Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Brownsea Island is again offering live music nights this summer and promises visitors a memorable blend of live entertainment, local delicacies and scenic boat cruises around beautiful Poole Harbour. The National Trust has relaunched its flagship events, offering a romantic setting for visitors and locals alike to enjoy Motown classics, ukulele-led acts and scrumptious morsels among one of the south coast’s loveliest surrounds.
One evening that definitely stands out is a Motown evening with the Susie Kimber Trio. Renowned for having a powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Susie Kimber will entertain a soul and Motown evening of singing and dancing along, getting people involved and having a good time. It is sure to be a highlight of the year and will no doubt bring a lot of energy and nostalgia to the island.
What to Expect: Music, Cuisine, and Scenic Cruises
Each evening of live music starts with a Poole Quay cruise on the old yacht, The Dorset Queen. Guests will be greeted on deck with a drinks reception and taking in panoramic Poole Harbour views, a perfect start to a Brownsea Island evening. Once on Brownsea Island, guests can unwind and take in a evening of good cuisine, cold drinks, and, of course, live music.
At the Motown evenings, guests will have a homemade chilli at the Villano Café on the island, and there will also be other snacks and refreshments for sale throughout the evening. It’s a warm atmosphere that creates a memorable and informal evening, and guests can mingle, listen to a selection of music, and have a taste of local cuisines.
Another highlight of the season is a show by The Mother Ukers, a Bournemouth-based trio. In their own style, ‘Ukular Fusion’ fuses pop, punk, and rock and incorporates a humorous ukulele twist. Oasis and Queen covers and pasty and drinks are on tap for a delightful mix of entertainment and indulgements.
Special-Time Offer: Make a Booking
The evenings have been extremely popular, and Bossa Nova evenings’ tickets have been booked already. Tickets for Motown evenings and other evenings with live music are selling out similarly and would-be visitors should book their seats well in advance to make sure these evenings do not pass them by. A perfect blend of a scenic cruise, live show, and good grub offers a combination that showcases the best of Brownsea Island’s atmosphere and classic entertainment’s allure.
As Rachel Lamb, National Trust Partnership and Programmes Officer, put it, “We’re thrilled to welcome our music evenings once more after a resounding introduction in 2024. A mix of a harbour cruise, live music and good food creates a evening to remember that allows visitors to experience and become a part of Brownsea Island’s unique atmosphere.”
Brownsea Island offers a variety of activities that make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those looking for a peaceful retreat. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy on the island beyond live music events:
Explore the Natural Wonders
Wildlife Watching: Brownsea Island is well known for having a high biodiversity and thus a good place for wildlife watchers. A variety of species call the island home including the red squirrel, deer, and a variety of birds making Brownsea ideal for a nature walk and wildlife watching.
Beachcombing and Swimming: Guests have access to calm beaches around and on the island, where a person can spend time near the sea, try their hand at beachcombing, or swim in the sea on more warm days. It is a great time to unwind and immerse yourself in the astounding vista.
Learn About the Island’s History
Visit Brownsea Castle: Brownsea Castle was built in the 19th century and has a deep and varied history, including having been used by the National Trust. Brownsea Castle grounds have spectacular views out across Poole Harbour and a glimpse into a bygone age on Brownsea Island.
Guided Tours and Walks: Explore Brownsea Island on a guided tour and discover its remarkable heritage, from its former military strategic importance to its place in Scouting heritage. Visitors can find out about the first Scouting camp held in 1907, which was started by Robert Baden-Powell.
Hike and Nature Trails
Walking Trails: Walking trails abound on Brownsea Island and allow visitors to explore its diverse scenery. Whether strolling through woods, coastal trails, or Brownsea’s well-liked viewpoints, the trails constitute a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the island’s scenery at a gentle pace.
The Varied Ecosystems of the Island: Venture through the wetland areas, fields of wildflowers, and forested sections of the island, providing a varied and fertile terrain. It is ideal for travelers who would like to see the different habitats on the island and immerse themselves in nature.
Participate in Water Sports
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Take advantage of the calm waters surrounding Poole Harbour by experiencing kayaking or paddleboarding. Both these sports are a wonderful and healthy way of seeing the island’s natural scenery from a different perspective. Boat Tours: You can avail of a boat tour around Poole Harbour and view its lovely coastlines as well as scenic locations on the island. It is a good activity to view marine creatures as well as view panoramic shots of the place.
Engage in Educational Programs
Environmental Education: The National Trust frequently conducts environmental activities and programmes, especially for families and children. These programmes aim to educate visitors regarding conservation, wildlife, and the local island’s ecosystem.
History of Scouting Education: Since the island was involved in Scouting history, a history education program on the heritage of Baden-Powell and Scouting can be had. You can understand how the first-ever camp of Scouts was held and how these camps have shaped young people’s activities globally.
How to Get to Brownsea Island?
It’s a real treat to go to Brownsea Island and you can easily find your way there. It’s located in Poole Harbour, Dorset, on England’s south coast. This is how you can reach the island if you’re approaching from Poole or from other nearby areas:
Journey to Poole:
You will first have to head for Poole before you can proceed to Brownsea Island, as that is the nearest and point of departure for ferries to the island.
By Car:
From London: From London, you can drive on the M3 motorway to Southampton and then on A31 and A35 to Poole. It will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours by road.
From Bournemouth: It’s a 30-minute drive on the A35 to Poole.
By Train:
From London: Train services from London Waterloo to Poole are frequent and take roughly 2 hours.
From Bournemouth: A 15-minute (approximately) train journey will get you to Poole station.
By Bus:
There are frequent buses from surrounding towns, including Bournemouth, to Poole. Local timetables for your most suitable route are available.
Ferry Journey from Poole to Brownsea Island
Once you’re in Poole, you then have to catch a ferry to Brownsea Island. Brownsea Island Ferries operate these ferries and have regular sailings from Poole Quay.
Ferry Departure Point:
The Brownsea Island ferry can be accessed from Poole Quay, a transport centre within walking distance of Poole station or town centre.
Ferry Schedule:
There are regular sailings throughout the day, typically between March and November, and seasonally. It is best to consult the ferry schedule on Brownsea Island Ferries’ web pages for current times and availability, especially during tourist seasons.
Ferry Duration:
The 20-minute ferry ride from Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island operates regularly and offers pleasant views of the coast and islands.
More Ways of Reaching Poole
By Air:
If you’re traveling by air, you’ll find that the nearest airport is Bournemouth Airport (about 30 minutes by road to Poole). You can also use Southampton Airport, about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Poole.
Private Hire:
You may also use a taxi or a private transfer to Poole if you’re going as a group or if you wish for a more comfortable trip. You may also use private boats if you wish for a more direct sail to Brownsea Island. 4. Brownsea Island Visit Once you’re on the island, Brownsea Island is open to visitors during the day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until November 2, 2025). You may view its natural beauty with wildlife, historical attractions, and trails. You should book your tickets ahead of time for special activities like evening live music or tours.
Plan Your Visit:
Brownsea Island Open Until November 2025 If you wish to explore Brownsea Island outside of its musical live days, you can do so on a day-by-day basis until the 2nd of November, 2025, between 10 am and 5 pm. Whether you’re there for its nature, its rich past, or just to experience its upcoming festivals, you can always find something special to see on Brownsea Island.
