Brownsea Island

A nice sunny day out but didn't see any squirrels. Food wasn't up to normal NT quality. A lovely place to visit but could do with more benches

Stunning place to visit. The staff were incredible, lots of poeple dotted around to talk to, give information and show you the local animals. Lots of different trails you can follow on the map depending on how much walking you want to do.

Amazing place to visit. Access through ferry from poole harbour unless you've a boat and im guessing there's considerations even if you do. Ferry was 15 return per person and these go every 30 minutes and stop at 5 pm with a break at lunchtime. The island is reasonably flat with paths around. The north of the island is more concerned with bird watching. The south of th island is more to do with the scout movement. There is a tea and snack stand near the scout shop. The national trust owns most of the island and there a further cost of around £10 to go in. Very beautiful and tranquil and worth checking out. There is also a small bus you can take around the island.

It was bigger than i thought. Can't do it all in one day. Place is amazing with breathing views across the harbour. The staff was very helpful and chatty. Very passionate. Saw a few red squirrels and plenty of wild life. Heaven for birds. Will definately go back again to visit the rest of the island and the old village now in ruins on the other side of the island.

Had a wonderful 3rd trip to the island with my partner - they have some great new hides - we saw a lot of wildlife and young wildlife too. Definitely be returning! Walnut cake in the cafe was fab & the volunteers were all awesome!

Fabulous day out. Caught the ferry, on the Quay opposite Tesco Express, at £14.50 each. There were no concessions for the disabled or those over 65's, there was a long que, but they ushered us onto another ferry, doing the river cruises, and they dropped us of, which was great. On Brownsea Island I was able to get in free, being my daughter's carer, so I just had to pay for her and my hubby. We took her disability parking badge, but they didn't ask for anything. It's not a far walk from the car park, just round the corner. Cost us about 12.50 for 6 hrs. There are all-terrain wheelchairs to hire on Brownsea, free of charge and children's buggies, also free. Though I struggled to push it around on the rubble tracks and had to turn back and return it, the volunteer commented that she knew that this was a problem. But then happily booked us on the shuttle bus for the tour, which was brilliant, and our guide Tony, was great, he gave us a great commentary around the island. It takes 40 minutes. We ate in the cafe. In our rush to leave the car park to get to the ferry, we left our bag with food drinks etc. in our car. So bought some water on the island, ( to my horror £3.30 each 500ml bottle, it is, Re:water, a metal, reusable bottle though ) only to find they had a water station, with free tap water. I should have just asked. We didn't think we had time to pick anything up from the Tesco Express opposite the ferry station in Poole Quay. The restaurant staff were great, very helpful and could cater for my gluten-free vegetarian daughter, they expressed how they take it very seriously in the kitchen, to prevent cross-contamination, that a member of staff, washes down everything first then kits up to prepare the food. And they then bring it out themselves. Our food was lovely, fresh and tasty. Great friendly staff in there, they work very hard. Very helpful staff all over Brownsea. The ferry was a very smooth crossing, and friendly informative staff. All in all, a great little trip

Brownsea Island is a hidden gem nestled in Poole Harbour, Dorset, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and history. Accessible only by boat, the journey itself sets the tone for a peaceful escape from the mainland. The island is most famous as the birthplace of the Scouting movement, and there's a strong sense of heritage that still lingers in the open fields where Baden-Powell held his first experimental camp in 1907. For history enthusiasts, the Visitor Centre provides a well-curated glimpse into this past, along with information on the island’s role in WWII and its earlier monastic ownership. Nature lovers will be in their element here. Managed in part by the National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust, the island is one of the few places in southern England where red squirrels thrive, thanks to the absence of grey squirrels. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the lagoons, which attract a wide variety of migratory birds, especially during spring and autumn. Walking trails are well maintained and vary in length, catering to both casual strollers and those looking for a more strenuous hike. The views across Poole Harbour and out to the Purbeck Hills are spectacular, especially from the island’s higher points. Facilities are simple but sufficient, with a small café offering refreshments and light meals, and picnic areas dotted throughout the island. The lack of cars and commercial development adds to the island’s tranquil charm. Overall, Brownsea Island is a perfect day out for families, walkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking to reconnect with nature and history. Be sure to check tide times and ferry schedules when planning your visit.

A real hidden gem! Took the ferry from Poole Harbour (around 20 mins) and spent a fantastic few hours exploring Brownsea Island. It’s a National Trust site, so well looked after and full of natural beauty. Lovely woodland walks with loads of wildlife – we spotted all sorts of birds, several red squirrels, and even a deer! Peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing day out in nature. Bring comfy shoes and maybe a picnic. Highly recommended!