Discover more at Brownsea Island
Find out when Brownsea Island is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Visiting Brownsea Island from Poole Quay
Everything you need to know about visiting Brownsea Island from Poole Quay - No booking required.
Attention dog owners
Brownsea Island is a nationally important nature reserve and home to the endangered red squirrels. To protect this delicate environment, dogs are not allowed on the island. The only exception is for assistance dogs, which must be clearly identifiable. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Getting to Brownsea
If you're planning a trip to Brownsea, then you'll need to catch a foot ferry which runs every day from Poole Quay.
Travelling from Poole Quay
- The ferries operate on a 'first come, first served' basis, so allow plenty of time if you are planning to catch a ferry at a specific time, as there is a wait between departures.
- With the exception of large groups (15+), including groups staying on the campsite, there is no pre-booking facility for the Poole Quay service. If you are a group of 15 or more, please visit either the Group Booking guidance for groups or campsite visitors.
Ferry price from Poole Quay
All visitors, including members, will be required to pay the ferry fare to the boat operator.
| Return tickets | Price |
| Adult | £14.50 |
| Child (aged 5+) | £6.00 |
Island admission price
Island admission is free for members, so please bring your membership card with you.
Non-members will need to pay admission along with the ferry fare please see the homepage for island admission prices.
Ferry Information and timetables
- The crossing takes approximately 20 minutes from Poole Quay.
- You can choose the time of your return ferry, the only exception may be when we have large groups on the island. On these occasions we will allocate a particular crossing for the groups and inform our day visitors which will be the busier service off the island, so that you may plan your visit accordingly.
- Please bear in mind that the last ferry of the day leaving Brownsea at 5pm to Poole Quay can be busy, so we advise catching an earlier ferry, particularly at weekends and throughout the school holidays.
- Please note that bringing large items aboard, such as pushchairs are the responsibility of the owner to carry on and off the ferry. No staff are available to help with this task.
Poole Quay ferry timetable:
Poole Ferry off peak timetable, ferries leave every hour except at 1pm.
|
Poole to Brownsea |
Brownsea to Poole |
|
10.00 |
10.30 |
|
11.00 |
11.30 |
|
12.00 |
12.30 |
|
13.30 |
14.00 |
|
14.30 |
15.00 |
|
15.30 |
16.00 |
|
16.30 |
17.00 |
During our busier times over the school holidays there are ferries leaving Poole Quay every half an hour except at 1pm. For more information about ferries to Brownsea please visit Greenslade Boats.
24 July to 29 August inclusive.
|
Poole to Brownsea |
Brownsea to Poole |
|
10.00 |
10.30 |
|
10.30 |
11.00 |
|
11.00 |
11.30 |
|
11.30 |
12.00 |
|
12.00 |
12.30 |
|
12.30 |
13.30 |
|
13.30 |
14.00 |
|
14.00 |
14.30 |
|
14.30 |
15.00 |
|
15.00 |
15.30 |
|
15.30 |
16.00 |
|
16.00 |
16.30 |
|
16.30 |
17.00 |
22 April to 22 July inclusive.
Ferry access
Please note that there is a steep gangway onto the ferry and steep steps leading down to the lower, covered deck.
Adverse weather
If we need to close the island due to the forecast, a decision to do so will be confirmed by 3pm the day before island closure. Please check the website or social media before travelling.
Bin free Brownsea
Please help us to protect the wildlife and keep the island clean by taking your rubbish home. Our café will gladly accept any waste from items bought on site.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
How to find the ferry
Visitors wishing to travel to Brownsea will need to head to Poole Quay.
Departure point
Look for the Orange Kiosk at Poole Quay opposite the Tesco Express shop, BH15 1HJ.
Staying safe onboard
To help keep everyone safe, please pay attention to instructions from staff, crew and skippers whilst boarding, on board and alighting the ferry.
You might also be interested in
Article
Accessible Brownsea
To ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the island, discover how we're making Brownsea accessible to all.
Article
Day visiting group trips to Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is a popular destination for groups, so we've put together this article to help you plan your day, with information on how to book your visit.