A great day out in a great location. We were very lucky with the weather during our visit. It was very sunny, which meant that the ground was good and firm. (The National Trust do advise that you take wellies or good walking shoes as the ground can be soft in places). We enjoyed some lovely woodland walks all over the island. Some places are so quiet you can hear nothing but bird song. There were also benches places at random intervals which meant we could sit and enjoy lunch in this great setting. We highly recommend this island for those who enjoy long walks, some peace and quiet, and woodland.

It is a lovely island, with 5 different scenic walks ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hr. I enjoyed a very nice cup of chai and a sausage roll in the cafe and also managed to stop a red squirrel.

We had a very enjoyable few hours here, but need to return again to fully explore this enchanting island. There were plenty of seats along the paths, which helped a less mobile member of our group get a lot further than expected. The cliff top walk provides some great photo opportunities, and the beach was narrow but very nice. We saw red squirrels, although they are very shy and tricky to get a picture of. Lots of other wildlife, including some very inquisitive peacocks. The island has two cottages for public holiday lets, and I imagine having the island to yourself in the evening would be wonderful. Definitely a place to revisit one day.

Really good day out, well organised, lots of walking or get on the squirrel shuttle mini bus tour, So happy I saw a Red Squirrel.

A fabulous day out to this quaint, unique place. It appears to be well managed by the National Trust with much forestry and conservation work evident. A pleasant 20min boat trip starts the adventure and a detailed map aids walks through different habitats and a rich history. Views are fabulous and there us plenty to entertain kids

Beautiful, peaceful island. Lots of walking and lots to see. No cars or hustle and bustle. If you enjoy being outside in nature then Brownsea Island is something special. Pack a lunch and enjoy. My young children enjoyed themselves. There is a play area and various activities around the island to keep them engaged. All of the staff we encountered on the island were very friendly and helpful. We bought ferry and entrance tickets from the National Trust website a couple of days before visiting, which saved a little bit of queuing when arriving at Brownsea. The yellow ferries from Poole Quay do get quite busy but it’s all pretty well organised and trouble free.

Ferry from Poole to Brownsea was great, friendly and attentive staff though I am not sure where the life jackets are in case of an emergency. For those with children push chairs, prams etc. can be taken on board. Friendly national trust volunteers to great visitors. Non N.T members pay 21.00 per person which is well worth it. The routes are well marked, the nature reserve incredible and the wildlife fantastic. The island is excellently maintained. A paradise when the sun shines. More than worth a visit. I will be returning.

Wow, wow and wow I've visited Brownsea many times over the years and still find it amazing every time I go You can catch the ferry from Poole Quay, (previously you could catch the ferry from Sandbanks but that is temp suspended) if I remember right it's about £21 for the ferry and entry which is payable when you Dock on Brownsea, the ferries run from 10am every day (you can spend a full day here easily) If you catch the last ferry back (5pm) they will sometimes go the long way round and show you all the privately and oil company owned islands which is worth the trip in itself, we even had dolphins coming alongside the boat once which was pretty special. Brownsea has very little on it in terms of structures, there is a castle which is owned by John Lewis (only John Lewis employees can go here) and a coffee shop by the Dock, with a scouts trading part on the other side of the island and a church and visitors centre in the middle however it has amazing scenery and a rich heritage. There are woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and beaches, they have red squirrels and peafowl (peacocks and peahens) strutting round the island and even though its only just over 1 mile square you can get lost on your own for hours. I would recommend bringing a picnic and spending the full day here, I see it as England's Isle of Capri, minus the tourist rubbish. Really really worth a visit when you are in the Poole, sandbanks and Bournemouth area - it really is magical - well done to the national Trust and all of the staff and volunteers.

Forgot how beautiful this place is. They now have information boards about. Lots of history I hadn't realised and I'm local. Best of all I got a photo of the elusive red squirrel 🐿️ you have to look closely but he is there in the tree

Visited for first time,nice experience,start with a relaxed (about 30 minutes) boat trip.a very nice welcome on the island,and great walks and views. Everyone was friendly,helpful and gave good information.nice places dotted about for a picnic including beach area. I really enjoyed visiting and will go again I the future. Entry free for national trust members,just pay for the boat trip £12.50 each.payable on island The boat was full,but staff very organized with entrance payment etc, with minimal wait.

Lovely place for walks, nice views, perfect for bird watching. It's more to be explored than it looks. There is cafeteria and there are facilities. There are boat trips available from Poole to get there.

Had a lovely time here. Definitely could have spent longer. We loved all the activities dotted around the place and the staff were all really friendly and helpful. Just gutted I didn't see Red Squirrel.

Brownsea island is hosted by the national trust, if you are a national trust member, you should definitely visit here

Little gem of an island, staff and volunteers helpful and knowledgeable - a sprinkling of excellent hides, the highlight for us we're a group of Spoonbills feeding but summat for everyone here, lovely spot for a picnic too.

Amazing island, beautiful views and plenty of wildlife. Stunning place to spend and sunny day. Will definitely go back.

the island is amazing but the entrance fee is very expensive for us students you could do a special tarification for students/young adults otherwise i recommend this place the personnel is really nice

Took a ferry trip over to Brownsea island, lovely place to visit with plenty of wildlife to see, squirrels, peacocks, ducks, deer, dragonflies, spent a couple of peaceful hours there. Ferry was £13 each, entry to the island was £9.50 each, or free if you are a national trust member.

