Brownsea Island

An island you reach by boat

Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour, with 500 acres of woodland, heathland and salt-marsh. It is owned by the National Trust, and you can only reach it by boat. Greenslade ferries leave from Poole Quay, with tickets sold at the orange kiosk opposite Tesco Express. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and ordinary day visitors board on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of 15 or more should check the National Trust ferry guidance. National Trust members visit the island free, but ferry fees are payable by all visitors. Check the National Trust page for this year’s opening dates and sailings.

Red squirrels and the reserve

The island is one of the few places in southern England where red squirrels survive, largely because grey squirrels have never been introduced. The northern part is a nature reserve run by Dorset Wildlife Trust, covering 100 hectares with a wildlife observatory and two bird hides. The National Trust’s own walking routes tell visitors to look for squirrels in the trees through the middle of the island, and for woodland and wetland birds nesting near the vinery wall in spring.

A walk with sea views

The National Trust’s viewpoint vistas walk starts outside the visitor centre and is 3 miles, with a suggested time of 2 hours. It runs on footpaths and is mostly flat, with a few slopes at the far end. Along it are viewpoints over Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills, steps down to the beach, and Pottery Pier. The ground can be uneven, and the Trust asks walkers to take care near cliff edges.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on Brownsea Island, except for assistance dogs, which must be clearly identifiable. If you are holidaying with a dog, arrange care for the day before you book your crossing.

History and nearby

From 1 to 8 August 1907, Robert Baden-Powell held an experimental camp on the island to test his Boy Scout ideas. The Sandbanks departure point sits next to the chain ferry, and Sandbanks Beach has its own page.