Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting
In this article you’ll find everything you need to know about how to get here, what's open and what to expect from your visit.
Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills.
Thriving habitats including woodland, heathland and a lagoon create a unique haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers.
Free trails help you explore the island and with the new natural play area and fantastic picnic spots, there's an adventure waiting for the whole family.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | N/A | £12.50 |
| Child | N/A | £7.00 |
| Family | N/A | £32.00 |
| 1 adult and up to 3 children (aged 5-17) | N/A | £19.50 |
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | N/A | £21.50 |
| Child | N/A | £11.50 |
| Family | N/A | £54.50 |
| 1 adult and up to 3 children (aged 5-17) | N/A | £33.00 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
National Trust Members:
Prices shown are for return ferry fare only. Please bring proof of membership with you to show Visitor Reception on arrival at Brownsea.
Non-members:
Prices shown are for return ferry and includes island admission as a combined ticket.
Under 5s
Admission and ferry fare are free of charge for under 5s, but we still require you to book a place for any under 5s in your party, so that we can manage numbers on the ferries. Thank you.
Gift Aid: For non-members wishing to pay Gift Aid on Entry, please note that Gift Aid on Entry priced tickets are only available to purchase on property. Pre-booked tickets are sold at standard prices only.
Boats depart Poole Quay to Brownsea between 09:30 and 13:30 and return from Brownsea from 13:00, with the last boat of the day departing at 17:00. A different boat service applies for campsite bookings, please see your booking details for more information.
