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Poole, Dorset

St. Mark's Bothy

St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset | © National Trust/Robin Kitchin
The woodburner at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
An aerial view of St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset

St Mark's Bothy

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

Grid of 17 images
The woodburner at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
An aerial view of St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
An aerial view of St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
An aerial view of St Mark's Bothy looking out to the water, Brownsea Island, Dorset
The beach by St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
The room with woodburner, table and benches at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
The kitchen at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
A view out to the picnic table in the enclosed space outside St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
The triple bedroom at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
The twin bedroom at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
The twin bedroom at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
The shower room at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
A view of the water from St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
St Mark's Bothy and its enclosed outside space, Brownsea Island, Dorset
The woodstore at St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset
A sign for St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset

© National Trust/Robin Kitchin

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

  • Guests

    5

    Bedrooms

    2

    Acorn rating

    BothyWhat's this?

    Number of dogs welcome

    0

    Reference

    003064

    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 basic 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 Island 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. There is also a campsite on the island, and two National Trust holiday cottages, Agent's House (sleeps six) and Custom House (sleeps two).

    Layout

    Kitchen with simple facilities, including portable induction hob and small fridge. Room with woodburner, dining table and benches. Twin bedroom with two single beds. Triple bedroom with three single beds. Shower room. Toilet.

    Outside space

    Small enclosed grassy area. Path to beach.

    • Garden, available
    • Fridge, available
    • Open fire / wood burner, available
    • Near National Trust attraction, available
    • Close to a beach, available
    • Sea views, available
    • Wildlife spotting, available
    • Public transport links, available

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

Things to see and do on Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island 

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting

Poole, Dorset

Fully open today
An aerial view of Brownsea Island, Dorset. Brownsea Island sits in the middle of Poole Harbour.

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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A view of the Poole Harbour sea framed by trees and with two people silhouetted in the centre at Brownsea Island, Dorset

Book together

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

The exterior of Agent's House, Dorset

Agent's House 

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

The exterior of Custom House, Dorset

Custom House 

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

St Mark's Bothy, Brownsea Island, Dorset

St Mark's Bothy 

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

The exterior of South Shore Lodge, Brownsea Island

South Shore Lodge, Brownsea 

A bunkhouse that's perfectly placed for sea views and island adventures. Sleeps 12.

Camping at Brownsea Island Campsite, Dorset

Brownsea Island Campsite 

An island campsite near the beach, surrounded by thriving habitats in a spot famous for red squirrels. Pitch your own tent or stay in a pre-pitched bell tent or tree tent.

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