Across the WATER

Explore these British isles, perfectly sized for breaks long and short

- KERRY WALKER, ALICIA MILLER, EMMA HENDERSON

Brownsea Island, Dorset

For the perfect nature day trip in the birthplace of Scouting, come to this National Trust island, and watch red squirrels scramble through pines or birds glide over the island lagoon. Walk through the woodland and heathland, catching views over sparkling water back to Dorset's undulating coast. The ferry will drop you on the eastern reaches of the island, and from here you can spend your day walking a leisurely clockwise loop, taking in the viewpoints along the beachy south coast, the ruins of a deserted village in the west, and lagoon bird hides on the return.

STAY If you want to spend the night on the island, the National Trust has luxury bell tents wrapped in woodlands and overlooking the water (sleeping two from £115; nationaltrust.org.uk). If you're not much of a camper, make your base at Hotel du Vin Poole instead (double rooms from £189; hotelduvin.com).

GET THERE Ferries run from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island (brownseaisland ferries.com). The National Trust charges a £9.50 visitor fee for island access (waived for National Trust members).

Anglesey, Wales