Brownsea Island - National Trust

About

Brownsea Island is a wildlife sanctuary that’s easy to reach but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore. There is wildlife to spot and woodland to explore; outdoor activities to try and beaches to picnic on; birds to watch and trails to wander.

Things to see and do:

Tours, talks and trails
Make the most of your visit and join a free introductory talk or pick up a self-led trail at the Visitor Centre and unlock the secrets and history of Brownsea.  For the less-abled we also offer a free, bookable electric buggy island tour.

Outdoor Centre
Sample the scouting life at the Outdoor Centre; spend a night under the stars on our Eco Adventure Camping experience, or learn about intriguing tales of survival and adventure at the Trading Post.

Wild Brownsea
Wildlife spotters can follow waymarked routes through a wealth of different habitats from the sheltered lagoon and sweeping shorelines, to woodlands and heathland.  As you wander, keep an eye out for the famous red squirrel.

Villano café & Engine Gift Shop
Sample homemade food and drinks with garden views over Poole Harbour.  You can support Brownsea by picking up a souvenir at the Engine Gift Shop and check out the lovingly restored electric light engine.

Events
We have plenty of free and ticketed seasonal events for everyone from wildlife lovers to adventures with family.  For the full events programme, prices and information please visit the website.

Places to stay
There are two holiday cottages on Brownsea island, both located on the quay with stunning harbour fronted views and metres away from the water’s edge.  For more information please visit website and look under ‘places to stay’.

Campsite and South Shore Lodge
Brownsea Island campsite is located where Lord Baden-Powell held the first experimental Scout camp in 1907. Spend a night under the starts on our Eco Adventure camping experience from April to September.  South Shore Lodge provides bunk bed accommodation, a common room, kitchen facilities and a shower and toilet block. From here your group can explore the whole island whilst making the most of the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of the lodge.

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

Please note access to the island is limited for disabled visitors please check with the boat company before travelling. The Brownsea Seahorse runs a pre-bookable service for wheelchair bound visitors running from Sandbanks to National Trust Brownsea Island on set days (subject to weather and tide).   Call 01202 707744 for dates and booking. 

There is also a landing fee to pay for non National Trust members on top of normal boat fare.