Brownsea Island Dorset, National Trust – We have long been members of the National Trust. I am sure it is the best value family pass we have ever brought. The boys have been busy filling up their National Trust passports this Summer. So I was delighted when I realised our close proximity to Brownsea Island when we stayed at Sandbanks last weekend. This is how we got on visiting Brownsea Island and catching the Brownsea Island ferry to see the native red squirrels.
How to get to Brownsea Island
I had often heard about Brownsea Island but had never thought to make a specific trip to see it. Now having visited we will definitely be making another trip soon. I was surprised by just how much there is to do there. Plus it really is something different when it comes to National Trust properties. To access it you do need to catch the Brownsea Island ferry. We caught ours from Sandbanks, but we also saw several different boats going out of Poole quay.
The Brownsea Island ferry is run independently from the National Trust so you do need to pay. For the four of us, ferry tickets cost £19 for a return. Although it is a very short trip from Sandbanks. Our boat went at quarter past and quarter to the hour. They operate a regular ferry service, with the last one being around 5 pm this is when the Island shut. Please note that only assistance dogs are allowed onto the island.
What is there to do when visiting Brownsea Island in Dorset?
Coming into the south shore harbour on Brownsea Island you see a little row of beautiful holiday cottages. With their concrete fronts, they look like the extension of Brownsea castle. One of the boats you are directed through the National Trust entrance and visitor centre. The Island is not large but you can easily spend all day there, walking the trails. The map helpfully marks out three different ones each with a time of how long it will take. Obviously, with a three-year-old in tow, everything takes that much longer. Especially when there are so many sticks you can pick up and pine cones to explore.
The Dorset wildlife trust also has an area on the Island and they offer little trails to follow. We saw our first red squirrel on such a trail. It came bounding towards us and I am not sure who was more shocked to see each other, us or the squirrel. I am a little gutted that I did not have my camera ready. Since the other rare red squirrels we saw were more in the distance in their natural habitats.
As well as the red squirrels there was plenty of other rare wildlife including peacocks, sika deer and a wide variety of birds. One of the rangers walking around explained the reason for everything being so tame is because there are no predators on the island. A bit like an island wildlife sanctuary, a safe haven for them. One of the places we headed to was the natural play area. The sun was out and it was so peaceful watching the boys balance on various wooden stumps. Although the whole wooded area is really a play area with lots of trees to climb on. There are also spectacular views of tall pine trees disappearing into the sky. It is really hard to explain, you just need to visit this great place!
The scouting outpost
Charlie started Beavers at the beginning of the year and has really got into it. So he was particularly taken by the fact that Lord Baden-Powell created the first scouting group on the island. And that it is his spiritual home and first scout camp. Which meant that we had to go to the trading post too, to pick up a badge for his camp blanket. It was lovely seeing all the scarves from all the groups that have visited there over the years. I know Charlie will now want his own group to visit. They do family camping weekends during the school holidays but I am not sure I will get the husband under canvas.
There were lots of other things to do on Brownsea Island which we didn’t get to. I suspect the views from the beach are stunning and there is mini golf as well as lots of other activities organised. I am sure we will visit the island again. The unique haven is so beautiful and allows us to use our National Trust membership card. Have you visited the National Trust Brownsea Island Dorset?
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31 Responses
Wow! The name of the island is vaguely familiar but I had no idea there were proper trails to explore. Love the idea of the natural playground and how fab to see red squirrels. Another really helpful review for a day out. Thank you.
Another place to put on my to do list – have heard great things – will be seeing soon too
That place looks so cool. The picture of the duck is cute!
We go to Dorset every year but have never been to Brownsea Island. It looks a lovely place to visit, we’ll have to remember this for next time.
That looks like such a great place. We used to be members of National Trust but never really made the most of it. Seeing your post I think we might revisit
Looks really beautiful here and so amazing to see red squirrels!
Ah I love hearing about other National Trust places that I haven’t visited! Looks fab and sounds like you enjoyed x
What I’m loving the most from Brownsea island has to be its calm atmosphere. This would be a perfect hideaway spot from the city noise that I’m used to. Anyway, the boys must have enjoyed the calm and laid-back stay at the island.
Looks lovely I would love to go here just to see the squirrels
The island looks quite interesting. I loved the pictures of the squirrel, duck and the butterfly. Nice capture. The kids seemed to have enjoyed a lot.
Your pictures look great. This park looks like a lot of fun for the kids. The good thing about not being able to see it all at the first visit is that you have to go back for more.
I’ve not yet had the pleasure of visiting Brownsea Island before, but it looks like such a dream! I’d love to go over and explore the area for myself one day soon. 🙂
This Brownsea Island is looking great, Seems like I have to make a new plan for it.
This is such an amazing adventure for kids. It is nice to connect with nature from time to time. Makes you feel relieved and disconnected with stress.
I had no clue about it’s existence! IT looks like a great place to spend a weekend with family! I love the mushroom pictures! 😀
Fabulous photos, how exciting that you have to get a boat across there! I love the photos, you found some very amazing fungi!
Oh I want to visit here! It’s on my list and I want to visit more now!!
Your pictures are wonderful! Looks like such a great place to visit, especially with the family.
Brownsea Island looks like a great place to visit with your family, friends or even your scouting group. You can do a lot of fun activities that I am sure every kids would be love.
What a stunning place to visit. There’s something extra special about having to take a boat across to a little island. It reminds me of Swallows and Amazons. Xx
love it that as you explore a place, you are with your loved one and together, you enjoy the scenery and the place together. so much learning while visiting a place.
What a beautiful place to visit, I love exploring islands. Always reminds of the Famous Five adventures.
What a fab place to visit. I love how you to go an actual island…i think that it is very cool for sure xx
This looks like an absolutely an incredible place to visit.
I adore your pics. they are so good! This has taken me back to my Brownies and Girl Guides days. Really interesting!
Kat x
So great to see the red squirrels thanks for sharing the pictures
Looks good. Thanks for all the information.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a red squirrel in person it looks huge xx
Love seeing all the things you get up to this looks amazing and your boys are just adorable
How lucky were you to get a perfect capture of that beautiful red squirrel! The place looks amazing for exploration.
What a lovely day out. We are looking to purchase National Trust Memberships this year – these are some wonderful places in Kent that we can visit