Brownsea Island

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting


Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills.

Thriving natural habitats - including woodland, heathland and a lagoon - create a unique haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers.

The Outdoor centre invites you to follow in the footsteps of Lord Baden-Powell and the very first Scouts who camped here in 1907. Groups of Scouts and Guides can camp here during the summer.

The perfect day's adventure - this island wildlife sanctuary is easy to get to but feels like another world from the moment you step ashore.