Brownsea Island

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Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting

More about this place

Brownsea landscape by Lizzy Short

Local artist exhibition in Villano café 

Inspired by Brownsea Island and the surrounding area, local artist Lizzy Short has a selection of her work on display in the Villano café.

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Brownsea Island

Things to see and do

Sweet chestnut tree on Brownsea Island, Dorset

Autumn colour on Brownsea Island 

From the moment you step ashore there are many ways to enjoy Brownsea Island this autumn, including colourful walks and wildlife spotting.

Brownsea Seahorse bringing wheelchair users to the island

Wheelchair accessible Brownsea Seahorse 

The Brownsea Seahorse offers a bookable boat service on set days for wheelchair users - booking essential.

Children and conkers

Autumn adventures 

As the season changes to autumn there are plenty of opportunities to try some of the 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 on Brownsea.

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Brownsea Island

What's on 

Upcoming events

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Red squirrel walks

Mon 26 Sep 2016
11:30-13:00
Join our guided walks and see how many rare red squirrel you can spot. At this time of year they come down from the canopy of trees to store food and can be seen playing in the low branches.

Making connections

Sat 01 Oct 2016
10:00-17:00
Brownsea is a beautiful place to retreat from the busyness of everyday life and enjoy a time of reflection

Autumn wander

Sat 01 Oct 2016
12:00-13:30
Venture out with our ranger and discover more about the nature and wildlife on Brownsea in autumn.

Cheese & Chutney taster days

Sat 22 Oct 2016
10:00-16:30
Enjoy a savoury treat of hand-crafted produce sourced from the South West served in the gardens of the Villano Café. Produce available for purchase

October half-term on Brownsea

Sat 22 Oct 2016
10:00-17:00
Join a trail from the Visitor Centre, autumn theme craft activities and children's squirrel walks. Detailed programme to be announced soon

Picture this

Sat 22 Oct 2016
11:00-15:30
As nature expresses creativity when green becomes many shades of red, yellow and brown - take the opportunity to spend time with a local artist. Learn new skills and share your experience with others. All materials provided.
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Brownsea Island

Wildlife

Red squirrel on Brownsea Island, Dorset

Autumn wildlife spotting 

Autumn is a beautiful season here on Brownsea Island.

View over the island lagoon

Wildlife and habitats on Brownsea Island 

Brownsea Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife and habitats, all within a relatively small area. Explore the mixed and pine woodland, home to the famous red squirrels, watch migrating birds on the lagoon or spot dragonflies and lizards in the heath.

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Brownsea Island

Groups

Camping on Brownsea Island, Dorset

Outdoor Centre residential visits 

The campsite is open to groups including Scouts, Guides, School and youth groups from Easter to September, with special events for families. South Shore Lodge sleeps up to 24 and is open to booked groups all year.

A group visit at Nymans

Group visits 

Brownsea Island has a lot to offer groups, from activities for children, guided walks for adult groups and bookable catering options to make your visit as easy as possible.

Group on low ropes course

Learning and activities 

We offer a wide variety of group activities which can be tailored to suit your group's needs.

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Brownsea Island

Eating and shopping

View across Poole Harbour from the Villano

Eating and shopping on Brownsea Island 

Enjoy a home made cake from our Café or visit the gift shop to browse our range of summery gifts.

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Brownsea Island

History

Brownsea Island reception building

The history of Brownsea 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.

The Scout Stone on Brownsea Island with a view of the Purbecks behind

History of Scouting and Guiding on Brownsea Island 

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

Brownsea Island

Characters that shaped Brownsea Island 

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.

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Brownsea Island

Places to stay

Holiday cottages on the quay

 

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

Interior of the Custom House holiday cottage with a view out over the sea

 

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.

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Brownsea Island

Get involved

Brownsea countryside volunteer

Volunteering on Brownsea 

Are you interested in volunteering? We have a large number of volunteer teams here on Brownsea Island. There are lots of ways that you could get involved.

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