Private Island Holiday Cottages in Poole Harbour, Dorset

Spent a weekend away with family and friends, taking the whole island. Whilst the weather wasn't the best the island didn't disappoint. The facilities are great considering its an island in the middle of Poole harbour. We enjoyed the seclusion and serenity accompanied by the islands resident peacocks. Would 100% recommend a stay.

As always we had an amazing time on Round Island. This was our third time on the island. We hired all three cottages for family and friends (age 4 to 75) to celebrate a milestone birthday. The kids loved the swing and playing football with the most fantastic backdrop which is Poole harbour.

The houses are spacious and are very well equipped for cooking meals and we made use of the BBQs picnic benches for eating meals outside.

The houses have different views of Poole harbour. We love going for a walk around the island and making use of the conservatory-again with stunning views.

Perfect location to use your paddle boards (you bring your own-there’s room on the caretakers- Steve’s boat to bring them over!). We also pre arrange to bring our boat over when we come as well.

We will definitely be back for another visit and we know family and friends are looking to come back too.

Wonderful time spent with 3 generations.
Swallows and Amazons meets Enid Blyton, we will be back!

Best island ever. Best hosts ever. Best Holiday ever. I’ve been coming for a decade and will be coming for many decades more.

Steve for Prime Minister.

We had the most fantastic stay on Round Island.
"From the moment we were picked up we had the most relaxing time, despite the weather. Peace and calm descended alongside, lovely walks, feeding the peacocks, fishing, swimming with seals and paddle boarding. This special island is a nourishment for your soul, and I can’t wait to return.
Thank you to the Palmer Family and Steve and Caroline for being custodians of such a special place and allowing us to visit was a true privilege”

We absolutely LOVE staying on Round Island, we come with all the family and have the best time. We’ve been for the last 5 years and have made incredible memories. We took our kids to Africa this summer and they still said their favourite holiday is crabbing on Round Island!! We are so looking forward to returning this year.

What an amazing place to stay! We celebrated special birthdays here in true Swallows & Amazons style with family, friends and the wildlife! So tranquil and so memorable that we intend to return very soon.

We’ve been visiting Round Island every year since 2020 (sometimes twice a year!)
It’s an absolute hidden gem in Poole Harbour that has become a firm family favourite with our three children. A place where you can truly relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and local wildlife. Highlights for us have to be crabbing and paddle boarding with the resident seals!

Round Island is amazing! The cottages are lovely and the views are amazing. Being there feels like an adventure but it is also incredibly relaxing - it’s the perfect place to rest and unwind. I couldn’t recommend a holiday more!

There is something for everyone - the most amazing wildlife, places to play and your own private beaches. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway, or a fun family holiday, this is definitely a place to go. Once you’ve been, you will definitely want to go back!

Highly recommend a stay here. It’s not every day you get the chance to wander an island by yourself – absolutely magical. The whole island feels peaceful, private, and wonderfully still. Spot peacocks as you explore and consider leaving your phone behind to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

After a short boat trip from Poole, you will feel as though you’ve travelled much further.

We left feeling completely refreshed and can’t wait to return with family.

All I can say is "WOW!". What a beautiful experience .... Our own private boat with the wonderful skipper, Steve. "Sue" the seal welcoming us on the island's private pier. The peace and tranquility on the island teaming with wildlife (I'd never seen a golden pheasant before!), and only a stone's throw (ok if you are an olympian) from the Arne nature reserve.

Highly recommended! Equally great for a quiet personal detox or for a more active reunion with friends. I'll definitely be back :0)

Had the most amazing time on Round Island. Went on a brilliant girls weekend, we drank wine by the open fire, swam with the seals in the bay and explored the beautiful island. So relaxing! I cannot recommend enough.