Eating and shopping on Brownsea Island

Image shows sailing boats in the harbour and the view from the Villano Café, Brownsea Island, Dorset — Take in the view across Poole Harbour from the Villano Café, Brownsea Island, Dorset | © National Trust Images / John Millar

The Villano Café is the perfect spot to refuel, relax and enjoy the views across Poole Harbour. Afterwards, pick up a Brownsea Island souvenir from the Trading Post, or browse the second-hand bookshop for a literary gem.

Eating on Brownsea Island

The Villano Café

Whether you’re after a snack to grab and go, a spot of lunch, or afternoon tea, the Villano Café has it covered. Serving everything from breakfast rolls to our famous scones and, of course, ice cream, it’s the perfect place to relax and have a brew with a view.

The Villano Café garden is a picture-perfect spot offering views across to Sandbanks, Shell Bay and the Purbeck Hills. Sit back, unwind and watch the comings and goings across Poole Harbour, either before setting off to explore the island or after a day’s adventure.

Accessible cups and crockery on a wooden table with the sea in the background. — Accessible crockery & cutlery available at the Villano café | © National Trust/ Emma Barfoot

Allergen information

Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.

If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.

Always check when you visit

Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.

Thank you

Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.

Two cuddly red squirrel toys, Trading Post, Brownsea Island, Dorset — Pick up a cuddly red squirrel toy from the Trading Post | © National Trust/Olivia Gruitt

Shopping on Brownsea Island

The Outdoor Centre

The Outdoor Centre is the home of Scouting and Guiding on the island. Here you can find the famous Trading Post, which sells all sorts of Brownsea Island goodies, including postcards, red squirrel toys, as well as all your Scouting and Guiding-themed souvenirs.

If you're coming with your Scout or Guide group, why not plan ahead and browse the selection of goodies the Trading Post has to offer on its website? You can find a whole array of woggles, neckerchiefs and cloth badges for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

Going camping? Whatever the weather throws at you, your adventure will be covered with our range of essentials, including rugs, torches, sporks, tea and coffee, and more. (Please note: these items are only available when the campsite reception is open.)

The second-hand bookshop

Nestled against the walls of the Engine Room, just by Reception, is our second-hand bookshop. We have something for everyone, including children and adult fiction, all categories of non-fiction, biographies, and books about the outdoors.

We receive frequent donations of books, and regularly restock our shelves, so there are always new gems waiting to be found. To keep up with our fantastic collection, we're always in need of book donations. If you're looking to clear some space on your shelves, we'd be delighted to receive your books; just pop them in at reception upon your arrival.