St Mary's Church, Brownsea Island
St Mary's Church, Brownsea Island
Highlight • Historical Site
St Mary's Church, Brownsea Island
Hiking
5.0
(21)
Access to this Highlight may be restricted or limited.
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This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
August 16, 2020
Hiking
A Family Service is held at St.Mary’s at 3.00pm every Sunday from May to September.
May 21, 2025
Hiking
St. Mary's was built at a cost of £10,000 after Colonel William Petrie Waugh purchased the island in 1852, and established a pottery industry (The Branksea Clay & Pottery Company) along with Maryland village to house his workers. However, the pottery venture turned out to be be a disaster because William had been ill advised about the quality of the clay (unsuitable for fine porcelain) so the business went bankrupt.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near St Mary's Church, Brownsea Island
5.0
(7)
110
hikers
6.81km
01:48
60m
60m
Embark on an easy 4.2-mile (6.8 km) hike around Brownsea Island, a captivating loop that takes about 1 hour and 47 minutes to complete, with a gentle 197 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain. You will wander through a diverse landscape, moving from peaceful pine-woods and heathland to sandy beaches, meadows, and lagoons. The paths are a mix of footpaths, woodland trails, and coastal routes, offering varied surfaces. Along the way, enjoy spectacular seascapes, including views of neighboring islands, the Purbeck Hills, and distant landmarks like Old Harry Rocks, with glimpses of Poole Harbour through the trees.
Access to Brownsea Island is typically via a ferry from Poole Quay or Sandbanks; plan your visit accordingly as this is the only way to reach the island. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels, making it a great option for a relaxed day out. Keep in mind that dogs are generally not permitted on the island, with the exception of assistance dogs, so make arrangements if you are traveling with pets. Allow extra time beyond the hiking duration to explore the island's features and enjoy the scenery.
Brownsea Island is a crucial haven for rare red squirrels in southern England, with over 200 living in its woodlands; you might spot them foraging, especially in autumn. Beyond squirrels, the island is home to peacocks, deer, and a wide array of coastal and marshland birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Historically, it holds significance as the site where Lord Baden-Powell held the first experimental camp in 1907, laying the foundation for the worldwide Scouting movement, a fact marked by a commemorative stone.
4.8
(4)
41
hikers
5.43km
01:26
40m
40m
Embark on the Brownsea Island loop from the ferry, an easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) hike that takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete, with a gentle elevation gain of 147 feet (45 metres). You will discover a varied landscape of easy footpaths, gravel paths, and unpaved trails winding through pine woods, heathland, and sandy beaches. Enjoy stunning coastal views of Poole Harbour, the distant Purbeck Hills, and the iconic chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks as you explore this picturesque island. In spring, you might even see a vibrant daffodil field. This trail is suitable for various fitness levels, including families and casual walkers.
To access the island, you will take a ferry from Poole Quay. The trails on Brownsea Island are generally open from March through October, so plan your visit within these months. While the route is mostly flat, be aware that some areas may have uneven ground. This makes it a great option for a relaxed day trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without a strenuous climb.
Brownsea Island is a special place, particularly known as a crucial sanctuary for red squirrels; over 200 of them live in its woodlands, often seen foraging for pine nuts. It also holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Scouting movement, where Robert Baden-Powell held the first experimental Scout camp in 1907. Beyond the red squirrels, the island's diverse ecosystems support numerous bird species, water voles, and sika deer, especially around the lagoons and woodlands, making it a top nature reserve.
5.0
(2)
65
hikers
4.85km
01:16
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
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Monday 13 July
29°C
16°C
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
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