Induction Hob: Guests with a pacemaker should note that there is an induction hob in this cottage.
Heating: No heating. This bothy has a woodburner and a basket of five small logs will be left for you. Additional baskets of 10 small logs are available to purchase when making a booking. The current price will be shown on the payment page.
Bedding/linen: A mattress and pillow are 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.
Between 14 March 2026 and 1 November 2026, you should park in Poole to access the ferry from Poole Quay.
Between 2 November 2026 and 13 March 2027, you should park in Sandbanks to access the boat service from the Sandbanks jetty. On-street parking is available on surrounding roads in Sandbanks. Please check the BCP Council website for details.
Access: Between 14 March 2026 and 1 November 2026, the island is accessible by ferry from the Greenslade kiosk on Poole Quay.
Between 2 November 2026 and 13 March 2027 the island is accessible by a National Trust boat service from Sandbanks. This service operates from Sandbanks to Brownsea Island at 15:30 or 16:30, and from Brownsea Island to Sandbanks at 10:20 and 11:20. The boat service is payable and you will be sent links to pre-book three weeks prior to travel.
Please note, there are no ferries to or from the island on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January. Arrivals and departures are not available on these dates.
Further details to book the boats will be provided three weeks prior to travel. The cost of the ferry crossing is not included in the accommodation price.
There are no ferries in the evening.
If you would like to visit the island outside of the scheduled ferry times, you may be able to arrange a private water transfer for an additional fee, subject to availability. Private transfers can be booked through The Water Sport Academy.
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.
- For stays of up to three nights, each person can bring:
- Two small bags (small rucksack or daypack)
- One suitcase or holdall up to 45L, at no extra charge.
- For stays of four nights or more, each person can bring:
- Two small bags (small rucksack or daypack)
- One food box (up to 20L) or another small bag
- One suitcase or holdall up to 45L, at no extra charge.
We reserve the right to charge for additional luggage.
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.
Island Facilities: Brownsea Island does not have a shop so you will need to bring food 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. You can check café opening times here.
Fishing: Fishing of any kind is only permitted from the south shore of the island, between the entry point to Castle Beach (where access restrictions begin) and Pottery Pier. Fishing is not permitted at any time from the jetty or from the beach opposite the accommodation on the eastern side of the island, which is also the main arrival and entry point for visitors.
