August, 2024

We visited Brownsea Island in September 2022. This year, we decided to return to the island.

Brownsea Island is accessible by ferry, with departures regularly throughout the day starting at 10 am. The bright yellow ferries are easily noticeable at Poole Quay, and the crossing takes approximately 20 minutes.

The island is open to visitors from March to November, from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets and ferry fares are paid at the visitor center, where you might have to wait in a short queue.
If necessary, you can grab a paper map at the visitor center that shows all the trails through the island's heathland, woodland, and lagoon.

Each step reveals the island's natural beauty, but what truly captivated us were the famous red squirrels. We paused at several places, watching in awe as these charming creatures scurried about.

We even spotted rats nibbling on food left by the red squirrels a few times.

We were also entertained by nuthatch  and robin.

Our cameras were busy not just with the squirrels but also with the peacocks.

Their brilliant plumage was a sight to behold, especially against the vibrant backdrop of purple heather.

We even spotted a few peacock chicks, their fluffy feathers and curious eyes adding to the enchanting scene.

Further down, we spotted a pheasant wandering around in a field.

To our delight, we even saw a sika deer.

After hours of exploring and photographing, we found ourselves at the Harbourside Café. With a cup of coffee in hand, we relaxed and shared our favorite moments from the day, gazing out at the tranquil waters as we waited for the ferry back to Poole Quay. It was a day well spent, filled with nature's splendor and serene moments on Brownsea Island.