Brownsea Island Ferries

Poole Harbour - Branksea Castle and Brownsea Island

In this video we pass Branksea Castle and Brownsea Island by ferry. It's one of several vids of Poole Harbour I've uploaded - search on g4shf Poole to find them. The ferry is the Condor Ferries Condor Vitesse - search on g4shf RoRo to find vids of this HSC and the Cherbourg crossing.

Brownsea Island Ferry Around Poole Harbour,Sandbanks,Shell Bay,Furzey

Cruising from Poole Quay in Poole, near Bournemouth, Dorset around Poole Harbour - one of the largest natural harbours in the world, with an average depth of just two metres.

The cruise takes in views of Sandbanks; one of the most expensive places for property in the world. Also the many islands in the harbour; including Brownsea Island (also known as Branksea), Green Island, Furzey Island, and Round Island.

The cruise boat also passes Lilliput, the entrance to Poole Harbour, Goathead Point, and one of the old Sandbanks to Shell Bay chain ferries, which is now being used as a floating oyster processing and seeding plant.

Timed Links:
0:08, 0:32 - Poole Quay with Pubs, Shops & Restaurants, & Statue of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement on Brownsea Island
0:17 - Poole Harbour, view of Brownsea Island, Poole Ferry Terminal & Poole Port
0:24 - Purbeck Princess Brownsea Island Ferry
0:30 - Inlet leading to Holes Bay
0:40 - Poole Quay Boat Haven & Dolphin Quays Apartments, Restaurants & Shops
0:55, 1:11 - Distant view of Poole Quay
1:04 - Island Scene Ferry - Poole Harbour & Islands circular cruise boat
1:29 - Lilliput
1:42, 2:22 - Sandbanks
1:56 - Brownsea Island Wetland & Lagoon
2:11 - Brownsea Island Quay and Castle
2:21 - Shell Bay in the distance and entrance to Poole Quay
2:36 - Coming in to dock at Brownsea Island Quay
3:22 - Maid of the Islands - Brownsea Island Ferries Picnic Boat
3:27 - The Family Pier on Brownsea Island
3:29 - Brownsea (or Branksea) Castle
3:39, 4:11 - Entrance to Poole Harbour & Sandbanks
3:48, 5:56 - The south side of Brownsea Island
4:02, 5:11 - Furzey Island
4:22, 5:38 - Goathorn Point
4:36 - Boat sailing past
5:41 - Green Island
5:46 - Bird Hide & Sculpture on Green Island
6:02, 6:19 - Cormorants & Gulls on rocks
6:31 - Round Island
6:41 - The north side of Green Island with big wooden house
6:49 - The west side of Brownsea Island, known as Maryland & Pottery Pier
7:05 - Man in wooden row boat
7:14 - Green sail boat with flags by Brownsea Island
7:38 - Old Sandbanks to Shell Bay chain Ferry, now used as a floating oyster processing & seeding unit
7:46 - Fishing trawler
8:02 - Condor Channel Island Ferry in Dock, cruises to Jersey and Guernsey
8:09 - Panoramic view of Poole Harbour, close to Poole Ferry Terminal
8:24 - Credits

We spent the day walking on Brownsea Island; here's some more videos of the birds, animals, insects, and our boat trip around Poole Harbour from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island and back, via a route that took us past some of the many other islands in the harbour:

Poole Harbour Cruise via Brownsea Island:


Indian Peacocks and Peahens:


Red Squirrels:


Common Terns:


Oystercatchers:


Red Wood Ants:


Sika Deer:


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Find out more about Brownsea Island on the National Trust website:

Filmed 13 May 2019

Music from YouTube Audio Library:

Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen
Ibiza Dream by Chris Haugen
Water Lillies by Density & Time

For more in depth information about my videos, please visit the Quagmi website -

Find this and other location based videos on the video sharing mapping website DiziVizi.com -

Check out my stock footage on Pond5:

#Poole #Brownsea #BrownseaIsland #Quagmi #Sandbanks #PooleHarbour

Brownsea Island in 4k

A 4k slideshow of my trip to Brownsea Island on the 16th August 2016.
Including the ferry ride back to Poole Quay passing millionaire's row homes on Sandbanks.

