Brownsea Island Ferries
Brownsea Island Ferries
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700 reviews
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Mrs Bear
Poole, UK1,401 contributions
Aug 2019
We had booked to see the open air Shakespeare play on Brownsea Island and the ticket price included the ferry ride there and back.
The boats run regularly from Poole Quay and we had to show the play tickets to enter the boat.
The journey across was easy and the staff were friendly.
For the return journey it was dark but the Quay was lit and the staff worked hard to get everyone aboard safely and quickly.
Very good service and would definitely use again.
The boats run regularly from Poole Quay and we had to show the play tickets to enter the boat.
The journey across was easy and the staff were friendly.
For the return journey it was dark but the Quay was lit and the staff worked hard to get everyone aboard safely and quickly.
Very good service and would definitely use again.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gemma a
Bradford, UK169 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We got on a cruise which ended up being almost 2 hours long, past sandbanks, out too Harry's rocks and even around some of the islands. Amazing to say it was only £10 per adult! We have traveled from Yorkshire and boat trips up there are way more expensive which we where suprised about. During the journey they gave us plenty of information regarding the surrounding area too. We took our dog on board and even she came on for free which was a added bonus. Thankyou
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keefnjojo
Plymouth, UK1,368 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We pre booked this ferry to get us over to Brownsea Island as part of the National Trust day trip.
What a great little ferry ride, it wasn't packed (Covid restrictions) but this meant we were able to sit where we wanted to, upstairs and outside.
The ferry takes about 20 minutes to get there with great view of the island and Poole Harbour as you go, it certainly added to the whole experience of the island.
What a great little ferry ride, it wasn't packed (Covid restrictions) but this meant we were able to sit where we wanted to, upstairs and outside.
The ferry takes about 20 minutes to get there with great view of the island and Poole Harbour as you go, it certainly added to the whole experience of the island.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennie B
Henfield, UK18 contributions
Aug 2020
We went on the Jurassic coast trip. We were sat inside as all the seats outside were taken.
We didn’t see any kind of sanitation done to the tables and chairs between trips, people were crowding In the downstairs enclosed area once they got cold upstairs. Kids running around screaming whilst their parents drank beer you could buy on the boat Cash only!
As we were inside we wore masks, we were the only ones. Some chairs had tape on to say you couldn’t sit there to socially distance, that was ignored. We were stuck in this situation for 2 hours with a chap opposite us continually coughing. It’s the first time since the whole pandemic started that I didn’t feel safe
We didn’t see any kind of sanitation done to the tables and chairs between trips, people were crowding In the downstairs enclosed area once they got cold upstairs. Kids running around screaming whilst their parents drank beer you could buy on the boat Cash only!
As we were inside we wore masks, we were the only ones. Some chairs had tape on to say you couldn’t sit there to socially distance, that was ignored. We were stuck in this situation for 2 hours with a chap opposite us continually coughing. It’s the first time since the whole pandemic started that I didn’t feel safe
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D R
43 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Took family from away for a visit to Brownsea Island and told them they’d get a great boat ride full of info. The ferry to Brownsea no longer includes any commentary about the harbour and no longer includes the trip around the back of the islands ( despite the tide being high). No reduction in cost, just a reduction in service. Seems the ferry service or national trust are just taking same money for less. Disappointing. The yellow ferries seem to have the monopoly here as the orange ferries no longer run to Brownsea. It’s now just a taxi service at a high price.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicholas C
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Couples
My partner and I had a great day on Brownsea Island yesterday but the visit was marred by such poor customer service by a representative of the ferry company that I feel compelled to write of it.
I had pre-booked online the National Trust tickets and went to the ferry kiosk at 09:15 to purchase the ferry tickets. Both the company website and the sign on the kiosk said they accepted cards but the man insisted on cash. I pointed out that insisting on cash went against covid advice but he was unmoved.
