Bournemouth Pier brings together sea views, traditional seaside amusements and activities that take you above the waves. Walk along the pier for free, try indoor climbing at RockReef, ride the PierZip back to the beach or settle down for lunch at Key West. Our guide covers things to do on Bournemouth Pier, entry, accessibility, dogs and nearby parking, helping you turn a quick seafront stop into part of a full day out.
30th September 2026
A walk through Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens naturally leads towards the sea, where the pier stretches out beyond the beach. Step onto it and the view changes: the town falls behind, the coastline opens up on either side, and you can watch swimmers, beachgoers and zip-wire riders from a different perspective.
We like the pier as a starting point for exploring Bournemouth. You can enjoy a simple stroll without booking anything, or build a visit around an activity and lunch overlooking the water.
Bournemouth Pier is currently free to enter. You can walk along it and enjoy the views without buying an attraction ticket. RockReef activities, PierZip, food and other purchases are charged separately.
Allow around 20-30 minutes for a leisurely walk and photographs as a planning estimate, or longer if you stop for refreshments. Bring an extra layer on cooler days: the exposed setting can feel breezier than the gardens.
At the end of the pier, RockReef offers an indoor alternative when the weather turns. Its 28 themed climbing walls provide different challenges, while other activities include an aerial obstacle course, a cave experience and adrenaline attractions.
It is an appealing option for families and groups who want to do something active between beach visits. Book the activity you want rather than assuming one ticket includes everything. Activities have different participation requirements; RockReef’s published minimum age is four, with additional restrictions for particular elements.
The pier’s most distinctive adventure is PierZip, which sends riders along a 250-metre zip wire from the tower above the sea to Bournemouth Beach. Two parallel lines let friends ride alongside each other on separate wires.
The published requirements include a minimum age of six, height of 1.3 metres and weight of 30kg, with a maximum weight of 120kg. Weight limits can change with weather conditions, and high winds or heavy rain may affect operation. Check the current restrictions and available sessions before booking.
Key West Coastal Restaurant sits at the end of the pier, making it a convenient place to pause over food or a drink while keeping the sea in view.
The pier also hosts ticketed entertainment and seasonal events. Browse the official pier events programme if you want to make a performance part of your visit; daytime restaurant opening and evening event arrangements can differ.
At the pier entrance, the amusement arcade offers multiplayer games, coin-pushers and other traditional seaside entertainment. It is an easy stop before a beach walk, particularly when visiting with children.
You can then continue along the promenade or head back through the Lower Gardens towards town. For more ideas, explore our family things to do in Bournemouth.
Address: Bournemouth Pier, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA.
Bath Road North and South, the BIC and Winter Gardens are nearby parking options. Compare their locations and charges in our Bournemouth beach and pier parking guide.
Bournemouth railway station is inland rather than beside the beach. Key West estimates approximately 30 minutes on foot from the station to the restaurant, so allow for the onward journey when arriving by train.
The pier operator describes the pier as flat and wheelchair accessible. RockReef and Key West have ramped entrances with wide double doors, and the visitor information lists accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities. Access to the buildings does not mean every adventure activity is suitable for every visitor; contact the attraction about specific requirements before booking.
Dogs are welcome on the pier on leads, and Key West also welcomes dogs. Beach dog restrictions are separate from the pier’s policy.
BCP Council lists pier opening hours as 9am-11pm daily, subject to weather-related changes. Individual attractions and restaurants keep their own hours, so check the official visitor information before travelling for a particular activity.
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