Brownsea Island viewpoint vistas walk

Dorset

This beautiful, scenic tour of Brownsea Island’s best viewpoints offers spectacular seascapes, taking in neighbouring islands and the Purbeck Hills beyond, as well as local landmarks and history.

Near to

Brownsea Island

Start point

Outside Brownsea Island visitor centre, above Church Field - grid ref SZ 02779 87632

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Duration2 hours 120 mins

Not suitable for dogs***

*The route is on footpaths and mostly flat, there are a few slopes at the far end of the island. For further details, see Terrain section.
**The ground may be uneven in places.
***Dogs are not permitted on Brownsea Island, with the exception of assistance dogs which must be clearly identifiable.

Address
Courtyard outside Brownsea Island visitor centre, Middle Street, Studland, Dorset, BH13 7EE
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Poole Railway Station is 0.5 miles from Poole Quay. The Poole Town circular bus connects to the Quay from the train station.
On foot
Poole Quay is a 1/2 mile (0.8km) walk through Poole town centre from Poole station. Take the ferry from the quay to Brownsea Island BH15 1HJ.
By bus
The Poole town circular bus connects Poole Quay with the bus and train station. The number 60 runs from Rockley Park to Poole Quay. The numbers 8 and 9 run services close to Poole Quay via Hamworthy, Turlin Moor, Upton and Creekmoor
By ferry
Catch the Greenslade passenger ferry from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island.
By road
For the ferry from Poole Quay to Brownsea: Follow signs to Poole Quay. To access Poole Harbour from the west take the A35/A350 Dorchester-Poole route. From the east take the A31 Ringwood-Poole road. From the north take the A3081/A350 Shaftesbury-Poole road. Parking: Parking in Poole: follow signs to Quay Visitors car park (BH15 1SB). For vehicles 1.90m+ use surface car parks at Baiter a 15 minute walk to the Quay (BH15 1UX). There is parking available at The Thistle Hotel car park, but please note that the hotel is not in use just the parking. You’ll need to download the Evology parking app in advance https://evologyparking.com/ Sat Nav: Poole Quay: BH15 1HP (for parking for Poole Quay use postcode in parking section).
Postcode for satnav: BH15 1HJ.
Assistance dogs only
Dogs are not permitted on Brownsea Island, except for assistance dogs, which must be clearly identifiable.
Toilet
Toilets are available at the Courtyard, visitor centre and at the Outdoor Centre.
Café
The Villano Café, next to the visitor centre, serves light snacks, hot and cold food, refreshments and ice cream. You can refill your water bottles at the café and at the Outdoor Centre.
Kiosk
There is a snack van, with seasonal opening times, at the Outdoor Centre.
Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
Outside Brownsea Island visitor centre, above Church Field - grid ref SZ 02779 87632
Stage 1
Follow the path outside the Visitor Centre as it rises gently uphill, keeping the farm carts on your right. Continue along this track on the orange way-marked route. At the junction, ignore the orange marker pointing right and bear left instead. Pass through the gap in the fence ahead to reach your first viewpoint. Continue walking through the sycamore trees.
Beautiful view through the trees across Poole Harbour | © National Trust/ Lynne Burningham
Stage 2
Rejoin the orange way-marked route, where a short detour leads to a bench with a lovely view. Along the main path, you’ll discover several more viewpoints, each offering excellent photo opportunities. There are also steps down to the beach along this stretch, perfect if you’d like to take a break by the seashore.
View of the Purbeck Hills | © National Trust Images/John Miller
Stage 3
The path will head inland briefly passing the Daffodil Fields on the right, if you are here in springtime you may see some flowers in bloom. At the junction of three paths follow the pink route on the left. There are lovely glimpses of Poole Harbour through the trees.
The exterior of South Shore Lodge, Brownsea Island | © National Trust / Robin Kitchin
Stage 4
Keep following the pink route until you reach the turning to the Outdoor Centre on the left, follow this track down to the buildings. The gravel trail continues through the campsite, keep following this and you will eventually see a small beach. The trail continues on through woodlands with the sea to your right.
A view across the beach at Brownsea Island campsite. | © National Trust/ Lynne Burningham
Stage 5
As you approach the end of the seafront path, look out for a pink arrow pointing to the right. Follow it up the steps to rejoin the main track, but do pause for a moment at the top and turn back to take in the sweeping coastal views behind you.
View of the sea from the scout camp steps | © National Trust/ Lynne Burningham
Stage 6
Once at the top of the steps turn left and you will find your next viewpoint, shortly after this spot you will find another set of steps heading down to Pottery Pier. You can take another detour here.
View over Pottery Pier beach | © National Trust/ Lynne Burningham
Stage 7
Follow the pink trail from Pottery Pier to Maryland, There are a couple of benches on the seashore which are great picnic spots. You will now see Poole to your right.
View across Poole Harbour from Maryland beach | © National Trust/ Lynne Burningham
Stage 8
After you leave Maryland follow the blue trail on the left, this will take you to the final viewpoint which is up a small slope through the trees. This leads into Cambridge Woods mindful trail, look out for the signs and the star-gazing chairs.
Rustic swing bench in the woods | © National Trust/ Lynne Burningham
Stage 9
Keep following the blue trail, this will take you back through the centre of the island, keep a look out for red squirrels scampering through the trees.
Soar, leap and play like a red squirrel at the Natural Play Area | © National Trust Images/ Sophie Bolesworth
Stage 10
As you keep on the blue trail you will see glimpses of the lakes to your left, these lie within the Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve. If you have enough energy the reserve can be accessed further along this stretch.
The view across the lake in spring | © National Trust/ Lynne Burningham
Stage 11
As you reach the wall of the vinery the route changes to orange, to your left there are some wet woodlands with reedbeds behind. This is a good place to look out for birds, with woodland and wetland species nesting here in the spring.
Church Field | © National Trust Images/John Miller
End point
The Quay, Brownsea Island, grid ref SZ031876
Trail map
Follow this walking route for breath taking views right across the island | © OS maps
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