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 ₹5,066 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹5,066
₹6,080 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,016 reviews)
"Good property"

Reviewed on 21 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 ₹12,128 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹12,128
₹14,553 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (384 reviews)
"Ecellent room, quiet. Short wslk to sea."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel
Carrington House Hotel

Carrington House Hotel

3 out of 5
Knyveton Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is ₹5,354 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹5,354
₹6,425 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.4/10 (1,014 reviews)
Value for money
"We’ve stayed here numerous times, it’s our go to place to stay in Bournemouth. Value for money. The rooms are basic but clean and with free parking. It’s a leisurely 20 minute stroll to the main shopping centre/beach/gardens. We finally got to use the pool on this visit! Was lovely to check out but ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Carrington 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.
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! (386 reviews)
Brilliant hotel & great food
"Fabulous stay - my 4th or 5th at this property, amazing food & that includes the breakfast & stunning views. Parking, especially if you're in a large van etc. can be a wee bit tight sometimes, but the adjoining streets are free & normally not too clogged."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (25 reviews)
"Martin welcomed us and was friendly. You could see the team work hard to maintain the showers for so many people and the tent was peaceful and dark at night aiding restful sleep. It has lovely views and so many places to visit with easy driving distance. Great stay for families"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

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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