Brownsea Island

The island reopens for winter weekends from Feb 2, but if you can't wait until then, here are some magical opportunities for you to visit over winter.

Why not download a self guided walk when you plan your winter weekend visit in February? At a mile long and just under a mile wide, a walk around the island is easily manageable.

Plan your 2019 visit to the island to wander through unique habitats and spot a variety of wildlife on the island, from the rare red squirrel to the elusive Sika deer.

The Outdoor Centre will reopen on April 1, 2019, so why not start planning your outdoor adventure? Camp overnight under the stars, learn new skills, sing songs around the campfire and live life like a true scout.

Thinking about bringing a group to Brownsea? Here's what you need to know.

As the birthplace of the Scouting and Guiding movements, Brownsea Island provides the perfect backdrop for your educational visit offering an exciting, safe and varied environment for your cross-curricular activities.

We can offer opportunities to complete your Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold residential or why not take up volunteering with us for the service section of your award?

Browse through our gift shop which is brimming with inspiring gifts for all the family. We have a great red squirrel range, pocket money treats and sweets for the kids along with loads of local Dorset goodies.

The Villano café is the perfect spot to refuel, relax and enjoy the views across Poole Harbour.

Perfect for youth groups, South Shore Lodge provides bunk bed accommodation, a common room, kitchen facilities and a shower and toilet block. From here your group can explore the whole island whilst making the most of the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of the lodge.

Brownsea Island outdoor centre is located around the site where Lord Baden-Powell held his original camp in 1907. The campsite is open for group camping from April to the end of September.

This lovely former agent's waterside house enjoys a prime location on Brownsea Island, which is renowned for its natural beauty, beaches and wildlife

One of a small row of cottages, newly converted Custom House sits on the water's edge on Brownsea Island, with the water lapping just metres from the front door.

The Brownsea Seahorse offers access for wheelchair users, unlocking the island for more people than ever before.

The island's environment is carefully managed and monitored by our countryside ranger team and here we explain why this is especially important for the woodland.

Check out our new volunteering opportunities for 2019 here.

Help support Brownsea by improving the presentation of the island while taking in the sights, sounds and unique atmosphere. Additionally, a half day of activities includes either archery or low ropes as well as a guided walk and talk about the history of the island

For such a little island, it has had a remarkably varied history: military stronghold, industrial site, refuge for wildlife and Edwardian society. It has also been pillaged by Viking raiders and blitzed by Nazi bombers.

Lord Baden-Powell's 1907 camp on Brownsea Island sparked a worldwide movement that continues to grow today.

Brownsea has been owned and looked after by a wide variety of people in its history, from hermit monks to Tudor kings, hopeful entrepreneurs to wildlife enthusiasts.