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).

Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

4 out of 5
Bath Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is AU$99 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$99
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
7/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
Beautiful location
"Beautiful location and gardens, close to sea, helpful staff. Great to have gluten free toast brought to my table at breakfast"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth
Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa

Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
7 Durley Chine Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is AU$109 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$109
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
Shame about noise
"Noisy room as the flat roof outside our room housed air pumps which continually made a noise all night long. Facilities were excellent and the staff extremely friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
105 St. Michael's Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is AU$193 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$193
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (447 reviews)
"staff are really well trained and helpful, the location is fantastic. Just remove picture of indoor pool as there is no pool available."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 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 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! (397 reviews)
"The place was in a lovely spot. The staff were very friendly/attentive.Rooms were clean and comfortable. A lively/popular spot, especially at weekends."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

The Cliff House Hotel
Alum Chine Beach House

Alum Chine Beach House

3.5 out of 5
36 Burnaby Road, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free parking and an outdoor tennis court. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Pier are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (21 reviews)
"Excellent stay - great location and really easy check in."

Reviewed on 1 June 2025

Alum Chine Beach House
Skyline

Skyline

2 out of 5
Oxford Rd, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this apartment in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach are ...
Skyline
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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