A BEAUTIFUL island off the coast of Dorset is closing to the public soon and you won’t be able to visit again until next spring.
Brownsea Island was said to have inspired Enid Blyton when writing her Famous Five novels.
Owned by the National Trust, the car-free island opens to the public in the summer months with direct boats from Poole Harbour.
These run every 30 minutes, costing around £15.
But the island closes to the public on November 1, and won’t reopen to the public until mid-March 2027.
You will also need to pay to visit the island which is an additional £12 although, National Trust members go free.
But the island is popular with wildlife lovers, with exotic birds, deer and free roaming peacocks.
It has a huge red squirrel population too, with around 250, best spotted in the morning.
The 16th century Brownsea Castle, built by Henry VIII, is the main building on the island, but you won’t be able to stay there as it is sadly privately owned.
Instead there is the Brownsea Island Campsite, with 40 pitches in the summer, or a number of lodges sleeping from 2 to 12 people.
There is an adventure playground for kids, with everything from den building to obstacles.
You’ll have to leave the dogs at home sadly, as only assistance pets are allowed.
Daily guided tours take place too twice a day.
Otherwise you can fill your stomach at the Vilano Cafe which has snacks, drinks and a snack van in the summer.