The Bells of Brownsea Island

Picture by Michael Robinson

Brownsea Island is the largest of the five islands in Poole Harbour. It is entirely owned by the National Trust and is open to visitors from March to October. The church of St Mary has a light ring of 8 bells (4-2-21), rung from an upstairs ringing room (with its own fireplace, and only recently equipped with electric lighting!). Bands are encouraged on Sundays in Summer to ring for the afternoon service, but the bells are available at other times too. However the National Trust rarely approves peal ringing.

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St Mary’s, Brownsea

Picture by Hideyuki Kamon

St Marys Church on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour is the current religious home to the Scouting movement and serves the few residents of the island, as well as Brownsea Island Scout camp.

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Baden Powell Statue

Picture by That James

This statue of Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell sits on the Quay at Poole, almost as though he is waiting for the boat to take him to the first scout camp on Brownsea Island in 1907.

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Fast Ferry

Fast Ferry by Simon

The ferry Condor Vitesse approaching Poole harbour, passing between Sandbanks and Brownsea Island

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Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour. The island is most notable as the home of the first camp of the Boy Scout movement in 1907. The island is owned by the National Trust. Access is by public ferry or private boat

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