Nestled in the heart of Poole Harbour, Round Island is one of Dorset's most distinctive private islands. While today it is known for its peaceful setting and unique character, its history tells a remarkable story of architectural ambition, wartime service, and generations of careful stewardship. Until 1935, Round Island formed part of the historic Rempstone and Wareham Estate, passing through the Ryder and Marston families following the death of William Montagu Calcraft in 18

Many Visitors of Dorset are surprised to learn that Poole Harbour is often described as one the world’s largest natural harbours. Covering 36 square kilometres, it is widely claimed to be the second largest natural harbour after Sydney Harbour, but undeniably, it is one of the most important coastal environments in the UK. For those looking for a unique Dorset escape, our corner of Poole Harbour offers something incredibly rare – the opportunity to experience a private is

It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often, usually followed by “Do you ever get bored?” and “What happens if you run out of milk?” Life on a private island in Poole Harbour is certainly a little different, but it’s far less castaway and far more carefully organised than people imagine. First things first: no, the island isn’t abandoned for half the year. Our wonderful caretakers live here all year round, keeping everything shipshape through winter storms and summer s

Poole Harbour is famous for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and rich maritime history, but one question we're often asked at Round Island is: "How many private islands are there in Poole Harbour?" The answer depends on what you classify as an island. Poole Harbour is home to around ten named islands, ranging from large wooded islands to tiny tidal outcrops that disappear beneath the water at high tide. Of these, five are generally recognised as the principal island

One of the joys of life on Round Island is the variety of wildlife that visits our shores throughout the year. The recent spell of exceptionally hot and dry weather across Dorset has given us the perfect opportunity observe how some of our island residents cope with the summer heat. Like much of the wildlife around Poole Harbour, their first and most obvious strategy is simply to seek shade. During the hottest part of the day, our peacocks retreat beneath the island's mature

Planning a holiday with Family and Friends can be a challenge, but Round Island gives you space when you need it!

Seals are a regular and much-loved sight in our corner of Poole Harbour . Visitors are often delighted to spot both of the UK’s native species — grey seals and common (harbour) seals — in this unique coastal environment. The UK is globally significant for seal populations, home to around a third of the world’s grey seals and approximately 30% of the European population of common seals. This makes Poole Harbour wildlife particularly special, offering a rare opportunity to

This winter has been a particularly important one for us. The cottages that many of our guests know and love were originally built in the 1930s and 1940s as staff accommodation, and while they have served us faithfully for decades, time eventually catches up with every building. Over the past few years it became increasingly clear that the roofs had reached the end of their useful life, and that major work would soon be unavoidable. Replacing roofs on an island is never a sm

Staying on a private island in Poole Harbour feels a world away from the everyday, yet getting here couldn’t be easier. Our three self-catering cottages are open from Easter through to October and offer a rare combination of seclusion, comfort and flexible access – whether you arrive by our private launch or by your own boat. For guests who have a sailing boat or motor cruiser, our self-catering cottages with moorings offer something truly special. Subject to prior arrangemen

Staying on a private island is a little different from booking a traditional self-catering cottage – and that’s exactly what makes it so special. On Round Island, we’re often asked similar questions by guests before their stay, so we’ve gathered the most common ones here to help you plan your escape with confidence. How do we get to Round Island? Your holiday begins before you even arrive. On your day of arrival, we’ll meet you at Lake Yard Marina in Poole , where you’ll be

One of the pleasures of staying on a private island is knowing that the practical details have been thoughtfully taken care of. At Round Island, we aim to make arrival and logistics as straightforward as possible, so you can start relaxing from the moment your holiday begins. Here’s everything you need to know about parking, arriving by boat, and bringing your own vessel. Car parking at Lake Yard Marina Your journey to Round Island begins at Lake Yard Marina in Poole , and w

Interest in slow holidays in the UK are gaining momentum. They are about reconnecting with nature, with the people you are traveling with, and often, with ourselves.