I asked where the nearest cash machine was and he pointed the way. I told him I had already booked two tickets for the 11:30. How much did I need to pay? He said £12.50. I returned with the cash, at which point he said it was £12.50 each! I expressed my frustration at having to go to the ATM again. And when I returned, he refused to serve me unless I apologised for venting my frustration. He had a threatening manner, having come out of his kiosk.
I was dumbfounded at this attitude and meekly acceded to his request of 'no apology, no visit'. I would there and then have told him I would not go but for the fact that my partner (who was not present) had never been to the island before.
I was shocked at the attitude of this man. His actions went against every rule in the book of customer service, but since they seem to have a monopoly on the ferry service to Brownsea Island I guess they can treat customers as they like. But I never did get an answer as to why we all must pay cash instead of card in these times of covid, so I can only speculate.
But, despite the other tours offered by this company looking interesting, there is no way that I would ever approach that kiosk again.
I had pre-booked online the National Trust tickets and went to the ferry kiosk at 09:15 to purchase the ferry tickets. Both the company website and the sign on the kiosk said they accepted cards but the man insisted on cash. I pointed out that insisting on cash went against covid advice but he was unmoved.
I asked where the nearest cash machine was and he pointed the way. I told him I had already booked two tickets for the 11:30. How much did I need to pay? He said £12.50. I returned with the cash, at which point he said it was £12.50 each! I expressed my frustration at having to go to the ATM again. And when I returned, he refused to serve me unless I apologised for venting my frustration. He had a threatening manner, having come out of his kiosk.
I was dumbfounded at this attitude and meekly acceded to his request of 'no apology, no visit'. I would there and then have told him I would not go but for the fact that my partner (who was not present) had never been to the island before.
I was shocked at the attitude of this man. His actions went against every rule in the book of customer service, but since they seem to have a monopoly on the ferry service to Brownsea Island I guess they can treat customers as they like. But I never did get an answer as to why we all must pay cash instead of card in these times of covid, so I can only speculate.
But, despite the other tours offered by this company looking interesting, there is no way that I would ever approach that kiosk again.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah Grace
London, UK5,358 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We got our morning tickets to Brownsea Island on Monday and upon chatting with the booth people, we were able to get on an earlier ferry since it wasn’t in full capacity which was useful to know.
Staff and crew were helpful and friendly. Overall a good experience. Thank you.
Staff and crew were helpful and friendly. Overall a good experience. Thank you.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle N
1 contribution
May 2022 • Family
Beautiful picturesque island and a fabulous day out. We visited on a beautiful sunny day and spent 6 hours exploring the island, lots of trails to choose from, lucky enough to spot 3 red squirrels and a fabulous children's natural play area. Although the boat over was busy it was well organised, the staff were extremely polite and very helpful, a number of them are volunteers. Would definately recommend as a day out for all ages, you won't be disappointed.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob
Bournemouth, UK17 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Prior to travel, we checked their website which categorically stated that their Wareham River Cruise was operating on the 7th August.
Upon arrival, I spoke to a member of staff who was involved with loading one of the companies boats. He stated that the Wareham River Trip was not running at all this year. When I queried the details on the website, his response was "that's old news, it's not my website and nothing to do with me".
Upon speaking to another lady in their kiosk, she thrust a leaflet at me suggesting I phone the number on the leaflet to point out the error on the website. It was only after I challenged her that, as the face-to-face representative of the company, surely she should escalate the matter, as customers like me would have wasted journeys based on the inaccurate website. Begrudgingly, she agreed.
Totally unacceptable customer service. I strongly advise using this company's competitors.
Upon arrival, I spoke to a member of staff who was involved with loading one of the companies boats. He stated that the Wareham River Trip was not running at all this year. When I queried the details on the website, his response was "that's old news, it's not my website and nothing to do with me".
Upon speaking to another lady in their kiosk, she thrust a leaflet at me suggesting I phone the number on the leaflet to point out the error on the website. It was only after I challenged her that, as the face-to-face representative of the company, surely she should escalate the matter, as customers like me would have wasted journeys based on the inaccurate website. Begrudgingly, she agreed.
