Brownsea Island

Travel Guide

Brownsea Island which includes a river or creek
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island showing wetlands and a bridge
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 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).

Laguna Hotel

Laguna Hotel

3 out of 5
6 Suffolk Road South, Bournemouth, England
The price is €64 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€64
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
Good Location & Spacious
"Excellent and comfortable"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Laguna Hotel
Carrington House Hotel

Carrington House Hotel

3 out of 5
Knyveton Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is €62 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€62
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.4/10 (1,006 reviews)
"Bed & pillows weren't the most comfortable but all linen was spotless. Only had one dinner - the salad was good but the rest of the food wasn't terrific. The Saturday evening entertainment was very good. If going to the same area again I wouldn't hesitate to seek accommodation there."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Carrington House 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 €131 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€131
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (400 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 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.
The Ivy Apartments

The Ivy Apartments

2 out of 5
2-4 Crescent Road, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this aparthotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Bournemouth Beach and Poole Harbour are located nearby.
The Ivy Apartments
The Dorset Resort

The Dorset Resort

4 out of 5
Bere Regis, Wareham, England
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Wareham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Popular attractions Purbeck Shooting School and Monkey World ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
"Amazing properties set in a beautiful tranquil setting. Wildlife everywhere and great for children to be outdoors, lovely walks and grounds."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Dorset Resort
Blue Vista

Blue Vista

4 out of 5
27 Studland Rd, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Pier are ...
Blue Vista
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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