Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour. It is operated by the National Trust, with much of the island open to the public. The island is renowned for its red squirrel population and for being the birthplace of the Scouting movement. The crossing from Poole Quay takes just 20 minutes, making Brownsea Island a popular destination for day trippers, although it is also possible to stay overnight on the island.
How to get to Brownsea Island
Ferries to the island are offered by Greenslade Pleasure Boats, who operate from Poole Quay. Crossing are every 60 to 90 minutes between 10 am and 4.30 pm. The return trip costs £14.50 for adults (£6 for children age 5-16).
Poole quay is a 15 minute walk from Poole Station and Poole Bus Station. Alternatively, the RouteONE bus follows a circular route linking both stations with the quay – alight at The Portsmouth Hoy. Note: During the summer, Poole Quay is pedestrianised and the bus stops round the corner at Dolphin Quays. In addition, the Harbour Breezer 60 and Beach Breezer 70 tourist buses also stop at Dolphin Quays.
Parking
The quay has its own car park, Quay Visitors Car Park, which is a short (around 4 minute) walk away. Parking here starts from £2.60 for two hours.
Opening Times
The island is usually open to the public from 10 am until 5 pm between March and October. Check the website for exact details. 2026 dates are as follows:
- Opening 14th March
- Closing 1st November
Getting Around Brownsea Island
There are no roads on Brownsea Island – walking is the main option. However, there is a Squirrel Shuttle mini bus which provides tours for those less-abled or people wanting to explore the further reaches of the island.
Price
Entry to the island costs £12 for adults (£6 for children age 5-17). We love Brownsea Island, but sadly it’s rather an expensive day out. When you add the entrance fee to the ferry price, that’s a total of £26.50. Note:If you are a National Trust member, you do not need to pay to enter, but you must pay for the ferry crossing.
Facilities
Courtyard
Upon arrival on the island, you will find the Courtyard with Reception, Engine Room book shop, toilets and buggy/wheelchair hire.
The Lookout
New for 2025, The Lookout is a wildlife observatory offering panoramic views over a lagoon on the east side of the island, which is home to many different bird species. There are several more hides further along the lagoon.
Visitor Centre
A few minutes walk from the reception is the Visitor Centre where you can learn all about the island and its inhabitants. There are plenty of hands-on activities including touching exhibits and listening to various animal sounds. We particularly enjoyed the photo op red squirrels.
The Outdoor Centre
The Outdoor Centre is the home of Scouting and Guiding on the island. Here, you can find the Trading Post, which sells souvenirs including postcards, red squirrel toys as well as Scouting and Guiding themed items. Note: If you don’t reach this point of the island, you can also purchase souvenirs in the reception and cafe.
Toilets
Toilets are available at the Courtyard, Visitor Centre and the Outdoor Centre.
Food and Drink
The Villano Cafe
The Villano Cafe serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, lunches, cakes and ice cream. And of course National Trust’s infamous scones. Seating is available indoors and outdoors overlooking the Harbourside.
Snack Van
At peak times, there is also a snack van, located at the Outdoor Centre offering snacks, refreshments and ice cream.
If you opt to bring your own food, there are picnic tables and benches available across the island.
Trails
The island is just 2.4 km long and 1.2 km wide, so it is possible walk round much of the island. A number of trails are available, including:
- Viewpoints and Woodland Walk (1 hour)
- Wildlife and Wetland Walk (45 minutes)
- Heathland Walk (advertised as 40 minutes, but starts in the middle of the island)
We opted for the Viewpoints and Woodland Walk, which takes you through the woods to a series of viewpoints along the island’s south coast.
Guided Tours
Introductory walks plus Squirrel Shuttle mini-bus tours are available subject to volunteer availability.
Wildlife
As well as red squirrels, the island is also home to peacocks and Sika deer. An abundance of bird life can also be spotted.
Beaches
There is some beach access along the south and west of the island.
Other Activities
The Trust runs a whole range of other activities, from squirrel walks to yoga retreats. Check the current programme on the website.
Staying on Brownsea Island
The island is only a few minutes from Poole Quay, so a popular day trip. It is, however, possible to overnight here in a variety of buildings, from camping to much more fancy accommodation.
South Shore Lodge
South Shore Lodge is a Victorian house on the island’s south coast offering accommodation for groups of up to 12 people.
St Mark’s Bothy
St Mark’s Bothy, sleeping 5, is next to South Shore Lodge.
Agent’s House
The more up-market Agent’s House sits right on the waterfront adjacent to the jetty and sleeps six.
Custom House
The converted Custom House is also on the waterfront and has one double bedroom.
Campsite
There is also a campsite, where you can pitch your own tent or stay in a tent, tree tent or shepherd’s hut. Note: The campsite is situated around a 20 minute walk from the jetty, so you need to be fit enough to carry your camping equipment some distance (or pay for it to be delivered to the campsite).
Brownsea Castle
Brownsea Castle is operated by the John Lewis Partnership. Until recently, there was no access to the public, however the company is now allowing limited access with events such as guided tours and afternoon teas. Check the website for forthcoming events.
The Scout Movement
It was on Brownsea Island that the first Scout Camp took place in 1907m, which lead to Robert Baden-Powell setting un the Scouting Movement. There is now a permanent Scout camp site on the island, and a statue of Baden-Powell on Poole Quay near the ferry dock.
Brownsea Island for Children
My children used to love visiting the island for the beaches and wildlife spotting. From disembarking the ferry, where you are likely to encounter peacocks. To wandering round the island craning your neck to spot an elusive red squirrel. For younger children, free all-terrain pushchairs are available to hire at reception.
Children’s options are available on the menu at the Villano Café. Orla loves the babyccinos!
During school holidays there are activities on offer from arts and crafts and bug hunting to seasonal trails.
Trails for Children
Free family trail maps are available from the Visitor Centre and Outdoor Centre.
- Brownsea Island Nature Trail: This has tick lists of things to see and do as children explore the island. Orla really enjoyed doing this trail to start with, until she became disillusioned in her hunt for a red squirrel and decided to dig a hole instead!
- Brownsea Tree Trail: Navigate the island and find nine trees to climb, ranging from oak to pine, all with stories to tell. We found this one a bit too difficult to follow, as the trees weren’t numbered and we managed to get lost.
- Scouting Skills Activity Booklet: In the spirit of Baden Powell’s first Scout camp, held on Brownsea in 1907, this trail sheet contains an activity map and skills challenges perfect for Scouts and Guides.
Natural Play Area
The island has a Natural Play Area offering a red squirrel-inspired agility course featuring balance beams, climbing frame, obstacles, seesaw and den building area. According to the National trust website, this play area, located at the heart of the island, is where you can practice soaring, scrambling and scampering. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it that far. Orla was exhausted after a morning of chasing ants and digging holes and ready for a babyccino and a nap before we reached the middle of the island.
- Updated: September 2026
I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.
For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.
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