Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in Dorset. The island is 1.5 miles long and 0.75 miles wide. It’s a popular choice for a day out in Dorset.
Owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island nature reserve has some amazing history to it. It’s seen cattle farming, daffodil farming and pottery over the years. There is also a 19th Century church in the middle of the island.
Related Post – National Trust places to visit in Dorset
Brownsea Island is a popular place for the Scouts to spend their weekends camping. Lord Baden Powell opened a formal campsite on the island in the 1960’s and to this day, it is still known as the birthplace of scouting.
How To Get To Brownsea Island
You need to catch a ferry to Brownsea Island, and whilst there are various places along the coast you can catch the ferry, the quickest is from Sandbanks. The Sandbanks ferry runs every half an hour and takes just ten minutes to get to the island.
Related Post – Things to do in Poole, Dorset
Boats to Brownsea Island from Poole Quay take around 20 minutes to travel over. The views as you enjoy the ferry ride are something not to miss in themselves.
A space on the Brownsea Island ferry from Poole Quay is on a first come, first served basis. The ferry fee is payable at reception on Brownsea Island.
You can also travel to Brownsea Island from Sandbanks on a pre booked ferry crossing.
Brownsea Island will open for the 2025 season on 15th March.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Brownsea Island?
National Trust members can access the island for free included in their membership. Non members pay a fee of around £11 for adults and £5.50 for children. Family price discounts are also available.
What Animals Live On Brownsea Island?
Brownsea Island is teeming with Dorset wildlife. You will be treated to some amazing sights of the resident wildlife. The silka deer and rare red squirrels live here, 250 of them. You can also spot a huge variety of birds including Kingfishers, terns, dunlin and oyster catchers.
Stay on the lookout for the peacocks on your travels around the island and you may be treated to a great display of them showing off their tail feathers.
Things To Do On Brownsea Island
You won’t be short of things to do on Brownsea Island. There are free trails and natural play areas. Seasonally throughout the year you will also spot plenty of additional activities for families, especially during school holidays.
The perfect day out at Brownsea Island for us would be to arrive mid morning with a picnic in tow. Take a wander around the island, stopping for some snacks and a drink. There is a lovely green space area to stop and enjoy a picnic, or a rest before carrying on back to the main area near the church.
There’s no need to rush, as the last ferry doesn’t leave until 5pm when the island closes. Take in the sights and enjoy the stunning views across to the Isle of Purbeck.
Related Post – Castles to visit in Dorset
Brownsea Island In Fiction
Enid Blyton used Brownsea Island as inspiration for Whispering Island in the Famous Five adventure books.
