Brownsea Island

Travel 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 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 ¥7,245 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥7,245
¥8,694 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (1,015 reviews)
"Friendly staff though rooms need lots of TLC."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

Laguna Hotel
Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth

4 out of 5
Bath Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is ¥8,151 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥8,151
¥9,782 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
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! (1,009 reviews)
"I suggest to choose the rooms which have see view, they are the best."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Royal Bath Hotel & Spa Bournemouth
Village Hotel Bournemouth

Village Hotel Bournemouth

3.5 out of 5
Wessex Fields, Deansleigh Road, Bournemouth, England
The price is ¥10,647 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
¥10,647
¥12,777 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Reception was not very informative on checking in; had to ask for certain facilities and locations; Unable to connect TV in room; Room was very hot, causing difficulties sleeping; Grill staff not updated on food availability, told not available but when checked with kitchen, it was!!"

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2025

Village Hotel 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 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! (393 reviews)
Wonderful stay
"Fantastic hotel, brilliant staff, food 5 star, would recommend this venue for everyone who enjoys all of the above."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

The Cliff House Hotel
Cranborne House

Cranborne House

2 out of 5
St Paul's Pl, Bournemouth, England
Stay at this apartment in Bournemouth. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Poole Harbour and Bournemouth Beach ...
5.6/10 (4 reviews)
"Friendly staff happy to help"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Cranborne House
Luxury villa, amazing location, pool, jacuzzi, snooker, cinema & tennis court!

Luxury villa, amazing location, pool, jacuzzi, snooker, cinema & tennis court!

Ringwood
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Ringwood. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Avon Heath Country Park and Liberty's ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
"I’ve just returned from this beautiful property, it had all a family would want , swimming pool,hot tub, games room.it was convenient to new forest,we aged between 85 to1 years of age,all where cater for.From the games in the games room to the games in the house, the utilities in the kitchen and ..."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2025

Luxury villa, amazing location, pool, jacuzzi, snooker, cinema & tennis court!
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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