Totally unacceptable customer service. I strongly advise using this company's competitors.
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel C
Middlesbrough, UK164 contributions
Jul 2019
If you want to visit Brown sea island where the scouts were formed over a hundred years ago you can catch a trip on these ferries, just pay for your ticket and once it arrives jump on and it won't be too long until you arrive, but remember to bring some extra money because you'll need to pay to be allowed on the island as well. If you want to know where to find a ferry they are not too far from the statue of Baden Powell (founder of the scouts) which sits near the water alongside a row of pubs. You can sit on the top floor of the ferry and see Poole harbour all around or you can sit below if it's raining or dark; it's nothing fancy but it gets you there safe.
Written June 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hayleymclaughlan87
Bristol, UK2 contributions
Does anyone know what time the return ferry is?
Hi, I want to use the ferry from Poole Port, but not taking the car with me. Is Quay Visitors Car Park the best option for 4 nights, or is there another? How much would it be? (Looking for cheapest and safest option if possible)
RealScibod
Lichfield, UK23 contributions
Is there a ferry from Poole to Sandbanks beach?
DavidSB
Heathfield, UK444 contributions
Poole / Studland ferry service has been suspended because of mechanical issues. I'm not sure when it will resume.David
Brownsea Island ferry is buggy / pushchair accessible with care on the gangplank.
Joanne R
23 contributions
Can you take pushchair on the ferry we are hoping to bring our five months old?
B F
Manchester, UK398 contributions
I’m sure I saw pushchairs on board. There were certainly plenty being pushed round the Island and I presume they didn’t have to carry the babies on board. There were staff to help people over the gang plank, which, depending on the tide, can be a bit steep.
teajay
Bavaria266 contributions
Can I park my motorhome at Poole Quay? Would like to take the kids over to Brownsea on the ferry? TIA.
Chrissie S
Poole, UK1 contribution
Yes thistle hotel car park
I shall be driving my 4 year old grandson and family to see Brownsea Island tomorrow from Shaftesbury.
Please tell me the quickest way to get to Brownsea: it starts raining again mid afternoon! We will be leaving Shaftesbury at around 10.30am
Thank you
Alex S
Somerset, UK295 contributions
From Shaftesbury take A350 towards Blandford Forum. Continue on A350 towards Poole and Bournemouth and you will pick up signs. There are a few car parks set back from the ferry quay. Have a lovely trip!
Helen W
4 contributions
Is there a reasonably priced car park where I’ll be able to leave my car for the weekend that’s also close to the quay at Poole? Thanks 😀
Belinda E
Frome, UK3 contributions
Hi is there somewhere to lock a bike near the Brownsea Island ferry?
CarrotCakeBaker
Atlanta, GA7 contributions
I did see several bikes locked on the rails just before the dock to the ferry.
hailsjane28
Leighton Buzzard, UK20 contributions
Please tell me it is not £10.75 each way?!
Andyhw27
Reading, UK69 contributions
Cheaper ferry is from Sandbanks as it is a shorter crossing (£6.50 as I recall) Free access to island if you are a NT member.
carlsolle
Somerset, UK1 contribution
Hi we are NT members and would like to visit Brownsea Island. But where is best to catch the ferry Poole or sandbanks? Are the costings different ie carparks and ferry prices ? Please
ragmantoo
Wells, UK21 contributions
As a NT member I would strongly recommend that you go from Sandbanks. Drive to South Haven Point (OS Map OL15 Ref:036867) via Wareham and Corfe then take the B3351. There is a NT car park at South Haven Point where you can park for free. Get the chain ferry (£1 ?) across to Sandbanks. At Sandbanks the Brownsea Island ferry departure point is less than 50 metres away from the chain ferry. I seem to recall that the Brownsea ferry prices from Sandbank were £6.50 and from Poole £10.50 So free parking and cheaper ferry with the added bonus of avoiding the 'hassle' that is Poole. Hope this is useful - enjoy your day.
Brownsea Island Ferries (Poole) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
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