On this small, wooded island in the middle of Poole Harbour, trails weave through heath and woods, past peacocks, red squirrels, red deer and a wealth of birdlife – the water-framed views to the Isle of Purbeck are stunning. Free guided walks focus on the wartime island, birdlife, smugglers and pirates. Ferries to the island leave from Poole Quay at least hourly.
Brownsea also played a key role in a global movement famous for three-fingered salutes, shorts and toggles – Lord Baden-Powell staged the first ever scout camp here in 1907.
