Round Island Cottages
- Premier host
- Poole, Dorset, England
- See on map
- Sleeps: 6, 7 or 8 (max 21)
- Bedrooms: Varies
- Bathrooms: Varies
- Minimum stay: 4 nights
Round Island is the perfect setting for friends, families, and groups to relax and reconnect among pure, thriving nature, free from annoying digital distractions.
Set within a designated Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the private island has been family-owned since the 1960s. Many guests have returned again and again, addicted to the warmth, character, and obvious care imbued in these unique natural surroundings.
You’ll arrive by boat: either your own (with prior arrangement) or the owners’ launch, Arripay – named after a smuggler who supposedly lived on the island! Friendly caretakers Stephen and Caroline will be ready to assist you on the 20-minute crossing from Lake Yard Marina, as well as ensuring you’re well looked-after during your stay.
Three island cottages each sleep 6-8 guests, or when combined, groups of up to 21. Named Sandpiper, Pier, and Curlew, all are beautifully positioned near the sheltered beach and west-facing pier, which showcases mesmerising views to the RSPB Arne nature reserve beyond.
Each cottage boasts ample private facilities (Curlew and Sandpiper each feature wet-room showers separate from the cottages, ideal for washing sand-covered children before dinner!), along with a scenic patio and a charcoal barbecue for sizzling suppers by sunset.
Pier Cottage also comes complete with a gleaming conservatory – an ideal spot from which to watch the sun sink over the pier… or even indulge your creative spirit awhile with some drawing, painting, or writing.
What to do with the rest of your time? Rather wonderfully, that’s completely up to you. With no Wi-Fi available here, you can get lost in deep conversation – or perhaps that book you’ve never quite found time for at home – and live life to nature’s gentle rhythms.
Keep readingAt a glance
- A 15-acre private island in Poole Harbour, family-owned and secluded in a designated Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Three cottages each sleep 6-8 guests – 21 in total – with private self-catering facilities.
- You’ll arrive on the island by boat: a 20-minute crossing from Poole Marina, assisted by caretaker Stephen.
- There is a sandy, sheltered beach with shallow waters, and a pushchair-and-wheelchair friendly path that winds through the island – ideal for leisurely walks, safe splashing, and watersports!
- Please bring your own towels and watersports equipment.
- The west-facing pier affords beautiful views to the RSPB Arne nature reserve.
- No Wi-Fi means this is the perfect setting for a digital detox, birdwatching, or indulging creative spirits.
Features
Family Friendly
Large Groups
Seaside Breaks
Facilities
Pier Cottage (7 guests): ground-floor bedroom with ensuite shower, fully-equipped kitchen with wood stove, lounge leading to conservatory, first-floor double, twin and single bedrooms, large bathroom with bath and hand shower, pier-overlooking patio and charcoal barbecue.
Curlew Cottage (6 guests): ground-floor lounge and dining room with wood-burner and doors to patio and separate wet room with toilet and shower, well-equipped kitchen. First-floor double and two twin bedrooms, bathroom with shower. Charcoal barbecue.
Sandpiper Cottage (8 guests): ground-floor lounge, well-equipped kitchen, bedroom with en-suite shower room, first-floor double and two twin bedrooms, bathroom with shower, private patio with charcoal barbecue.
Local activities
Island walks, birdwatching, stargazing, watersports, swimming, picnic spots
More information
Wake up whenever you like (what bliss!), then take a lazy stroll across the sand, listening to the glorious sounds of waves and birdlife. The island itself spans 15 nature-steeped acres, with a winding, pushchair-and-wheelchair-friendly path through rhododendrons and soothing mature woodland.
(While on your travels, you may also glimpse some of the beautiful peacocks that call Round Island their home. In fact, why not pack a picnic and choose your favourite al fresco lunch spot?)
The beach, meanwhile, is shallow enough for the kids to splash around safely. There’s also plenty of scope for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking (please bring your own equipment) at your leisure.
When you’re done for the day, simply retreat to your chosen cottage and savour those sumptuous, long-range views out across harbour islands towards the Isle of Wight, steaming cuppa (or glass of wine!) in hand. An enticingly memorable stay is all but guaranteed… so much so, you may also find yourselves returning to Round Island more than once.
Things to note
Booking is via email enquiry only, minimum stay 4 nights. The island is not suitable for stag or hen parties, and sadly, pets are not permitted to stay due to the abundant natural wildlife. While there is no Wi-Fi on the island, you should get a good 5G mobile signal. You are welcome to bring your own boat by prior arrangement – there are pontoon berths and swinging moorings for vessels up to 40ft. One car parking space is included per cottage booked, and there is plenty of off-road parking. Caretakers Stephen and Caroline live on the island and will be on hand to help you feel comfortable during your stay. Charcoal, wood, and firelighters are all provided.
Where you'll be staying
Poole, Dorset
What the guests of Round Island Cottages say
‘We have had the most amazing stay – we have laughed, swum, eaten like kings, sunbathed, relaxed, strategised and put the world to rights – because we were able to in such a Wonderful Environment! We cannot wait to return on a biannual basis, for our friendship relaxation and businesses!’
’Thank you for yet another incredible experience. We’ve got so many amazing memories and some cherished family times. How lucky we are! Thank You.’
‘Another wonderful 4 days on the Island making memories to last a lifetime. Happy children and Happy adults! Thank you Stephen & Caroline. See you next year!’
