We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 26 Poole Attractions »

Brownsea Island

Poole Harbour, Poole BH13 7EE, England
01202 707744
Ranked #2 of 17 attractions in Poole
4.5 of 5 stars 83 Reviews
Type: Islands, Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Walking, Picnicking, Viewing wildlife
Owner description: Former private island complete with castle built by Henry VIII is now a wildlife sanctuary containing one of the last red squirrel colonies in... more » Owner description: Former private island complete with castle built by Henry VIII is now a wildlife sanctuary containing one of the last red squirrel colonies in Britain. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

83 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    56
    20
    5
    1
    1
Date Rating
Horsham, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Lovely boat trip from Poole Harbour. National trust property. Good guide book given showing you all the paths you can walk. We had lovely weather and just slowly walked our way around the island. You pay a little extra to visit the nature reserve. Guided walks are available too. Was nice to see the history of the Island and the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Edmond, OK
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

I went with a large group to visit the Island. Many of us took a tour from one of the guides - it was fantastic. The guide was familiar with the Island history, and we really enjoyed the Vicor for the church. The peacocks were lovely and the red squirrels came out!

Was this review helpful? Yes
London
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

Visited Brownsea Island with my partner who was interested in exploring the Islands scouting history. The boat trip from Poole was pleasant with nice views of the swanky Sandbanks houses. The ferry there and entry did come to a total of £15.70 per adult but we spent a good few hours on the island and found it very well maintained... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

A lovely place to spend a relaxing day. There is map showing the short trails around the island which offer lovely views and make good picnic spots. Large grassy areas away from the cliffs are safe places for families to play. Lots of peacocks. Good cafe with delicious cake and Purbeck ice cream. There is the cost of the ferry... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

This is a must do trip the Island is delightful it is so calm and peaceful it has both woodland and beach walks. we were lucky enough to see the red squirrels and the food in the National Trust restaurant is very good.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by sue s for Poole
Farnham, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
125 helpful votes 125 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012
2
people found this review helpful

We went with friends to Brownsea Island to see the Red Squirrels which we had heard so much about. The Island is fantastic and has alot of history. The boat ride from Sandbanks only takes a few minutes and when you arrive the old buildings stand out as hyaving a lot of character and charm. The island has numerous walks... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Yeovil, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Even if you are a member of the National Trust you will still have to pay to visit the island on a boat - choose from many on Poole Quayside (fares very similar). The island is quaint and lovely for nature lovers. The many peacocks that roam the island are beautiful and the red squirrels (if you see one) are... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Poole
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Lovely Island to explore. Great Trails and you might even see a Red Squirrel!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by HolidayGod for Poole
Exmouth, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2012

Pleased that we took a day out to visit, The Church was well worth a look at we were lucky enough to talk to a Lady who was so informative she even played the Organ for us. The history of the Island is fasinating, thank goodness the N.Trust owns it or else it could of been lost to us as... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by CHERYL818 for Poole
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
Reviews in 57 cities Reviews in 57 cities
269 helpful votes 269 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

Took the ferry from Poole quay, and took most of the day to explore the whole island. As a national trust member you land for free and there are trails for children to follow. There is the visitor centre about 5 mins from the jetty where the history and fauna is described, with activities for children. Following the trails around... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Brownsea Island also viewed

Studland beach and Nature Reserve
4.5 of 5 stars 54 Reviews
Poole, Dorset
Sandbanks
4.5 of 5 stars 82 Reviews
Poole, Dorset
 
Jurassic Safari
5 of 5 stars 36 Reviews
Weymouth, Dorset
Poole Harbour
4.5 of 5 stars 81 Reviews
Poole, Dorset
 

Been to Brownsea Island? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Brownsea Island, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's