Brownsea Island

Let your children loose in the wild on Brownsea Island this summer on the Great Brownsea Storybook trail adventure.

The perfect day's adventure - this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore.

With new adventures always being added, the natural play area is the perfect way to encourage those little legs to walk that little bit further.

An exceptional example of British Edwardian engineering has been brought back to working order by a team of highly skilled and dedicated volunteers, working with the National Trust at Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset

With its diverse range of habitats, Brownsea Island is home to some intriguing wildlife.

You'll be spoilt for choice for picnic spots on Brownsea this summer.

With their tufted ears, tawny coloured fur and bushy tails, these elusive animals never fail to charm and excite when spotted.

An internationally important wildlife haven, the lagoon hosts thousands of avian visitors each year.

Within moments of stepping off the ferry onto Brownsea Island, the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland feels like a million miles away and the sounds of nature can soothe the soul.

Open to groups including Scouts, Guides, School, youth and corporate groups from April to September. Special camping events for families throughout the year and now open to the general public for eco adventure camping during term time weekdays.

Whether you are bringing a group of adults, or organising a visit for your youth group or school, here is everything you need to know to plan your visit.

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

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.

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.

Open to groups including Scouts, Guides, School, youth and corporate groups from April to September. Special camping events for families throughout the year and now open to the general public for eco adventure camping during term time weekdays.

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.

Presentation talks available to local groups and organisations