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, England. ( 1 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second on to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.

Swanage to Poole. A Cruise With Brownsea Island Ferries.

An enjoyable round trip from Swanage to Poole, on August 7th 2013. There was no time to disembark at Poole so we went downstairs for some different views on the return journey. We sailed through the playground of the rich and famous, as evidenced by some of the fine vessels on display. An informative commentary provided throughout by the skipper made for a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset England. ( 8 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.

The Mystery of The Brownsea Island 4k

Full quality copy of video I released earlier.

Brownsea Island and Castle ,Poole Harbour England 2012

Brownsea Island and Castle in Poole Harbour early one morning just as the ferry came in.

Sandbanks ferry to Brownsea Island

Pre-wedding visit to Brownsea Island. Saturday 3rd November 2018

Produced on Power director 15 from iPhone 6

Music from the YouTube sound library

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset England. ( 13 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset England. ( 12 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset England. ( 5 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset England. ( 2 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second on to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, England. ( 11 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset England. ( 9 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.

A Walk Around Brownsea Island

A circular walk around Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset. Approx 3-miles distance.

Around Brownsea Island by boat (Poole Harbour)

Brownsea Island is located in the Poole Harbour....beautiful home for red squirrels.

Brownsea Island Ferry trip June 2018, from Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset England. ( 4 )

Brownsea Island sits in Poole harbour it is the second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Sydney harbour in Australia. Brownsea Island ( was also known as Branksea ) is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour in the county of Dorset, England. The island is owned by the National Trust. Much of the island is open to the public and includes areas of woodland and heath with a wide variety of wildlife, together with cliff top views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Purbeck. The island was the location of an experimental camp in 1907 that led to the formation of the Scout movement the following year. Access is by public ferry or private boat; in 2017 the island received 133,340 visitors. The ferry trip itself is well worth the time. When I went it was £11.50 return trip. But on the way back the ferry takes a scenic route round the islands to arrive back at Poole Quay.
The island was purchased by wealthy stockbroker Charles van Raalte who used the island as a residential holiday retreat. During this time the castle was renovated and served as host to famous visitors such as Guglielmo Marconi. Robert Baden-Powell, a close friend of the van Raaltes, hosted an experimental camp for boys on the island in the summer of 1907. Brownsea was largely self-supporting, with a kitchen garden and a dairy herd. Many of the pottery factory workers had stayed on after it closed, farming and working for the owners. Charles van Raalte died in Calcutta in 1907 and his wife eventually sold the island in 1925. In 1927 it was purchased at auction by Mary Bonham-Christie for £125,000. A recluse by nature, she ordered a mass eviction of the island's residents to the mainland. The National Trust then agreed to take over responsibility for the island if enough funds were raised and in 1962 it then purchased Brownsea for £100,000. Work was carried out to prepare the island for visitors; tracks were cleared through areas overgrown with rhododendrons and firebreaks were created to prevent repetition of the 1934 fire.
Brownsea Island lies in Poole Harbour opposite the town of Poole. It is the largest of eight islands in the harbour. The island can be reached by one of the public ferries or by private boat. There is a wharf and a small dock near the main castle. The island is about 1 1⁄2 miles ( 2.4 km ) long and 3⁄4 mile ( 1.2 km ) wide and consists of 500 acres of woodland ( pine and oak trees ), heathland and salt-marsh. The entire island, except the church and a few other buildings which are leased or managed by third parties, is owned by the National Trust. Most of the buildings are situated near the small landing stage. The northern portion of the island is a Nature Reserve managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access so as not to disturb the wildlife.. A small portion to the southeast of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public. The island forms part of the Studland civil parish in the Purbeck local government district. It is within the South Dorset constituency of the House of Commons and the South West England constituency of the European Parliament.
In all the time I have lived in this area I never knew there was a very lovely Church on the Island and managed to take photos and videos of my visit there both inside and out. St Mary’s Church was built in 1853, the church remains very much as it was then - its organ is pumped by hand and the only lighting comes from candles. It's a Victorian church that isfixed in the past so with no electricity or water supply. But its regular spring and summer services can attract congregations between 3 and 300 - and it remains an important part of Brownsea's small island community. A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.