Brownsea Island

About

The perfect day’s adventure, this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore.

The island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour, with dramatic views to the Purbeck Hills. Thriving natural habitats, including woodland, heathland and a lagoon, have created havens for wildlife, such as the red squirrel and a huge variety of birds, including the sandwich tern. You'll find peacocks and hens wandering near the 19th-century church.

The island is steeped in history, which you can learn more about at the Visitor Centre. Several industries have thrived on Brownsea Island over the years, including cattle farming, daffodil farming and pottery. You'll see remnants of all of this on the island - with Pottery Pier still surrounded by shards of the ceramics that were once crafted there. You can also see the remains of the village of Maryland, which once housed scores of workers and their families. 

The Outdoor Centre is the place to go for camping, overnight stays and a range of activities from archery and mini-golf to low ropes and orienteering. It welcomes thousands of Scouts and Guides form all over the world - making a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the Scouting and Guiding movement. It was on Brownsea Island that Lord Baden Powell developed his idea for Scouting and trialled some early Scout-style camps. The Outdoor Centre also offers day learning for schools and other groups and, in summer, family adventure weekends.

Families can make the most of their day too, with activities including tree-climbing trails, Tracker Packs and a natural play area. During school holidays there are a regular free activities on offer from clay craft and bug hunting to 50 Things fun and Easter and Halloween trails. The warmer months see special events, including Brownsea Open-Air Theatre and cinema under the stars.

Whatever the season, there's something new to experience and enjoy on Brownsea Island - from the spring blossom to the autumn leaves, the warm summer waters to the beautiful winter sunsets. Some choose to reach Brownsea Island on their own boat or kayak, which you're welcome to do so during opening hours - landing on the South Shore beaches; otherwise it's a short ferry trip from Sandbanks or Poole. 

With free guided walks and tours on daily, you can learn more about the nature and history of the island. Buggy tours are available for less-mobile visitors (booking essential). We also offer a bookable landing craft, The Seahorse, for those visitors who use wheelchairs, along with an electric buggy service and all terrain wheelchairs and pushchairs for hire on the island.

The Villano Cafe serves a range of seasonal food and hot and cold drinks, as well as ice creams and lollies. The Brownsea Island shop is the last stop before getting the ferry home and is full of postcards, souvenirs and National Trust goodies.