Brownsea Island, nestled in the heart of Dorset’s Poole Harbour, is making waves this summer with a vibrant lineup of live music events, coastal dining experiences, and immersive nature activities. The National Trust has once again transformed this historic island into a lively summer destination, blending soulful entertainment with stunning scenery and rich heritage.
From romantic Motown evenings under the stars to ukulele-powered comedy acts and hearty local cuisine, Brownsea Island offers a truly unique coastal escape for visitors of all ages. As part of its 2025 summer programme, the island welcomes back its beloved music evenings, complete with scenic cruises aboard a heritage yacht and unforgettable food and drink experiences.
Live Music on the Island: Motown Nights and Ukulele Delights
One of the most anticipated highlights of this summer is a soulful Motown evening headlined by the Susie Kimber Trio. Known for her commanding stage presence and powerful vocals, Kimber’s performance promises a high-energy show filled with nostalgic classics. Guests can expect sing-alongs, dancing, and community cheer that capture the spirit of summer on the south coast.
Also taking the stage are The Mother Ukers, a local Bournemouth trio famous for their signature “Ukular Fusion” style. Fusing pop, punk, and rock with quirky ukulele flair, their performance adds a humorous, foot-tapping twist to iconic tracks from bands like Oasis and Queen.
Each musical evening begins with a gentle cruise across Poole Harbour on The Dorset Queen, a vintage yacht that offers panoramic views of the harbour’s natural beauty. A drinks reception sets the tone before guests disembark onto Brownsea Island for the night’s entertainment.
Local Flavours & Scenic Dining at Villano Café
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed to the island’s Villano Café where locally prepared dishes await. Signature offerings include homemade chilli, fresh pasties, and a curated selection of drinks and sweet treats. The relaxed atmosphere invites mingling, laughter, and an immersive cultural experience under the open sky.
National Trust’s Rachel Lamb, Partnership and Programmes Officer, shared her excitement about the programme:
“We’re thrilled to welcome back our summer music evenings after their successful debut in 2024. Combining the tranquillity of a harbour cruise with live entertainment and local flavours gives guests a truly unforgettable experience—something only Brownsea can offer.”
With limited capacity, early booking is strongly encouraged as some evenings, such as the Bossa Nova night, are already fully reserved.
Beyond the Music: Discover Brownsea’s Natural Beauty and Heritage
While the live music nights are a big draw, Brownsea Island offers much more for day-trippers, families, and nature lovers. Managed by the National Trust, the island is an ecological treasure trove, known for its red squirrel population, wild peacocks, deer, and an array of coastal birds. Whether you enjoy wildlife spotting, hiking through wildflower meadows, or peaceful beachcombing, there’s something magical around every corner.
Must-Do Activities on Brownsea Island:
- Wildlife Walks: Explore woodlands and wetlands teeming with native species.
- Beach Time: Swim, relax, or comb the shores on the island’s quieter beaches.
- Visit Brownsea Castle: Originally built in the 16th century and now privately leased, the castle’s exterior still offers magnificent views across Poole Harbour.
- Scouting Heritage: Take a guided walk to learn about the island’s role in the world’s first ever Scouting camp founded in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Available nearby in Poole Harbour for adventurous visitors.
- Environmental Education: Participate in National Trust-led activities on conservation and biodiversity, ideal for families.
How to Get There: Travel to Brownsea Island Made Easy
Located in Poole Harbour on England’s south coast, Brownsea Island is accessible only by boat. Getting there is part of the adventure.
Getting to Poole:
- By Car:
- From London: Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours via M3, A31, and A35
- From Bournemouth: 30 minutes via A35
- By Train:
- London Waterloo to Poole: 2 hours
- Bournemouth to Poole: 15 minutes
- By Bus:
- Frequent services connect nearby towns to Poole
- By Air:
- Bournemouth Airport: 30 mins to Poole
- Southampton Airport: 1 hr 15 mins to Poole
Ferry to Brownsea Island:
- Departure Point: Poole Quay
- Operator: Brownsea Island Ferries
- Schedule: Regular sailings from March to November
- Duration: Approx. 20 minutes
Ferry tickets and event bookings are available through the official National Trust Brownsea Island website or local ferry operators’ platforms.
Plan Your Visit
Brownsea Island is open to day visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM until November 2, 2025. Whether you’re coming for the live music evenings, an afternoon hike, or simply to escape into nature, the island promises an experience that blends heritage, sustainability, and soul.
With its dynamic summer events, Brownsea Island is becoming a standout destination for cultural tourism on the UK’s south coast—an ideal retreat for couples, families, and solo explorers alike.
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