Brownsea Island

This is the biggest island in the harbour, and it’s a haven for wildlife, owned by the National Trust, and open to the public. You can either get there via your own boat, or take one of the public ferries. Walk the cliff tops on Brownsea for fresh air and a view of the ferries and yachts making their way in and out of the harbour. If you’re lucky, you may spot an endangered red squirrel – Brownsea Island is one of the places they have survived. The island has an open air Shakespearean theatre in the summer, and has its own church and castle.