Bournemouth Pier – History, Attractions & Visitor Guide
Welcome to Bournemouth Pier, one of the most recognisable and loved landmarks on England’s south coast. Located at the heart of Bournemouth’s award-winning golden sands, the pier offers visitors a perfect mix of classic seaside charm, modern attractions, and breathtaking views that stretch from the Isle of Wight to the Purbeck coastline.
A Brief History of Bournemouth Pier
Bournemouth Pier has evolved significantly since the resort first emerged as a Victorian seaside getaway:
• 1856 – The First Jetty
The story begins with a simple wooden jetty built to welcome paddle steamers bringing early tourists to the area. While basic, it marked the start of Bournemouth’s growth as a coastal resort.
• 1861 – The First True Pier
A more substantial wooden pier was opened in 1861, designed by renowned pier architect Eugenius Birch. It quickly became a promenade for fashionable Victorian holidaymakers.
• 1880–1909 – Iron Strength & Expansion
As Bournemouth grew in popularity, the pier was rebuilt using iron piles to make it sturdier. Additional improvements in 1909 gave the pier its stronger steel-and-concrete structure, much closer to what we see today.
• WWII & Mid-20th Century Repairs
During World War II, sections of the pier were removed as a defensive measure against invasion. After the war, the pier was restored and later underwent extensive refurbishments during the 1970s and 1980s due to storm damage.
• 21st Century – Modernisation
Major investment in the early 2000s transformed Bournemouth Pier into a vibrant, modern attraction, blending heritage with new visitor experiences.
Top Attractions on Bournemouth Pier
Bournemouth Pier is a year-round destination offering something for every type of visitor:
RockReef Indoor Adventure Centre
Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, RockReef features:
- Indoor climbing walls
- HighLine aerial obstacle course
- Pier Cave adventure
- Leap-of-Faith jump
It’s a great all-weather attraction.
PierZip – The World’s First Pier-to-Shore Zipline
An unforgettable experience for adrenaline fans. Launch from the end of the pier and soar 250 metres over the beach with spectacular coastal views.
Traditional Seaside Fun
Visitors can enjoy:
- Classic amusement arcades
- Ice cream stalls & cafés
- Fishing at designated areas of the pier
- Live entertainment during the summer season
Bournemouth Oceanarium (next to the pier)
One of the UK’s best coastal aquariums, featuring:
- Shark & turtle displays
- Underwater tunnel walkthrough
- Daily talks & feeding sessions
Bournemouth Beach & Promenade
Right at the doorstep of the pier:
- Golden sand stretching for miles
- Water sports & boat hire
- Beachfront restaurants and bars
- Beautiful walking and cycling routes
Seasonal Events
The pier area hosts numerous popular events throughout the year:
- Bournemouth Air Festival
- Summer live music
- Firework nights
- Christmas and seasonal markets
Why Visit Bournemouth Pier?
Whether you’re watching the waves roll in, enjoying the action on the beach, or taking on an adventure activity, Bournemouth Pier is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the south coast. With your live pier feed, visitors can check current conditions, weather, sea views, and the vibrant atmosphere in real time.
Quick Facts — Access, Entry & Opening Hours
- For 2025, entry to Bournemouth Pier itself is free — the seasonal “pier toll” has been temporarily suspended. BCP+2Adventure Attractions+2
- The pier is generally open every day from 09:00 to 23:00, though hours can change due to weather or maintenance. Bournemouth+1
- Note: while access is free, some attractions on the pier (rides, activities) require paid tickets.
