There’s something for everyone at Bournemouth Pier, whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll in the sun or an adventure filled day out
Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat offers luxury self-catering holidays in Dorset and is only 30 minutes away from the historic Bournemouth Pier where you can enjoy a day strolling the 1000ft stretch and taking in the views. Or you can get stuck in at the RockReef and join other adrenaline junkies on the climbing walls or vertical slide. The pier also boasts the Bournemouth Pier Zip Wire, the world’s first pier to coast zip line!
Learn more about the pier and the activities below:
the history of bournemouth pier
Bournemouth’s very first pier was just a short wooden jetty, it was built in 1856, but as the area became more popular it was replaced by an 800ft wooden pier.
Around 1866 the pier was damaged by a number of storms, with the landing stage being completely blown away, which resulted in cast iron replacements. However, even these were damaged in a particularly strong storm in 1876, which caused the partial collapse and closure of the pier.
The Lord Mayor of London opened a new Bournemouth Pier in August 1880, which is most like the one that stands today. Over the next 70 years few additions were made, but some changes included a bandstand and covered shelters, as well as increasing the size of the pier to 1000ft.
In July 1940 almost all the piers in the country were demolished by the Royal Engineers as a precaution against German invasion, it was repaired and reopened in 1946, after the war ended.
A new substructure and the Bournemouth Theatre were added in 1960. The theatre held all the best shows from around the country before eventually closing its doors in 2011.
The adventure activity zone RockReef was opened in 2014, with the world’s first pier to shore zip line, Bournemouth Pier Zip Wire opening later in the same year.
rockreef indoor activity centre
RockReef is an all-weather attraction located on Bournemouth Pier, where all ages can get stuck in with a variety of adventure activities on offer.
Rock climbers will be in heaven with 28 clip and climb indoor climbing walls, all offering different themes and a wide range of difficulty levels, so there will be challenges for all ages and abilities.
Try the Pier Cave activity, a 65 metre cave experience with three different routes which allows for varied ranges of difficulty and comfort.
The Vertical Drop Slide is sure to get even the biggest adrenaline junkie’s heart racing. All participants wear a body suit and start at the bottom of the slide, holding on to the handlebars as they are winched higher up the 25ft slide. How high can you hold on until? You decide when you let go and let gravity take over, set yourself a new target on each go and you’ll be surprised how high you go!
Have a go at one of the most challenging activities on the Bournemouth Pier activity centre, the Leap of Faith. An activity ideal for all the daredevils out there, start by climbing the 20ft pole to the platform, walk the plank to the edge, count to three and jump! Reach for the punch bag and see how far you can jump, you’ll be wearing a harness and helmet for safety. The punch bag can be moved close to further away, to help create your own challenges!
bournemouth pier zip wire
The 250 dual zip wire is the first pier to shore zip line in the world! Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Bournemouth beach from a platform 25 meters above the sea. Ride the dual zip wire with friends or family for a completely unforgettable experience on the Bournemouth Pier Zip Wire.
food & shops
Bournemouth Pier has everything you could want for a fun day out at the coast, from activities and beautiful views, to 3 unique food offerings and classic seaside shops.
The Bournemouth Pier Key West Bar & Grill offers a relaxed atmosphere at the end of the pier, with both outdoor and indoor seating. Key West serves delicious meals from a varied menu, while showcasing the most breath-taking sea views.
Bournemouth’s Sandy Beaches is the perfect place for a coffee shop stop, located on the pier approach you can watch the hustle and bustle, while enjoying their famous Puro Coffee. The Proper Cornish Pasty Shop is ideal for a snack on the go, with freshly baked pasty’s every day and a selection of sandwiches and other hot snacks.
There are 3 classic seaside shops on Bournemouth Pier, visit the Rock Shop for a stick of traditional Bournemouth Rock and other sweets, or pop to the gift shop for some handmade presents for your loved ones. Head to the Beach Shop for everything you’ll need for a day at the beach, from buckets & spades to beachwear.
Bournemouth Pier offers a fun day out for all the family, no matter the weather. The pier holds a number of events throughout the year, including the Bournemouth Air Show, firework displays, Halloween and Christmas themed events.
Our own Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat is only a 30 minute drive away from the beautiful Bournemouth beach and pier, so you can have the best of both worlds. Soak up the peaceful countryside surrounding your luxury lodge-style accommodation, before relaxing in the sun at the seaside.
Our fully equipped self-catered accommodation offers a truly relaxing holiday experience in Dorset, with a large open plan living space that includes fully fitted kitchens, charming dining areas, comfortable sofas and flat screen TVs. The bedrooms offer sumptuous bedding, walk-in wardrobes and the best nights’ sleep you could want, as well as a select number of lodges offering hot tubs for the ultimate in relaxation on your holiday escape.
Book your holiday away to Wareham Forest Lodge Retreat today