Pictures of Brownsea Island

in the town of Poole, in the county of Dorset

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About Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour, it is around 1 mile long by 3/4 mile broad; it is beautifully wooded with some lovely open spaces. Historically, it was to this peaceful island that Robert Baden-Powell set up his very first Boy Scout camp, early in the 20th-century, with boys from diverse backgrounds, some of little or no education, but it proved the start of a world-wide movement which is still in operation today.

The island is the largest of the 5 islands scattered around Poole Harbour, it is home to a vast nature reserve which houses endearing red squirrels, peacocks and deer, there are also sightings of many species of wild sea birds. Features of the island are its two large acid lakes, freshwater reedbeds and a saline lagoon. There are several viewing hides and trails to explore - these are especially delightful for youngsters, with hints of when smugglers lived in these parts!

Brownsea Castle on the island is not open to the public, but there is a visitor and education centre where you can see exhibitions to do with island life, and a cafe for refreshments.

A new cliff-top walk has been developed, this gives lovely views of Poole Harbour
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Brownsea Island.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Brownsea Island

Compton Acres Gardens	(1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Studland Beach & Nature Reserve	(3.0 miles, 4.9 km, direction S)	Pictures
Arne RSPB Reserve	(3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction W)	Pictures
Isle of Purbeck	(3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Upton Country Park	(4.0 miles, 6.4 km, direction NW)	Pictures
The Bournemouth Eye	(4.0 miles, 6.5 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum	(4.3 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Corfe Castle	(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Durlston Country Park	(6.2 miles, 10.0 km, direction S)	Pictures
Durlston Country Park Visitor Centre	(6.4 miles, 10.4 km, direction S)	Pictures

All attractions in Dorset
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Brownsea Island

Sandbanks in the county of Dorset (0.6 miles, 1.0 km)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Poole in the county of Dorset (2.4 miles, 3.9 km, direction NW)
Three miles of golden beaches extending from Sandbanks to Brankesome Dene Chine and on towards Bournemouth, ensure an enjoyable time for families and sun-worshippers alike.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Studland in the county of Dorset (3.2 miles, 5.2 km, direction S)
Beyond the woods, heaths and downs of Dorset lies a fascinating coastline with a hinterland of precious little villages, such a village is Studland which sits close to the wide sweep of picturesque Studland Bay, which belongs to the National Trust.
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Bournemouth in the county of Dorset (3.8 miles, 6.1 km, direction NE)
Seven miles of glorious golden sands, fringed by the bluest of seas lapping the shore, make Bournemouth a firm favourite for family holidays.
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Corfe Castle in the county of Dorset (5.6 miles, 9.1 km, direction SW)
Below the castle, the village of Corfe shows picturesque stone houses of the 17th-century.
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Swanage in the county of Dorset (5.7 miles, 9.2 km, direction S)
The town is wedged between towering downs that result in lofty cliffs at both ends of the bay, from these high vantage points there are spectacular views across the sea.
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Langton Matravers in the county of Dorset (5.9 miles, 9.5 km, direction S)
This is an interesting old village with access to one of the loveliest stretches of the Dorset coast.
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Furzebrook in the county of Dorset (6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction SW)
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Worth Matravers in the county of Dorset (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction SW)
Picturesque Dorset village with a history pre-dating Roman times as evidenced by the medieval lynchets cut into the steep hillsides.
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Southbourne in the county of Dorset (7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction E)
Southbourne is a sedate coastal resort lying close to the mouth of the River Stour, just a few minutes drive from its more famous...
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All towns in Dorset
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Parkstone Station	(2.3 miles, 3.7 km, direction N)
Poole Station	(2.6 miles, 4.2 km, direction NW)
Bournemouth Airport	(8.5 miles, 13.7 km, direction NE)
M27 Junction 1	(22.7 miles, 36.5 km, direction NE)
M27 Junction 2	(25.9 miles, 41.6 km, direction NE)
Southampton Airport	(32.1 miles, 51.7 km, direction NE)
Brownsea Island to London	(97.8 miles, 157.3 km, direction NE)

Accommodation & Hotels near Brownsea Island

Hotel Name
The Haven	(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)
Sandbanks Hotel	(1.2 miles, 2.0 km, direction E)
Harbour Heights Hotel	(1.3 miles, 2.2 km, direction NE)
Express By Holiday Inn Poole	(2.1 miles, 3.5 km, direction NW)
The Antelope	(2.1 miles, 3.5 km, direction NW)
The Best Western Mansion House	(2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction NW)
Arndale Court Hotel	(2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction N)
Calotels ~ Riviera Hotel	(3.0 miles, 4.8 km, direction NE)
Studland Dene Hotel	(3.0 miles, 4.9 km, direction NE)
Tower House Hotel	(3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction NE)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts