Sunlit shores and wild wonders... A summer escape to Brownsea Island...
Summer is a lovely time to visit Brownsea Island, the island feels calm and unhurried, with longer days and often pleasantly warm weather. The island’s heathland hums with insect life Dartford warblers perch on purple heather singing their scratchy song, and lizards bask quietly on sunwarmed paths.
Wild Brownsea
Around the lagoon life is busy with wetland birds hard at work feeding hungry chicks, with common and Sandwich terns hovering over Poole Harbour before plunging beneath the surface to catch fish. Brownsea has become an important breeding site for many wading birds such as the elegant avocet, alongside the more familiar oystercatchers, who often choose surprisingly exposed nesting spots near the café.
The wetland areas are wonderful places to pause and watch dragonflies and damselflies. Their jewelbright colours glint in the sunshine as they skim low over the water, endlessly patrolling their territories. These expert aerial hunters spend much of their time on the wing, darting and hovering with remarkable precision as they catch insects midair, and can reach impressive speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Watery adventures
Surrounded by the calm, sheltered waters of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is perfectly placed for waterbased adventures. June’s mild conditions make it an ideal time to try kayaking or paddleboarding, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.
The Watersports Academy runs a popup stand near the island campsite, offering taster sessions for all abilities, as well as relaxed twohour guided tours along the island’s south shore.
Being out on the water gives a completely different perspective of the island’s beauty. From the sea the shoreline reveals more wildlife, hidden places and magnificent views across Poole Harbour to the Purbeck hills, with Old Harry Rocks visible in the distance on clear days.
Island Camping
Staying overnight on beautiful Brownsea is a very special experience. The island’s campsite provides a simple, relaxing retreat, where evenings are peaceful and star-filled and mornings begin with birdsong drifting through the trees and the gentle lapping of waves on the adjacent beach.
Campers can bring their own tent and choose their favourite pitch or opt for a little extra comfort with two or four berth bell tents available to hire.
New for this year are two beautifully decorated shepherd’s huts, tucked away in their own secluded glade.
For the more adventurous, there are even tree tents, suspended between sturdy trunks, offering a unique way to sleep up among the branches. Find out more about Camping on Brownsea Island.
Summer events
As part of the National Trust’s Summer of Play, children can follow the self-led Wild Adventure Trail, enjoy hands-on nature activities, and discover the island’s incredible wildlife. Weekly events include Minibeast Mondays, Hapa Zome Nature Printing, Wild Wednesdays, storytelling sessions and even visits from the Bee Circus. Young Pokémon fans can also get creative in the Pokémon Craft Lab during August. All activities are free with normal island admission.
Brownsea Island is also hosting a variety of special experiences throughout the summer, including guided wetland bird walks, yoga and meditation sessions, historical guided walks with cream tea, and evenings of live Soul and Motown music and open air theatre with Macbeth in the island’s unique setting.
Whether you’re spotting red squirrels, exploring woodland trails, relaxing in the café or joining one of the many activities, Brownsea Island is the perfect destination for a summer day out in Dorset.
Plan your visit to Brownsea Island today – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
