South Shore Lodge
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Perfectly placed for sea views and island adventures.
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
- Unplugged - no Wi-Fi, 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.
Please note: this bunkhouse doesn't have a microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer, television, or DVD player.
- Ground floor bedroom
- Ground floor bathroom
- Ground floor shower room
Accessibility questions? Please call the team on 0344 800 2070.
Check-out: Check-out is by 10am.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- For stays of up to three nights, each person can bring:
Things to see and do on Brownsea Island
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.
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.
Brownsea Island viewpoint vistas walk
DorsetEnjoy 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.
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