Venue Description

Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to both Pole and the Purbeck Hills. Thriving habitats including woodland, heathland and a lagoon create a unique haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers. Free trails help you explore the island and with the new natural play area and fantastic picnic spots, there's an adventure waiting for the whole family.

Accessibility

From our Seahorse landing craft to our all-terrain manual wheelchairs, we're working hard to ensure Brownsea Island is accessible as possible. The Seahorse landing craft Bought by the National Trust in 2016 to support a variety of essential island operations, the Seahorse's main use is to provide wheelchair users who may not be able to use the passenger service to the island, access to Brownsea. In particular the service is used by visitors who use a wheelchair and are unable to navigate the steps on the services to and from Poole Quay or Brownsea. This is a pre-bookable service only. Priority will be given to wheelchair and mobility scooter users and their carers The crossing takes around 10 minutes Please be aware that the vessel is open to the elements There are no seats or facilities on board Adult: £13.50 Child: £6.75 Family 2 adults & 3 children: £33.75 Family 1 adult & 3 children: £20.25 The Seahorse is a bookable service and will only run when booked by visitors who wish to come. The booking window will close one week prior to the date of sailing. As with all boat services to the island this service may be cancelled due to bad weather, but prior notice will be provided if this happens. You'll book a combined Seahorse transfer to and from the island and island admission. Island admission is free of charge for National Trust members. Members must produce their membership card on the day of visiting. Departure point Please note that where you catch the Seahorse from is different from where visitors catch the Sandbanks Jetty boat service. The Seahorse operates in and out of the Sandbanks Yacht Company slipway. The postcode is BH13 7RD and the entrance is on the left-hand side next to the Stephen Noble Estate Agent. Parking Please note that no parking is provided at Sandbanks Yacht Company. Parking, payable by meter or by phone, is available is in the surrounding road-side bays, residential roads and Sandbanks surface car park. Charges apply year-round on Banks Road and at the Sandbanks surface car park. Charges apply March to November in residential roads. The Sandbanks surface car park has limited disabled bays. Unfortunately, there's no free parking available for disabled visitors nearby. Residential roads for parking nearby include: Panorama Road BH13 7RD; Brownsea Road BH13 7QR; Seacombe Road BH13 7RJ; and Grasmere Road BH13 7RH. You can search the available parking options on the BCP Council website. Safety information The Sandbanks Yacht Company is a working boat yard so please be aware of vehicle and boat movements while on site. Electric Squirrel Shuttle mini bus tours. Accessible tours are available on our Squirrel Shuttle bus. This service improves access for all, offering guided tours for those less mobile or with additional needs, as well as a new hop on, hop off service for those that need a little help exploring further afield, including families with smaller children. Booking is advised, please contact reception 01202 492164. Tour times TBC and the hop on/ hop off service is available at TBC. Please note that there are 8 spaces for each journey, but this number is reduced if a wheelchair user is on board. Please note that this service is subject to volunteer availability on the day. All-terrain wheelchairs Visitors to Brownsea can book an all-terrain manual wheelchair by calling reception direct on 01202 492164. The number of wheelchairs is limited so these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pushchairs All-terrain pushchairs are available to hire free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, or you can book ahead by calling reception on 01202 492164. Carers/ companion entry information The Essential Companion card makes it simple to bring one or two carers or companions with you, free of charge. Show the card when you arrive, and your carer(s) or companion(s) won’t need to pay an entry fee or boat fare. It’s in your name so you can bring whoever you like, but even if you don’t have an Essential Companion card, you can still bring carers or companions free – the card just makes it quicker and simpler for you.  To order your pass or card, get in touch with us by phone, email, or post. Write: National Trust, PO Box 574, Manvers, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S63 3FH Access guide and map Our access guide and map will give you all the information you need to help you explore the wonders of Brownsea. Please visit our website to download a copy. Assistance dogs Dogs are not allowed anywhere on Brownsea Island with the exception of assistance dogs, which should be made clearly identifiable. Sensory Backpacks Sensory Backpacks are available to hire, these packs been developed with the support of a charity called Diverse Abilities and SEND in Museums. The packs have been designed to enhance the experience of our visitors with special educational needs and disabilities, (SEND). The backpacks have sensory activities and fidget elements that can be useful resources for families and schools on a self-led visit. They have two themes, woodland and beach, with activities using senses to explore nature. The backpacks are free to hire, book by phone 01202 707740 or email Brownseaisland@nationaltrust.org.uk

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/assets/website/national/regions/dorset/places/brownsea-island/pdf/ntbi_access_guide_map_a2_complete_100723.pdf

Accessible Performances

We offer a wide range of daytime and evening events throughout the year, including special tours and walks, live performances and workshops. Some of the walks and guided tours are free, for example our daily guided walks, accessible shuttle bus tours and squirrel walks in autumn. Some particular events, have an additional cost and a separate ticket must be purchased. Information for all the events at Brownsea Island can be found on our website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island Reasonable additional arrangements can be made for attendees with additional needs as long as we know in advance. If you book a ticket for any of our events, let us know as soon as possible of any access requirements so we can provide the best service.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets in the following areas: Main courtyard near Reception (160cm x 240cm) Outdoor Centre (145cm x 220cm). Near Visitor Centre which allows wheelchair access and transfer (200cm x 230cm) but they have no emergency alarm fitted. There are baby changing facilities in the main courtyard and at the Visitor Centre but no adult changing table or hoist. All our toilets are lit with energy efficient light bulbs, fluorescent strip lights and natural light and have automatic hand driers or hand towels.

Staff

Visitor facing staff have received disability awareness training and inclusive language.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Brownsea Island is a nature reserve, and we regret that for this reason no dogs are allowed on the island. All recognised guide, assistance or service dogs – including assistance dogs in training – are welcome. Please make sure they are wearing their designated jacket or lead slip.