. (Image: Newsquest.)
Buckler's Hard, which comprises two rows of 18th century cottages leading down to the river, is the perfect place to shoot a period drama.

Some of the ships that fought at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 were built there.

A statement on the attraction's website says: "The village, yacht harbour and the river will be hosting a private event between the 9th–12th March and as a result will be closed to the public. There will be no access through the village at any point during these dates.

Some of the 18th century cottages at Buckler's Hard.
"The Beaulieu River will also be closed to visiting vessels, with restricted access for berth and mooring holders during the closure period.

"The boatyard will remain open. The river staff will be actively managing the closure and liaising with customers affected.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this closure may cause, but look forward to welcoming visitors back to Buckler’s Hard and the Beaulieu River from Sunday."

Buckler's Hard is owned by the Beaulieu Estate. A spokesperson said the village would be closed for a "private event".