Semi-finalists of Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year can be seen painting the stunning scenery of Buckler’s Hard when the episode is broadcast on Wednesday 21st February.

News of who made the semi-finals has been kept under wraps until the programme, hosted by presenter Stephen Mangan, is aired during its 9th series.

Crowds of onlookers visited the picturesque village on the banks of the Beaulieu River in July to watch filming of the show in the summer sunshine – and may be able to catch a glimpse of themselves in the final edit.

Eight heat winners and the best wildcard artist were tasked with capturing the beauty of Buckler’s Hard, as well as its rich maritime history, to win their place in the final and a chance to be crowned Landscape Artist of the Year. The final winner will be awarded a £10,000 commission from the Science Museum, to create a work inspired by Orkney and its pioneering sustainable energy.

Sky Arts Director Phil Edgar-Jones said: “It’s always a joy to watch our beautiful country captured, but the brilliant artists who take part in Landscape Artist of the Year – and watching them all create their work – has to be one of the most relaxing, life affirming and all-round lovely TV experiences you can have. It’s a dose of mental medicine and all for free on Sky Arts.”

Buckler’s Hard was chosen as one of the key filming destinations, alongside some of the UK’s most remarkable locations. It is not the first time that Buckler’s Hard has been chosen as a  TV backdrop, after recently returning to its 18th century roots for the BBC and Disney FX adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, starring Olivia Colman as Miss Havisham.

Visitors, who can enter Buckler’s Hard village for free, can walk in the artists’ footsteps and enjoy the views for themselves. Free access includes entry to the original Shipwright’s Cottage and charming St Mary’s Chapel, with a smugglers’ cellar under the altar, as well as the HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend exhibition about nations working together to preserve the world’s only surviving wreck of a ship built at Buckler’s Hard.

Dogs have always been welcome at Buckler’s Hard on a lead – but you can now take them inside Buckler’s Hard Museum. With an admission ticket to the museum, discover more about the maritime history of the village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built, see exhibits including Nelson’s original baby clothes, then listen in on conversations between villagers of the past and follow residents’ stories in the exhibition of village life.

Drop anchor for refreshments at The Captain’s Table, where you can tuck into a tasty lunch or indulgent afternoon tea. Or for a seasonal pub menu or fine dining, call in at the Master Builder’s House in the former home of Buckler’s Hard’s 18th century Master Builder.

Buckler’s Hard, in the heart of the New Forest, is accessible by foot, car, motorbike – or boat! A parking charge contributes to the upkeep of the historic village.

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