Name: Brownsea Island
Rating: 5.0

Brownsea Island

Farm Cottages, Poole BH13 7EE, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills. Thriving habitats including woodland, heathland and a lagoon create a unique haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and Sandwich terns and oystercatchers.

Free trails help you explore the island, there is a natural play area and fantastic picnic spots, an island adventure waiting for the whole family. Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour, in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust, with the northern half managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Price starts from £11.00 for Adults(18 years and over), £5.50 for Children(5-17 & under 5s free) and £27.50 for Family(2 Adults and up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Ferry trip: Your Brownsea adventure starts with a ferry trip. Head to the ‘Planning your visit’ section for information on getting here from Poole Quay
Wildlife haven: Famous for red squirrels, the island's habitats include heathland, woodland and a lagoon – internationally important for overwintering and summer-nesting birds.
Historic campsite: At the birthplace of Scouting an overnight adventure awaits. Scouts, Guides, seasoned campers and comfort-seekers can pitch up, book a bell tent or hang out in a tree tent.
Natural play area and free trails: Red squirrel-inspired agility course featuring balance beams, climbing frame, obstacles, see-saw and den-building area. Free family trails available from the Visitor Centre and Outdoor Centre.
Visitor Centre and Engine Room: Visitor Centre: Discover red squirrel stories and lift the lid on Brownsea's wildlife. Engine Room (near reception): meet the characters that have shaped Brownsea and browse our second-hand bookshop.
Boat, kayak and paddleboard access: Head to the island via your own boat, kayak or paddleboard and we welcome you to land along the South Shore only. No landing along the North Shore or sea wall due to nesting birds, or at the National Trust pier for safety.
Family adventures on Brownsea Island: Let imaginations run wild in our natural play area and cross some of the '50 things' off your list as you explore the island and take part in our seasonal trails.
Wildlife watching on Brownsea Island: There is plenty of wildlife to see all year round on the island and things change with the seasons. Take a walk through the woodland or down to the lagoon, and don’t forget your binoculars.
Rainy day adventures on Brownsea Island: In this article, we'll share how to make the most of quieter rainy days on Brownsea Island throughout the year, when you've got a really good chance of seeing a red squirrel in the wild.

Facilities

Parking: Parking in Poole: follow signs to Quay Visitors car park (BH15 1SB). For vehicles 1.90m+ use surface car parks at Baiter a 15 minute walk to the Quay (BH15 1UX). There is parking available at The Thistle Hotel car park, but please note that the hotel is not in use just the parking.
Food & Drinks: The Villano Café has indoor and outdoor seating & serves light snacks, hot & cold food & drinks & ice cream. There is also a snack van, with seasonal opening at the Outdoor Centre offering snacks, refreshments & ice cream. Refill your water bottles at the Café and campsite, don't forget to bring your reusable cup for 25p off your takeaway hot drink.
Toilet: Toilets are available at the Courtyard, Visitor Centre and at the Outdoor Centre.
Assistance dogs only: Dogs are not permitted on Brownsea Island, with the exception of assistance dogs which must be clearly identifiable.
Daily guided tours: Offered daily, subject to volunteer availability. Hop on one of the Squirrel Shuttle mini bus tours designed for those less-abled or people wanting to explore the further reaches of the island. Booking advised 01202 492164.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (18+): £11.00 without Gift Aid.
Child (5–17) under 5s free: £5.50 without Gift Aid.
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £27.50 without Gift Aid.
Group (Adult 18+): £10.50 without Gift Aid.
Group (Child 5–17): £5.00 without Gift Aid.
1 adult + 3 children: £16.50 without Gift Aid.

Pricing URL: http://nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Address: Farm Cottages, Poole BH13 7EE, UK

Post Code: BH13 7EE

Council: Dorset

County: Dorset

By road: For the ferry from Poole Quay to Brownsea: Follow signs to Poole Quay. To access Poole Harbour from the west take the A35/A350 Dorchester-Poole route. From the east take the A31 Ringwood-Poole road. From the north take the A3081/A350 Shaftesbury-Poole road.
On foot: To Poole Quay: From the Quay visitors car park in Poole: follow the pedestrian signage to Poole Quay where you will find ferries departing to Brownsea Island (BH15 1HJ).
By train: Poole Railway Station is 0.5 miles from Poole Quay. The Poole Town circular bus connects to the Quay from the train station.
By bus: The Poole town circular bus connects Poole Quay with the bus and train station. The number 60 runs from Rockley Park to Poole Quay. The numbers 8 and 9 run services close to Poole Quay via Hamworthy, Turlin Moor, Upton and Creekmoor. Available from April 2025 - New BCP multitrip bundle offers 10 single bus trips in zone A (Poole) for £20 working out at £2 per journey.
Cycling: Please note that it's not possible to bring bikes to the island.
Parking: Parking in Poole: follow signs to Quay Visitors car park (BH15 1SB). For vehicles 1.90m+ use surface car parks at Baiter a 15 minute walk to the Quay (BH15 1UX). There is parking available at The Thistle Hotel car park, but please note that the hotel is not in use just the parking.