Brownsea Castle in Poole

Brownsea Castle

Ride a ferry to a forested island. Observe colorful peacocks and playful red squirrels beside this grand castle from the 1500s.

Brownsea Castle is a majestic fortress of Tudor design, proudly overlooking the southeastern corner of a large island in Poole Harbour. It was initially constructed in the 16th century as a fortification to defend the southern coast of England from European attacks. Visit this stalwart structure to learn about British history. Then explore the rest of the pleasant island.

Study the impressive square blockhouse castle from the ferry as you approach the island. The castle has been renovated many times over the centuries, which is apparent from its mixed design. Note the gray, red and brown sections of the castle’s façade. A large British flag waves in the breeze atop the building.

Climb the steps toward the fortress for a closer look. The many trees and bushes planted around the castle create a welcoming green landscape. Stroll leisurely through the gardens and capture photos of the lush vegetation with the fortress in the background. The castle’s entrance offers views of White Ground Lake and Poole Bay, which lead into the English Channel.

Spot the island’s red squirrels clambering up the trees that surround the castle. Listen to birdcalls of herons, egrets, terns and avocets. Hike along the walking paths of the forest and look for a relatively tame peacock. Wait patiently for a magnificent display as it unfurls its tail feathers.

After early use as a fortification, the structure was converted into a residence by a British politician and architect William Benson. Some locals still refer to it as Branksea Castle, which was its archaic name.

Although the island is open for visits between April and September, the castle interior is always closed to the public.

Brownsea Castle looks out over the eastern coast of Brownsea Island. Regular ferries transport passengers from Poole Harbour to the small dock near the castle. From here, walk 1 minute west past the gardens to reach the castle entrance.

Guide to Exploring around Brownsea Castle

Brownsea Island

Combine sightseeing at the church and castle with a search for playful red squirrels as you meander through the dense woodland of this island.

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Poole Museum

Learn the story of Poole and its harbor from interesting items, such as the Iron Age boat kept in this restored Victorian depository.

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Poole Harbour

Visit a forested part of this harbor’s archipelago after strolling along the charming promenade full of restaurants, pubs and boutiques.

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Compton Acres

The fine historic gardens of late Victorian mixed style were set up in the early 20th century. Peruse the range of exotic sections remaining today.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near Brownsea Castle

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Haven Hotel C$214

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Haven Hotel

161 Banks Road, Poole, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Poole hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Sandbanks Beach and 1.5 mi (2.5 km) from Brownsea Island. Shell Bay Beach and Sandbanks Ferry Terminal are also within 10 minutes.

Sandbanks Hotel C$241

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Sandbanks Hotel

15 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled on the beach, this Poole hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Sandbanks Beach, Bournemouth Beach, and Brownsea Island. Bournemouth International Centre is 3.1 mi (5 km) away.

Harbour Heights Hotel C$219

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Harbour Heights Hotel

73 Haven Road, Sandbanks, Poole, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated near the beach, this hotel is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Sandbanks Beach and within 3 mi (5 km) of Bournemouth Beach and Bournemouth International Centre. Brownsea Island and Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Modern Apartment on Sandbanks Peninsula, With Private Garden

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Modern Apartment on Sandbanks Peninsula, With Private Garden

Poole, England

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated by the ocean, this romantic apartment building is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Sandbanks Beach and 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Brownsea Island. Sandbanks Ferry Terminal and Brownsea Castle are also within 15 minutes.

Sandbanks Peninsula - DHH

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Sandbanks Peninsula - DHH

Flat 5, 46 Banks Road, Poole, England

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Poole, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Sandbanks Beach and Sandbanks Ferry Terminal. Shell Bay Beach and Compton Acres are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Live the Dream in a Deluxe Apartment, Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset, Parking, Wifi, Access to the Beach

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Live the Dream in a Deluxe Apartment, Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset, Parking, Wifi, Access to the Beach

Poole, England

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated on the waterfront, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Sandbanks Beach and Sandbanks Ferry Terminal. Brownsea Castle and Shell Bay Beach are also within 15 minutes.

Holiday Inn Express Poole C$114

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Holiday Inn Express Poole

Walking Field Lane, Poole, England

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in the heart of Poole, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Poole Stadium and Poole Harbour. Poole Park and Poole Old Lifeboat Museum are also within 15 minutes. Poole Station is 11 minutes by foot and Poole Parkstone Station is 29 minutes.

Salterns Harbourside Hotel C$163

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Salterns Harbourside Hotel

38 Salterns Way, Lilliput, Poole, England

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated on the waterfront, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Compton Acres and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Poole Harbour. Poole Park and Sandbanks Beach are also within 3 mi (5 km). Poole Parkstone Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Brownsea Castle

Brownsea Castle