Poole, Dorset

South Shore Lodge

The beach at South Shore Lodge, Brownsea Island

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Perfectly placed for sea views and island adventures.

Guests
12
Bedrooms
4
Acorn rating
BunkhouseWhat's this?
Number of dogs welcome
0
Reference
GSW010
This Victorian conversion provides basic bunk-bed accommodation for up to 12 people and is set on the south coast of the island with its own garden, beach access and views of the Purbeck Hills.

There is additional capacity for organised groups and associations. For further information, please see the notes section below.

Your journey here will see you cross the seas from Poole Harbour to arrive on this wildlife-rich island where you’ll be greeted by one of our holidays team. After all the visitors go home, make the most of having your very own island. Wander through woodland, explore the heathland and discover Brownsea Island’s bird-filled lagoon. It's in these quieter times that you're more likely to spot the island's red squirrels, which are most active in spring and autumn, and deer.

St Mark's Bothy, sleeping five, is next to South Shore Lodge, and they can be booked together. Also on Brownsea Island, you'll find two National Trust holiday cottages, Agent's House sleeping six, and Custom House sleeping two. Brownsea Island Campsite is nestled on the South Side of the island.
Ground floor layout
A fully functional kitchen with crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment and seating and tables for 12 people provided. Lounge area with three sofas. Ground floor dormitory with two bunk-beds.
First floor layout
3 dormitories each with two bunk-beds.
Other floors layout
External utility block: Two communal shower rooms. First block x 2 showers x 2 toilets, second block x 3 showers x 2 toilets. Located in an external utility block adjacent to the cottage.
Garden and outdoor space

There's a medium-sized wild garden with elm trees at the back of the lodge. The garden area is not fully enclosed. There is a south-facing patio area with picnic benches and garden games.

There is a nearby natural play area.
Garden, available
Fridge, available
Freezer, available
Kitchen equipment, available
For larger groups, available
Near National Trust attraction, available
Sea views, available
Close to a beach, available
Wildlife spotting, available
Public transport links, available
Bedding/linen: Mattress protector and one pillow will be provided. Please bring a pillow case and sleeping bag and towels as required.
Check-out: Check-out is by 10am. (Late check-out on Sundays does not apply to this bunkhouse).

Heating: The bunkhouse has electric heaters.

Bedding/linen: Mattress protector and one pillow will be provided. Please bring a pillow case and sleeping bag and towels as required.

Parking: There is no parking available on Brownsea Island.

Access: The island is accessible by ferry from the Greenslade kiosk on Poole Quay until 2 November 2025. Between 3 November 2025 and 13 March 2026, the island will be accessible by a pre-bookable boat leaving Poole Quay at 4pm and Brownsea Island at 10am.

Further details for the parking and the ferry will be provided soon after you have made your booking. The cost of the ferry crossing is not included in the accommodation price.

Once on the Island, bags can be transported to the bunkhouse. The uneven gravel route to the bunkhouse is not lit.

Ferry baggage policy: Please pack efficiently and travel light, as you’ll have to carry your own bags on and off the ferry. There’s a limit to the amount of baggage that can be brought on, so that it can be safely stowed in time for departure, leaving enough space for all passengers.

Each person can bring:

Two small bags (small rucksack or daypack)

One rucksack/holdall up to 45L, at no extra charge.

Additional baggage is charged at £5 per item, payable at the ferry ticket office before boarding.

Chargeable items include rucksacks/holdalls over 45L, additional bags, bundled/tied-together bags, boxes, crates, trolleys, cool boxes and food hampers, loose items like blankets and chairs, and double buggies.

Hazards: Arrival to the Island is via boat and visitors must be able to independently transfer from the boat onto the jetty. This countryside property is close to the sea and cliffs.

Island Facilities: Brownsea Island does not have a shop so you will need to bring food for your stay with you. There is a small café on the island which is open during the day when the island is open from March to October where you can buy hot food and drinks.

Is this bunkhouse for you? Our bunkhouses are perfect for guests who want to enjoy the outdoors and meet up with friends and family. We do not accept hen and stag groups at this bunkhouse.

There are neighbours nearby, so we respectfully ask that you keep noise to a minimum after 11pm.

Having a celebration? We're pleased that you would like to use one of our cottages for a celebration. If you're planning to invite more than two day guests, please complete this enquiry form before booking, so that we can ensure the cottage is right for you.

Brownsea Island

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting

Wildlife watching on Brownsea Island

Take a walk on Brownsea Island, Dorset, and encounter a variety of birds and other wildlife that calls this island sanctuary in Poole Harbour, home.

A close up of a red squirrel on a branch on the floor of woodland on Brownsea Island, Dorset

Outdoor activities at Brownsea Island

There's many ways to experience Brownsea Island, Dorset. From accessing the island via kayak, boats or paddleboards, to camping, beachcombing and special out-of-hours events.

View of people stand-up paddleboarding from the water

Brownsea Island viewpoint vistas walk

Dorset

Enjoy a scenic tour of Brownsea Island’s best viewpoints, offering spectacular seascapes that take in neighbouring islands and the Purbeck Hills beyond. Make sure you bring your camera.

There are two cottages, a campsite, a bothy and a bunkhouse on Brownsea Island.

Agent's House

Sitting on Brownsea Island, with stunning sea views and the chance to spot a red squirrel or two. Sleeps six.

Custom House

A bright and contemporary newly-converted cottage right at the water’s edge on Brownsea Island. Sleeps two.

St Mark's Bothy

A rustic stone bothy near the shore on Brownsea Island, with simple facilities and sea views. Sleeps five.