About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Brownsea Island is a flourishing wildlife haven with woods, lagoons and unspoilt beaches, a world apart from the bustle of Poole Harbour. Sitting serenely just 400 metres away from the glass-fronted mansions and urban foreshore of ‘Millionaires Row’ at the mouth of the harbour, Brownsea bursts with flowers and wildlife and was recently voted the best nature reserve in the UK. A string of eccentric owners has shaped this island’s character and most famously it is the spiritual home to Scouts worldwide. Today it is in the joint ownership of the National Trust and the Dorset Wildlife Trust; part of the island is leased to the John Lewis Partnership.
Highlights of Brownsea Island
- Red squirrels and spoonbills
- A swim off South Shore
- Spending a night under canvas here (wild camping not permitted)
- Circumnavigating Brownsea by paddleboard
- Walk around Brownsea Island
How to get to Brownsea Island
Regular Brownsea Island ferries for foot passengers leave from Poole Quay and Sandbanks for the 2o minute crossing. Find out more about the Brownsea Island ferry here. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/booking-your-visit-and-travelling-to-brownsea-island#rt-getting-to-brownsea It is possible to kayak or swim to the island but watch out for the ferries and other boating traffic.
How much does Brownsea Island cost
The Brownsea Island ferry costs £13.50/adult; £6.75/child; and £33.75/family (check up to date prices here https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/booking-your-visit-and-travelling-to-brownsea-island. Entrance to Brownsea Island is free to National Trust members, and costs £10/adult; £5/child.
Staying on Brownsea Island
Overnight visitors can stay in one of the two National Trust self-catering cottages on the water’s edge; or spend a night under the stars at the campsite which also has tree tents.
Brownsea Island café
A National Trust cafe on the island serves all the usual fare and there are hot drinks and ice cream at the Scout camp
Best time to go to Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is open from March to the end of October.
Are dogs allowed on Brownsea Island?
No, other than assistance dogs.
What to do on Brownsea Island
What to do on Brownsea Island
It isn't surprising that Brownsea Island was voted the best nature reserve in the UK.
Jan
About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Key Facts
- Location: Poole Harbour
- Size: 200 hectares
- Terrain: easy footpaths, trails.
- Access: Ferry
- Height gain: 133 metres
- Map: OS Explorer OL15 Purbeck and South Dorset
- Starting point: Quay on Brownsea Island. Lat/Long 50.6889, -1.9564; GR SZ 032 877
Brownsea Island walk
A walk around Brownsea Island follows easy paths through the island’s pine-woods, heathland, sandy beaches, meadows, lakes and lagoons which are all are crammed with flowers and wild creatures. It isn’t surprising that this island was voted the best nature reserve in the UK. Throughout this walk there are stunning views north and east to Poole and Sandbanks, and the Purbeck Hills and chalk stacks of Old Harry’s Rocks to the south. With plenty of access to beaches for swimming and exploring the foreshore, there is too much to do in a single visit
Look out for:
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- Spotting red squirrels in the pines and spoonbills on the lagoon
- Swimming off peaceful South Shore
- Spending a night under canvas in honour of the first scouts
Brownsea Island walking route
Arriving at the Brownsea Island quay, exit via the National Trust reception, and pick up a free island map. Turn left towards the clock tower. Follow the path towards the Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve walking parallel to the Brownsea Castle garden wall and past the sculpture of Baden Powell.
After 150m turn right onto the boardwalk towards the nature reserve and continue until you reach the gravel track. Turn right and continue around the well-marked trails around the reserve.
After 2km exit the reserve via the same route you came in and return to the main track and turn right passing the southern tip of the two lakes and a wooden adventure ground. After about 1.3km on this path reach the four-ways junction and take the second path on the right towards Maryland and Pottery Pier. After 200m pass through the deer enclosure into Parkyn Copse and continue downhill then descend the steep stairs to Pottery Pier.
Turn left along the coast path. This coastal route for the next 2km is weather dependent. There have been a number of landslips so the route is only possible in dry weather. Follow the guidance and deviations given by the National Trust at this point as there are alternative paths inland.
Pass through the ruins at William Pit, walk across the grassy area past the flag pole and enter the woodland through the gate (avoiding the boardwalk) and continue to take the paths that hug the coast. For simple refreshments or to visit the Scout Stone walk uphill to the Outdoor Centre.
Reach the pebbly beach of South Shore and head uphill to pass the National Trust houses and follow the signs to the beach, downhill passed the Wardens cottage. On reaching the beach, head immediately back uphill. At the top of the hill turn right along the sandy path. Along this path there are a number of options to walk down to the various viewpoints for views across to Shell Bay and Harry’s Rocks. There are a number of deviations along the south of the island to visit the viewpoints and access the beach. These can all be missed using the larger paths along Horse Field and Daffodil Fields.
Pass to the left of the enclosure and on towards the farm buildings and arrive at the visitor and interpretation centre. Continue on the main path past the church and turn right along the main track back to the café and quay
