Brownsea Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Brownsea Island which includes a river or creek
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island showing a bridge and wetlands
Brownsea Island
Combine sightseeing at the church and castle with a search for playful red squirrels as you meander through the dense woodland of this 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 defence 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 grey 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 grey counterpart. Discover several ornamental peacocks showing off their colourful 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 kilometres).

Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa
Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa
3 out of 5
7 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is AU$140 per night from 1 May to 2 May
AU$140
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
Stay at this 3-star luxury hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (998 reviews)
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Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa
The Durley Dean Hotel
The Durley Dean Hotel
4 out of 5
28 West Cliff Road, West Cliff, Bournemouth, England
The price is AU$129 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$129
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Theatre trip
"Nice room clean and tidy. Lovely breakfast"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

The Durley Dean Hotel
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel
4 out of 5
105 St. Michael's Road, Bournemouth, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$172 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
AU$172
includes taxes & fees
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (311 reviews)
Room with a view
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Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Idyllic getaway in Swanage, Dorset
Idyllic getaway in Swanage, Dorset
Swanage
Stay at this vacation home in Swanage. Popular attractions Corfe Castle and Swanage 18 Hole Pitch and Putt are located nearby.
Idyllic getaway in Swanage, Dorset
Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole  5 minutes walk to the  Beach
Sleeps 8/9
Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole 5 minutes walk to the Beach Sleeps 8/9
Sandbanks
Stay at this vacation home in Poole. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Lovely stay
"Really lovely spot. Bedrooms are ideal for a family with little kids living the bunk beds!House was always lovely warm, and it was in a great location."

Reviewed on 22 Feb. 2025

Sandbanks Holiday Home Poole 5 minutes walk to the Beach Sleeps 8/9
The Cliff House Hotel
The Cliff House Hotel
4 out of 5
Marine Drive West, Barton-On-Sea, New Milton, England
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in New Milton. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Barton-on-sea Beach and Highcliffe ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (369 reviews)
"Everything about the property was incredible. The welcome from Jordan and just the way it felt like home from home"

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2025

The Cliff House Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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