St.Mark's Bothy

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

Guests

5

Bedrooms

2

Number of dogs welcome

0

Reference

003064

Acorn rating

1What's this

This small building probably began life as a dovecot in the late 1800s. It later served as the gardener’s cottage for South Shore Lodge, and then fell into disrepair. We’ve given it new life as a beachside bothy, surrounded by wildlife and views of the Purbeck Hills.

Travel light as there’s a 20-minute walk from the ferry landing to this peaceful spot, and you'll need to carry your belongings. You’ll have simple rooms and facilities for resting at the end of the day, with hot water, a wood burning stove (but no other heating), and a limited electricity supply.

Brownsea is a wildlife haven with its lagoon, lakes, reedbeds and beaches offering sanctuary to a vast number of birds, while the woodland is home to red squirrels and Sika deer. There's nothing quite like experiencing the island after the last boats and visitors leave for the day.

St Mark’s Bothy is by South Shore Lodge (sleeps 12), and they can be booked together.

Layout

Kitchen-diner with simple facilities including induction hob and small fridge. Sitting room with comfortable seating. Twin bedroom with two single beds. Triple bedroom with bunk beds and one single bed. Shower room. Toilet.

Outside space

Small enclosed grassy area. Path to beach.

• Cot & high chair, not available
• Fridge, available
• Dishwasher, not available
• Tumble dryer, not available
• Television, not available
• WiFi, not available
• Garden, available
• Microwave, not available
• Freezer, not available
• Washing machine, not available
• Telephone, not available
• DVD, not available
• Open fire / wood burner, available
• BBQ, not available

We are waiting for an accessibility guide for this bothy. It will be available shortly. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

Acorn Rating: Please note, that while bothies and bunkhouses show a 1 Acorn rating on this site, facilities are more limited. A bothy offers a ‘camping with walls’ experience, usually with no electricity or running water. Bunkhouses provide simple, accommodation for groups – mostly dormitories with bunk-beds – showers, electricity and heating.

Induction Hob: Guests with a pacemaker should note that there is an induction hob in this cottage.

Heating: No heating.

Bedding/linen: A mattress is provided. Please bring all other bedding and towels.

Please note: In keeping with the ethos of a bothy stay, please leave the bothy clean and tidy for the next guests. We provide cleaning equipment for your use. 

Parking and access: There is no parking on Brownsea Island.

Arrivals between 16 March and end of October 2024: Ferries depart from Poole Quay, and you can board any of the walk on services to reach the island. Check the timetable here. 

Arrivals between November and February (when the island is closed to the public): Ferries depart from the Sandbanks jetty which is located just to the right of the chain ferry that crosses the mouth of Poole harbour. For Sandbanks arrivals, we will contact you one week prior to departure to confirm your ferry booking.

The nearest parking is the main pay and display car parks at Poole Quay and they are a 10 or 15-minute walk to the ferry. 

The cost of the ferry crossing is not included in the accommodation price.