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Brownsea Island is dramatically located at the centre of Poole Harbour, Dorset offering spectacular views across to Studland and the Purbeck Hills. Habitats include pinewoods, home to the increasingly rare red squirrel, heath land and a lagoon with important populations of wading and seabirds. It’s varied and colourful history includes use as a coastguard station, Victorian pottery, Edwardian country estate, and daffodil farm and as a decoy to protect Poole in the Second World War. In 1907 it was the site of Baden Powell’s experimental camp from which Scouting and Guiding evolved. The island, which is traffic free, provides a safe and relaxing place for walks and picnics, ideal for families to explore.

The island, which is traffic free, is ideal for walks and picnics. There is a National Trust Coffee Shop, Gift Shop, Visitor Centre and Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve. There is a programme of events including family activity days, guided walks and the Brownsea Open Air Theatre.

Brownsea Island is open every day from March to October and at other times by arrangement. During the visitor season there is a ferry service from Poole Quay and Sandbanks. There is also a service from Bournemouth and Swanage in high season.