Brownsea Island National Trust, Poole

The next generation of David Attenboroughs will adore Brownsea Island as will children who love an adventure in the great outdoors. This would also be a great setting for a large friends and/or family gathering for a outdoor summer celebration/picnic. Unfortunately we hadn’t really planned our visit to Brownsea Island in relation to food supplies and weather. We hadn’t brought along enough food for a full day’s outing, entertainment (football and Frisbees) with us and the weather (cold and wet) just wasn’t favourable to a four and two year old. To get to Brownsea Island we took the ferry from Sandbanks. We parked on the street and then paid for two adult returns at just five pounds each. Children under six years old travel free. Family tickets are available Entry to Brownsea Island is free to National Trust members yet everyone still has to pay for the ferry. On the island there is a café, toilets and small museum of the island that has colouring sheets for children and family trails. On arrival at Brownsea Island you’re given a map of the site, which provided very useful for us. On numerous times we would have been lost with out it or walked too far in one direction. The entire site except access to the beach is suitable for pushchairs and those working on the ferries are very helpful with prams and young children. Reflecting on our trip I’d say the children’s highlight was the 15-minute trip to the island. We only managed two hours as mummy never qualified as a scout and wasn’t prepared. Next time I’ll try better.

Really great fun. We loved following the treasure hunt and also watching the peacocks and red squirrels. I would recommend comfy shoes and a cardy as it can get windy. Boat is great fun too. National Trust cafe is very good too