Main Attractions, Activities & Prices 2025
RockReef — Indoor Climbing & Adventure Centre
4.6•Adventure sports center•Closed
RockReef is a big draw for families, groups and thrill-seekers, combining indoor climbing walls, obstacle courses, and fun-cave experiences: rockreef.co.uk+2Best of Dorset Attractions+2
- Activities include Clip ’n’ Climb, a 65-metre “Pier Cave”, a vertical slide, “HighLine” aerial ropes course, and more. rockreef.co.uk+2Best of Dorset Attractions+2
- Typical session length: 1 hour 30 minutes. rockreef.co.uk
- Opening hours: usually 10:00–19:00 (Mon–Fri), 10:00–19:00 (Sat & Sun), with last session around 17:30. rockreef.co.uk+1
- Booking: advance online booking recommended (saves money and secures slot). rockreef.co.uk+1
Because the pier toll is suspended in 2025, general access to RockReef is easier. Adventure Attractions+1
PierZip — Pier-to-Shore Zip Wire
A signature thrill ride: zip from the end of the pier over the sea and land on the beach — unique and unforgettable. rockreef.co.uk+2Dorset Guide+2
| Season | Price (online) — Single Rider | Price (online) — Dual Rider / 2 people | Family / Group (4+) / Bulk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Apr – Sept) | £27 rockreef.co.uk | £47.50 rockreef.co.uk | £80 rockreef.co.uk |
| Winter (Oct – Mar) | £21.50 rockreef.co.uk | £37.50 rockreef.co.uk | £65 rockreef.co.uk |
- Age/size restrictions: minimum height 1.3 m, minimum weight 30 kg, maximum weight 120 kg. rockreef.co.uk+1
- Booking online is strongly recommended — walk-ins may face higher/offline pricing. rockreef.co.uk+1
Bournemouth Oceanarium — Coastal Aquarium (Next to the Pier)
4.2•Aquarium•Closed
Located right next to the pier (Pier Approach, BH2 5AA), the Oceanarium offers a great all-weather attraction for families. Dorset Guide+1
- Typical opening hours: daily, normally 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission 4:00 pm). Bournemouth Oceanarium+1
- 2025 ticket prices (online / gate) approximately: Ticket TypeOnlineGateAdult (16–59)£13.99 Bournemouth Oceanarium+1£16.99 Bournemouth OceanariumStudent / Senior (60+)~£11.99–£12.99 Bournemouth Oceanarium+1~£14.99 Bournemouth OceanariumChild (3–15)~£8.99–£9.99 Bournemouth Oceanarium+1~£11.99 Bournemouth Oceanarium+1Families (various sizes)from ~£28.99 to ~£36.99 online Bournemouth Oceanariumfrom ~£35.99 to ~£43.99 at gate Bournemouth Oceanarium+1Under-3sFree Bournemouth Oceanarium+1
- Underwater tunnels, shark/turtle/penguin exhibits, interactive zones — good for rainy days or mixed-weather visits. Dorset Guide+1
Arcade, Café & Other Pier-side Amenities
- The pier entrance features an amusement arcade — coin-pushers, games, kids’ rides, etc. Jane’s Midlife Journey+2Bournemouth Pier+2
- Food & drink: there’s a restaurant/bar, cafés, kiosks (ice cream, snacks), shopping & gift stalls. Bournemouth Pier+2Best of Dorset Attractions+2
- Note: fishing from the pier is no longer permitted — the lower decks used for fishing have been closed. Bournemouth Pier+1
Visitor Tips & Practical Info
- Booking — For RockReef and PierZip, booking online is highly recommended. Walk-in may lead to no availability or higher prices. rockreef.co.uk+2Days Out Guide+2
- Timing — Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot to ensure check-in (especially for RockReef) to avoid being refused entry. rockreef.co.uk+1
- Accessibility — The pier and main attractions are mostly wheelchair/pushchair accessible; there are disabled toilets and baby-changing facilities. Bournemouth Pier+1
- Parking — Nearest “pay and display” car parks (e.g. Bath Road South/North) are a few minutes’ walk away. Bournemouth Pier+1
- Weather sensitivity — PierZip is subject to closure during extreme weather (strong winds/heavy rain). Activity centres are best for poor weather days. rockreef.co.uk+1
Suggested Itinerary Example
Here’s an example of a half-day (or full-day) visit plan to help website visitors imagine a trip:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Arrive at Bournemouth Pier — enjoy free access, stroll the pier & take photos of the coastline and sea. |
| 10:00 | Visit the Oceanarium — explore aquatic exhibits (takes ~1.5–2 hours). |
| 12:00 | Lunch / snack at pier café or nearby restaurant. |
| 13:00 | Head to RockReef for a Clip ’n’ Climb or indoor adventure session (1.5 hrs). |
| 15:00 | For thrill-seekers: take a PierZip ride over the waves (weather permitting). |
| 16:00 | Explore arcades, enjoy an ice cream, walk on the beach, or relax at sunset — free. |
