Visit the birthplace of Scouts and Guides and encounter a host of different wildlife
Brownsea Island is situated in a dramatic location in Poole Harbour, and is home to a thriving natural habitat, as well as a rich history and breathtaking coastal views.
The National Trust-owned island can only be reached by boat, and ferry services depart from Poole Quay and Sandbanks Jetty.
A coach drop-off point is located close to the ferry boarding point, and free coach parking is available at Poole Stadium (BH15 2BP), a 15 minute walk away.
An array of animals can be seen on Brownsea. It is one of the few places in southern England where indigenous red squirrels survive. There is also a population of peacocks as well as sika deer. The island was also the birthplace of the Scout and Guide movement. The Baden-Powell Outdoor Centre invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of Lord Baden-Powell and the very first Scouts who camped there in 1907.
There are free guided walks, at 1130 and 1400hrs, and food can be enjoyed in the Villano Café.
Group admission is £5.20 for adults and £2.60 for children. There are also a number of paid special interest tours available.
These include ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’, where experts take groups around the woodland, heathland, wetland and shoreline areas, explaining how the island is managed; ‘The Birthplace of Scouting and Guiding’, a walk explaining how scouting developed from the island into a worldwide movement; and ‘Views of Poole Harbour’, a walk celebrating the natural beauty of the world’s second largest natural harbour.
Brownsea’s full season opening begins on March 24.
The average visit length is two hours. Nearby attractions include Poole town, Bournemouth Aquarium, Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy.
For more information email [email protected] or ring 01202 707744.
