Brownsea Castle

Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle showing heritage architecture and a bay or harbour
Brownsea Castle featuring a river or creek and heritage architecture
Brownsea Castle featuring heritage architecture


Ride a ferry to a forested island. Observe colourful 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.

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Things to do near Brownsea Castle

During your visit to Brownsea Castle, immerse yourself in an array of activities including relaxing spa treatments and invigorating swimming. For the adventurous, explore the agility course and adventure playground, or embark on bike day trips through the stunning Dorset countryside, ensuring a memorable experience filled with excitement and natural beauty.

Shopping

In the vicinity of Brownsea Castle, you can explore Castle Point Shopping Centre, located 11.3km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, check out New Forest Cider, a charming store situated 22.5km from the castle.

Recreation

Meyrick Park Golf Course offers a picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts, surrounded by natural beauty just 6.4km from Brownsea Castle. Upton Country Park provides a tranquil retreat with lovely walking paths and gardens, also located 6.4km away, perfect for relaxation. Poole Stadium, 4.8km away, energises sports lovers with its vibrant atmosphere.

Adventure

For thrilling fun, visit Splashdown Waterpark, located 6.4km from Brownsea Castle, offering exciting slides and family entertainment. Experience the heights at Altitude High Ropes Adventure, 11.3km away, with zip lines amongst the trees. For stunning views, hike the South West Coast Path, situated 12.9km from the castle.

Nightlife

In Brownsea Castle, the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre enchants with its cultural allure and romantic shows, while Tower Park offers thrilling arcade adventures. For a cinematic experience, Cineworld Poole provides a perfect blend of entertainment and romance, all within a short distance of your stay.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Brownsea Castle

Brownsea Castle offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including scenic beaches and charming jetties. Whether you're seeking a relaxing day by the coast or looking to immerse yourself in local culture, the area caters well to diverse interests. Explore the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a unique blend of nature and historical significance, making your visit truly memorable.

  • Poole Harbour: Located 3.2km from Brownsea Castle, Poole Harbour offers stunning beach views and picturesque scenery. It's perfect for leisurely walks, sailing, or simply relaxing by the water while soaking in the serene atmosphere.
  • Bournemouth Beach: Just 6.4km away, Bournemouth Beach is known for its vibrant beach vibes. Enjoy golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a lively promenade ideal for sunbathing, beach sports, or enjoying a refreshing dip in the sea.
  • Bournemouth International Centre: Situated 6.4km from Brownsea Castle, this venue is a hub for events and conferences. Experience its modern facilities while surrounded by a professional atmosphere, making it perfect for business travellers and attendees alike.

Best time to go to Brownsea Castle

The best time to visit Brownsea Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Brownsea Castle falls in July and August. August has slightly high visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Brownsea Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September59.7°F (15.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Brownsea Castle

To save money on your visit to Brownsea Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November when prices tend to be lower. Booking your stay for a Tuesday can also help you avoid higher weekend rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare accommodation options and consider package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for greater savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and take advantage of public transport options to keep your travel costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Brownsea Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Brownsea Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Brownsea Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Brownsea Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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