Brownsea Island Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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).

Laguna Hotel

Laguna Hotel

3 out of 5
6 Suffolk Road South, Bournemouth, England
The price is ₹5,738 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹5,738
₹6,886 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (1,026 reviews)
"Great value"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Laguna Hotel
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
105 St. Michael's Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is ₹11,545 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹11,545
₹13,854 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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 their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (379 reviews)
Lovely beach stay
"Lovely hotel, rooms are spacious. It was difficult to get a bed by the pool though."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel
The Trouville Bournemouth

The Trouville Bournemouth

3 out of 5
5-7 Priory Road, Dorset, Bournemouth, England
The price is ₹5,628 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
₹5,628
₹6,754 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
6.6/10 (293 reviews)
"Near to all attractions great location"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Trouville Bournemouth
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 holiday home in New Milton. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Barton-on-sea Beach and Highcliffe ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (383 reviews)
"Good place to say by the sea with lovely views the staff were really good although it is a bit noisy in the evening because of the bar"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

The Cliff House Hotel
Chelsea Hotel

Chelsea Hotel

3 out of 5
32 St. Swithun's Road, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (80 reviews)
"The Chelsea hotel is extremely close to the train station, taxi rank and Asda supermarket so it's in a very convenient location. The hotel room was very clean and had plenty of tea, coffee, milk and sugar. There was a microwave, cutlery, plates, dishes, a TV, and a hairdryer. I found the entry instructions ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Chelsea Hotel
Herston Caravan & Campsite

Herston Caravan & Campsite

2 out of 5
Washpond Lane, Swanage, England
Stay at this campsite in Swanage. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Corfe Castle and Sandbanks Beach are located ...
"Not bad site we was out of season so a big bonus tents close to get but only ones there so not a problem toilets showers clean modern new and allocation to one person only which was great"

Reviewed on 20 Sep 2024

Herston Caravan & Campsite
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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