Spectators

Spectator Arrangements

We encourage all spectators to meet their swimmers after the event finishes, outside the castle grounds.

Presentations will take place in the grounds of the Villano (cafe) garden. 

The National Trust do encourage supporters of the swim to explore the island and to make use of the facilities available.

Why we can't (unfortunately) allow spectators at the start/finish line

The swim start and finish beach sits within the grounds of Brownsea Castle (which is operated as a private hotel by John Lewis and Partners). In order to minimise the disruption to their guests, we do limit access to the grounds to swimmers, event marshals and safety teams only. 

This is part of the terms and conditions of the swim, please also see the swim FAQ for other frequently asked questions.

Please note that spectators are not allowed into the Brownsea Castle Grounds and as such they will not be able to see you finish your swim.

The foreshore area we use for the swim has quite a narrow beach, relative to some other swim starts and finishes. (We currently use all available space on the shoreline for swimmers and event teams). 

Failure to observe this, meaning spectators are seen to be within the grounds of the castle will jeopardise future use of the castle and as such may put future events at risk. As such, swimmers who are linked to said spectators will be prevented for entering future events

Note there are two tickets to purchase to get onto the Island as a spectator 

a) Ferry Ticket 

b) Entry to the island 

Ferry prices from Poole Quay 2024

Ticket type   Price

Adult £13.50

Child (aged 5+) £6.75

Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £33.75

Family (1 adult and up to 3 children) £20.25

FAQs
Do the above costs include to and from the island?
They will include a return trip, but the fist ferry to the island leaves Poole Quay at 10am
Assume that departure and return will be from Poole Quay?
All departures and arrivals are from Poole Quay. 

Brownsea Island admission (from 16 March)

Ticket type Standard

Adult £10.00

Child £5.00

Family £25.00

1 adult + 3 children £15.00

Group Adult £9.50

Group Child £4.30

FAQs

Do you want people to book in advance? 

No need to book in advance unless larger groups are planning to come over. Example. groups of 20 people or more.

If so, what is the booking process? 

For larger groups please get in touch trough Brownseagroupbookings@nationaltrust.org.uk

If not, what would you like the process to be managed? 

For smaller groups, families and individuals, all they need to do is come to the BIF kiosk and talk to the NT staff on the day. All passengers are walk ins.

If they do pay in advance what would the refund process be, if events get cancelled? 

Only groups would be making payment in advance and in case of cancelation due to bad/extreme weather refunds would be available.