Yes, there are limited shopping options on Brownsea Island, primarily focused on souvenirs and Scout/Guide merchandise rather than general convenience items. Visitors can find gifts, books, and memorabilia at the Trading Post (open 10:30-16:00) near the campsite, or at the reception/visitor center. Food, snacks, and hot drinks are available at the Villano Café.
What time does the Brownsea Island Scout shop open?
Opening Times of the Trading Post
The Trading Post is open daily when Brownsea Island is fully open. Opening hours are from 10.30 to 16.00. For those who cannot get to the actual Trading Post, Reception hold a small stock of badges, woggles & neckers for sale.
Does John Lewis still own the castle on Brownsea Island?
Brownsea Castle was purchased by Mary Bonham-Christie in 1927. She allowed the property to fall into disrepair and by the time of her death in 1961 it was in a very poor condition. It was then purchased by the National Trust and leased to the John Lewis Partnership, who restored it over many years.
How long should you spend at Brownsea Island? The majority of visitors spend the full day visiting Brownsea Island as there is so much to see and do whilst you are there. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the ferry crossing times and plan your trip around them.
Can I Visit Brownsea Island? - United Kingdom Explorers
What to wear on Brownsea Island?
It is of course up to you what you wish to wear for your Brownsea adventure, and we haven't included the obvious such as socks, t-shirts etc. but we do recommend that you bring the following… Waterproofs Sturdy footwear to explore the island Sunhat Optional – beachwear/rash vest/wetsuit etc. if you fancy taking a dip!
Also on Brownsea Island, you'll find two National Trust holiday cottages, Agent's House sleeping six, and Custom House sleeping two. Brownsea Island Campsite is nestled on the South Side of the island.
At the Scout Shop, we have: Uniforms fo Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Scouters. Advancement and uniform patches and insignia. Handbooks, manuals and pamphlets.
When can you see red squirrels in Brownsea Island?
When to see red squirrels on Brownsea. Red squirrels are most active in spring and autumn, so a visit during those seasons is the most likely to be rewarded with sightings.
If you are planning to visit Brownsea Island, you will need to get the foot ferry service which operates from Poole Quay – fares apply for all visitors but no booking is required. If visiting as a Dorset Wildlife Trust member, please bring your membership card which will allow access only to the area that we manage.
The Outdoor Centre is the home of Scouting and Guiding on the island. Here you can find the Trading Post, which sells all sorts of Brownsea Island goodies, including postcards, red squirrel toys, as well as all your Scouting and Guiding-themed souvenirs.
Through the management of the National Trust the Island opened to the public once again in 1963. Today Brownsea Island has a community of about thirty people who live on the island but it attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually.
While "prettiest" is subjective, Lyme Regis, known as the "Pearl of Dorset," is consistently praised for its stunning Jurassic Coast scenery, historic Cobb harbour, and charming, fossil-rich beaches, rivaled by the classic Victorian charm of Swanage with its sandy bay and colourful beach huts, and the lively, family-friendly Weymouth with its Georgian seafront and vibrant harbour.
There have been many additions and alterations to the castle since its construction in the 16th Century. The island and its buildings are owned by The National Trust. The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has a long lease on the castle and the majority of the buildings on the island.
There's no single "prettiest" town in Dorset as it's subjective, but popular contenders include the historic market town Sherborne, the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle village, the charming seaside town of Lyme Regis, and the picturesque thatched cottages of Milton Abbas, alongside others like Shaftesbury, Swanage, and Abbotsbury, each offering unique coastal beauty or countryside charm.
St Mary's Church is a Church of England parish church at Brownsea Island, Dorset, England. The church was built in 1853–54 and is a Grade II* listed building.
For all other campsite bookings, if the weather forecast for your stay is due to exceed gusts of 44mph, the island and the campsite will need to close for your safety. You will be offered a refund, or we will look to transfer your booking to another date. No smoking inside tents or in cooking areas as it can be lethal.
Brownsea Castle, also known historically as Branksea Castle, was originally a Device Fort constructed by Henry VIII between 1545 and 1547 to protect Poole Harbour in Dorset, England, from the threat of French attack. Located on Brownsea Island, it comprised a stone blockhouse with a hexagonal gun platform.
Brownsea is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour, which is the second largest natural harbour in the world. Humans have been active in the local area since at least the Iron Age (750BC – AD43). In 1964 two sections of a 33-foot Iron Age log boat were discovered just off Brownsea.