Had a great day on the island. Lovely walks, beautiful and unspoilt. Never felt busy. We will visit again.

Excellent place to visit, interesting local history, home of the red squirrel, wildlife and bird sanctuary. Also Baden Powell camped here before he started the scouts. Well worth a days visit.

This was a lovely place to visit. Myself and my pregnant wife walked the full length of the island and back in just under 2 hours. The Ruins at the end of the island were a bit disappointing (just a pile of bricks) but the views from the Island were stunning. I would recommend taking a picnic as the catering facilities on the island are limited.

A beautiful place to visit. A little boat trip from Poole quay to the island. Plenty to see on the island , fantastic views and wildlife.

Great relaxing day out with family. A lot of walking involved so for families with young children would recommend you bring a buggy. Also bring lunch limited places to eat and drink. Overall a good spot for pictures and relaxing. Can buy tickets on the day on ferry or arrival to island.

Great ferry ride over. Staff on the ferry and on the island were brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble. Mum's wheelchair was carried on and off the ferry and an all terrain one provided for on the island. Mum loved it! It was far easier for us to get around to see things so we could go alot further. We saw a red squirrel which was on our tick box list! It's a beautiful place to visit and to finish off the day, lovely refreshments can be bought in the cafe. There's outdoor seating in a courtyard area and provided some shelter from the wind on the sunny day we visited on. As always, entry prices aren't cheap but at least you know its going to a good cause. We had a National Trust membership card and an essential user card so only needed to pay for 1 entry. The ferry tickets are bought separately and not in association with the National Trust membership.

Absolutely loved this place. Lovely walks through forest areas with sea views, especially on the south side of the island. Very unspoiled and natural. Didn't see that many red squirrels though.The wetland bird area has a wide range of species. Bought ferry tickets in advance through National Trust. Just a 20 minute ferry ride from Poole quay. Car parking in multi storey about 3 minutes walk away.

Ideally need to spend over 3hours, otherwise longer. That will help to really enjoy and see the nature and appreciate it. Very affordable price. Wear comfortable shoes.

Little oasis of a place. Wasn't very positive to start as was cold and cloudy but when sun came out it was a completely different experience. Spent about 4 hours though. Favourite part the woodlands and the little beaches. Good cafe too.

This is a beautiful place to visit. You should go on one of the walking routes to fully appreciate it. However it is quite expensive as you have to pay for the ferry as well as an entrance fee if you're not a member of the National Trust. It's also where Baden-Powell held the first scout camp. There were scouts camping when we visited.

We got the 10 boat and came back on the 3 boat. How much you like nature will determine how much you like this place. Well done to the @nationaltrust this place is wonderful. Not many people saw any red squirrel today, as it was very hot. We was very lucky. Had the best time. Thank you. 😍

Such a beautiful island! Lots going on with wildlife. Felt so lucky to have visited when the red squirrels are active and was able to see and just about photograph them. Tricky to capture as constantly running around but very entertaining to watch either way. Hope to revisit at Spring maybe so can see other wildlife living on the island

Lovely ferry crossing, staff helpful and jolly. The island is beautiful, ticks all the boxes, sea, beaches, woodland, cliffs, stunning views even saw an elusive red squirrel. Lots of walking, take a picnic and a drink. Tasty icecream at the outdoor centre

Jumped on a boat from Poole harbour to visit Brownsea Island. £21.50 gave us a return ticket and admission to the beautiful island. We had a fantastic time walking through amazing woodland accompanied by stunning views over the sea. If you're lucky you may just meet a cute red squirrel like we did. Definitely visit if you're nearby.

Such a beautiful, unspoiled and well tended island. 3 marked walks through the woodland and marshlands. Plenty of places to sit and look out at the views. I suggest that you pack a lunch and plenty of drinks. Enjoy the 20 minute ferry crossing from Poole Quay.

Tickets seem pricey but were well worth the money. Blessed to be able to visit on a glorious October day so enjoyed the top deck on a 20 min ferry ride across the bay before drinking in the serenity of the Island. Lots of interesting history here plus of course the red squirrels who happily perform for the cameras! Managed to see a peahen and her chicks and even sika stag in the woodland. So much to see and do, you need a full day for this! (Make sure you keep an eye on the time for the ferries back)

An amazing place to visit, lots of beautiful views and such a serene peaceful energy. The ladies in the shop were lovely and very helpful and we bought some gifts. Although you book a ferry time we were able to come back on a later one which allowed more time. As a scouting family it was a must see on our holiday in the area.

Excellent place to visit if you are down here. A short boat trip but we'll worth it. Special wheelchairs and pushchairs are available for the paths. A very nice and reasonably priced cafe and plenty of facilities on the island. And camping us available, perfect for scout or guide groups. So much wildlife to see with red squirrels and common lizards being my favourite on this visit. Note dogs are not allowed. Would certainly recommend a visit for amazing scenery, wildlife and piece and quiet just if Poole.

Brilliant place to come. We come every year. Very peaceful and scenic. Lots of unique wildlife around from peacocks to red squirrels, and shed loads of birds (feathered ones). Little tip though.... there is always a ice cream sign near the scout hut. We are yet to ever see it open though... ignore it.