Bournemouth Pier is one of Dorset’s most recognisable landmarks and has been at the heart of the town’s seafront for well over a century. Free to visit and open daily throughout the year, it stretches into Poole Bay from the centre of Bournemouth Beach, offering panoramic coastal views and providing easy access to many of the town’s seafront attractions. Whether you’re enjoying a stroll, taking photographs, watching the sunset or simply relaxing with an ice cream, a visit to the pier is one of the highlights of any trip to Bournemouth.
Originally built during the Victorian era to attract holidaymakers arriving by sea, Bournemouth Pier has evolved into a modern leisure attraction while retaining its traditional seaside character. Today it combines spectacular views with family attractions, cafés and activities, making it an enjoyable destination for visitors of all ages.
Useful website: https://thebournemouthpier.com
Quick Facts
- Free to visit
- Open daily – 9:00am–11:00pm (June–September) and 9:00am–7:00pm (October–May)
- Dogs are welcome on the pier
- 305 metres (1,001 feet) long
- Highlights: RockReef Activity Centre, PierZip, Key West Restaurant & Bar, amusement arcade and panoramic coastal views
- Friday Night Fireworks on selected Fridays during the summer holidays
- Excellent views of Bournemouth Beach, Poole Bay, Old Harry Rocks, the Purbeck Hills and, on clear days, the Isle of Wight
- Restrictions: Fishing is not permitted, jumping from the pier is prohibited, and boat trips no longer depart from Bournemouth Pier.
History of Bournemouth Pier
The first Bournemouth Pier opened in 1880 as a wooden structure extending into Poole Bay. Like many Victorian seaside piers, it quickly became a popular attraction as Bournemouth developed into one of Britain’s leading seaside resorts. Over the years the pier suffered damage from storms and required several reconstructions and improvements.
The present pier has been rebuilt and modernised several times while preserving its role as the focal point of Bournemouth’s seafront. Although no longer used by passenger steamers, it continues to attract millions of visitors each year and remains one of the town’s most photographed landmarks.
Things to Do at Bournemouth Pier
Enjoy the Views
Walking to the end of Bournemouth Pier is one of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do in the town. From the far end there are panoramic views across Bournemouth Beach, Poole Bay and the surrounding coastline. On clear days you can often see across to the Isle of Wight, while looking west provides views towards Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills.
The pier is also a popular place to watch paddleboarders, surfers, sailing boats and pleasure craft moving across the bay. Early mornings and evenings provide excellent opportunities for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
RockReef Activity Centre
Located at the entrance to Bournemouth Pier, RockReef is an indoor adventure attraction offering a range of climbing and aerial activities for both children and adults. Visitors can tackle a variety of themed climbing walls, test their balance on the HighLine aerial obstacle course or try other adventure challenges in a safe, supervised environment.
As most activities take place indoors, RockReef is a good option during poor weather and provides an alternative to spending the day on the beach. Advance booking is recommended during the summer holidays and other busy periods.
PierZip
For thrill seekers, Bournemouth Pier is home to the PierZip, a zip wire that launches riders from a tower at the end of the pier before descending onto Bournemouth Beach below. The ride provides spectacular aerial views across Poole Bay and the surrounding coastline before landing on the sand beside the pier.
PierZip is widely recognised as the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire and is one of Bournemouth’s most distinctive attractions. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during the summer season.
Website: https://rockreef.co.uk/pierzip/
Bournemouth Friday Firework displays
During the summer holidays, Bournemouth Pier becomes the focal point for the town’s popular Friday Night Fireworks. The free displays take place on selected Friday evenings, with fireworks launched from the end of the pier and best viewed from Bournemouth Beach or the surrounding promenade.
Thousands of visitors gather each week to enjoy the display, creating a lively atmosphere along the seafront. As dates can vary from year to year, it’s worth checking the official Bournemouth events website before travelling.
Summer 2026 Firework Display Dates (10pm)
- Fri 24th July
- Fri 31st July
- Fri 7th August
- Fri 14th August
- Fri 21st August
- Fri 28th August
Future display dates are announced annually and are subject to change.
Website: https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/event/bournemouth-friday-fireworks
Food, Drink & Amusements
At the landward end of Bournemouth Pier is a traditional amusement arcade, which remains popular with families and children. Nearby cafés and refreshment kiosks make it easy to enjoy a drink, snack or ice cream while overlooking the beach, and the surrounding promenade is a pleasant place to relax throughout the year.
At the far end of the pier, Key West Restaurant & Bar offers meals, drinks and panoramic views across Poole Bay from one of Bournemouth’s most distinctive dining locations. During the summer, the restaurant also hosts free live music on selected Friday evenings before Bournemouth’s popular Friday Night Fireworks, making it an excellent place to enjoy the displays. As event dates and times vary each year, it’s worth checking the Key West Restaurant or Bournemouth tourism websites before visiting.
Website: https://keywestbournemouth.co.uk
Surfing
Bournemouth Pier is one of the south coast’s best-known surfing locations, with waves attracting both beginners and experienced surfers throughout the year. Conditions are generally best when a south-westerly swell coincides with favourable winds, although surfing is possible in a variety of conditions.
Several surf schools operate from Bournemouth Beach nearby, offering lessons and equipment hire for beginners, while experienced surfers often head to the area around the pier when conditions are favourable.
Fishing from Bournemouth Pier
Fishing is not permitted from Bournemouth Pier. Visitors wishing to fish from a pier should instead head to Boscombe Pier, approximately 1.3 miles to the east, where sea fishing is permitted with a valid permit. Boscombe Pier is within easy walking distance along the seafront promenade and is a popular location for anglers throughout the year.
Boat Trips from Bournemouth Pier
Although boat trips no longer operate directly from Bournemouth Pier, there are plenty of options nearby. Regular sightseeing cruises, harbour trips and ferry services depart from Poole Quay, including sailings to Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Swanage and the River Frome at Wareham. See our guide to Boat Trips from Poole Quay
Poole Quay is easily reached by car or by the open-top Beach Breezer 70 and Purbeck Breezer 50 bus services during the summer months.
Visitor Information
Bournemouth Pier is open throughout the year and is free to visit, making it an easy addition to any day out in the town. It connects directly to the wide seafront promenade, allowing visitors to continue west towards Sandbanks or east towards Boscombe, Southbourne and Hengistbury Head.
Public toilets, cafés and beach facilities are all located close to the pier, while Bournemouth town centre and the Lower Gardens are only a few minutes’ walk away. Several nearby pay-and-display car parks serve the seafront, and Bournemouth railway station is around a 20-minute walk or a short bus or taxi journey away.
Nearby Attractions
- Bournemouth Beach
- Lower Gardens
- Bournemouth Oceanarium
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
- Bournemouth Town Centre
- Bournemouth Coastal Walks