Create your free account
Sign in to your account
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is a small woodland islet with a range of interesting terrain, wildlife and cultural landmarks. It is the largest of Poole Harbour’s eight islands and is home to the 19th-century St. Mary’s Church and the 16th-century Brownsea Castle. Learn about the early children’s camps that eventually led to the formation of Robert Baden-Powell’s Boy Scouts.
As you approach the island by boat, see the castle looming over the water. Peruse its pleasant gardens and capture photos of the fortress, which served as a defense fortification in the 1500s. Walk around the castle and pass through the mock Tudor entrance added in the 19th century.
Admire the Gothic style of the gray St. Mary’s Church. View a tomb and a monument to a previous owner and the original architect. Italian Renaissance sculptures decorate the church’s interior.
The island’s varied terrain includes a lagoon, salt marshes, freshwater lakes and woodland. Appreciate the picturesque setting at the Outdoor Centre. More than 100 years ago, Lieutenant-General Robert Baden-Powell, who is credited with setting up the Scout movement, camped here with early Boy Scouts. Enjoy today’s activities of orienteering and camping.
The island plays an important role in the survival of the rare red squirrel, which is dying out in the rest of the country due to the dominance of its gray counterpart. Discover several ornamental peacocks showing off their colorful tail feathers and visit the island’s heronry to see other majestic birds. Most of the islet is open from April to September, although the castle is closed to the public. The ferry ride has a small cost, with discounts for kids.
Book a ferry for one of its regular voyages to Brownsea Island from Poole Harbour. The journey is short, with arrival at the docks beside Brownsea Castle on the eastern coast. Get around the small island on foot easily. Its length is just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers).
Guide to Exploring Brownsea Island
Top Hotel Deals
Haven Hotel
161 Banks Road, PooleNestled on the beach, this Poole hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Sandbanks Ferry Terminal and Brownsea Castle. Shell Bay Beach and Studland Beach and Nature Reserve are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Thistle Poole
The Quay, PooleSituated in Poole, this hotel is steps away from Poole Old Lifeboat Museum and Poole Harbour. Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court Museum are also within 10 minutes.
Holiday Inn Express Poole
Walking Field Lane, PooleLocated in the heart of Poole, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Poole Old Lifeboat Museum and Poole Harbour. Brownsea Island is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.
Corfe View Direct Sea Views
, PooleSituated near the beach in Poole, this holiday home is close to Poole Old Lifeboat Museum, Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. Also nearby are Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court Museum.
Corfe View 2 Bedroomed Upside Down House Direct sea Views
, PooleLocated in the heart of Poole, this historic holiday home is near the beach and within walking distance of Poole Old Lifeboat Museum and Poole Harbour. Also nearby are Brownsea Island and Poole Museum.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
Thames Street, PooleSituated by the sea, this romantic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Scaplen’s Court Museum and Poole Harbour. Brownsea Island is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) away.
Sandbanks View Direct Sea View
, PooleSituated near the beach in Poole, this romantic holiday home is close to Poole Old Lifeboat Museum, Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. Also nearby are Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court Museum.
Sandbanks View Direct Sea View
, PooleLocated in the heart of Poole, this historic holiday home is near the beach and within walking distance of Poole Old Lifeboat Museum and Poole Harbour. Also nearby are Brownsea Island and Poole Museum.
Book your Brownsea Island Holiday
