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You are here: Things To Do > Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island

Poole Harbour
POOLE
Dorset
BH13 7EE

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Red Squirrel on Brownsea Island
  • Red Squirrel on Brownsea Island
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  • Brownsea Island

Website

Email

Telephone: +44 (0)1202 707744

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. 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. *The Outdoor Centre will be closed for the rest of the 2020 season. 

Families can make the most of their day too, with free trails 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 wildlife tours.  

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 the mainland.

Opening Times

2021 Opening (1 February 2021 - 1 November 2021)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*
Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult ferry fare + admission£17.50 per ticket
Child ferry fare + admission£9.50 per ticket
Family (1 adult 3 children) ferry fare + admission£27.40 per ticket
Family (2 adult 3 children) ferry fare + admission£44.50 per ticket
National Trust members ferry onlyfrom £7.00 to £32.00 per ticket

Entry to the Island is free to National Trust members.
Ferry fare applies to all visitors.
Prices stated are standard ticket prices.

Website

Email

Telephone: +44 (0)1202 707744

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTBrownsea

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
2407 reviews
  • Travelers Choice 2020
  • Excellent
    1736
  • Very Good
    516
  • Average
    108
  • Poor
    24
  • Terrible
    23

Recent Reviews:

  • Woky11
    Windsor, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Family
    Delightful
    5 of 5 stars
    Tuesday, 27th October 2020
    Wonderful trip, the island is peaceful and tranquil. We saw red squirrels, peacocks and a deer. Children loved running around and paddling in the sea. Gorgeous place Read full review
  • quelondon
    London, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Couples
    Love this island
    5 of 5 stars
    Wednesday, 28th October 2020
    We booked a return ferry trip through national trust (17.50 each) for non members(5.00 cheaper if you are a member). because of covid you are given 3and half hour time slots.its gives you plenty of... Read full review
  • thara r
    Epsom, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Family
    A rare day out
    4 of 5 stars
    Tuesday, 30th March 2021
    I loved seeing the red squirrels. Take a picnic or see if you can buy some nice food there from the cafe. There is a very good coffee shop as well as a sweet shop too. Make sure to take a camera so... Read full review
Write a review
© TripAdvisor 2021

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Attraction Facilities

  • Shop

Catering

  • On-Site café/restaurant - Hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, light meals. Sweet shop.
  • Picnic Site

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Event Venue
  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages - French, German and Italian
  • Tea / Coffee Shop
  • Toilets

Key Features

  • Approx length of visit - 3 hours
  • In countryside
  • Max group size - 200
  • Outdoor Attraction

Payment Methods

  • Delta accepted
  • Maestro accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Min group size - 15
  • Special group rates
  • TIC Staff Admitted Free
  • Visa accepted

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun
  • Marketed towards children
  • Marketed towards families
  • Marketed towards senior citizens
  • Marketed towards student/youth

Travel & Trade

  • Group discounts available

Access Information

TICKET / INFORMATION / GIFT SHOP [WHERE APPLICABLE]

Information available in alternative formats
Large print (at least 14 point)
OtherBrownsea Seahorse Accessible Boat.

ACCESS TO PUBLIC AREAS (Displays, exhibits, rides etc)

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to:
Gift shop
Public toilet
Public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair

CAFETERIA / RESTAURANT

Level access (i.e. no steps or thresholds) or access by a ramp or lift to the:
Restaurant

GENERAL

Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for visitors with limited mobility
Some routes
Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for wheelchair users
Some routes
Wheelchairs provided
Free of charge

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Map & Directions

View Map

Road Directions

By car:

Poole Quay: the visitors’ multi-storey car park is located on Strand Street, Poole, BH15 1SB – 5 minutes walk to the ferry. 

Sat-Nav: Postcodes for Sat Nav: Sandbanks Jetty, BH13 7QJ and Poole Quay, BH15 1HP.

Public Transport Directions

By train:  Catch a train to Poole Railway Station then walk (0.5 mile) or catch the Route 1 bus to Poole Quay.

By bus: From Poole Bus Station take the Route 1 bus to Poole Qua.

Ferries: Ferries depart from Poole Quay. All visitors, including members, need to purchase tickets, available in advance or on the day at the kiosks. 

Website

Email

Telephone: +44 (0)1202 707744

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