Bournemouth Beach Hut Association, Est 2009

Bournemouth pier started life as 100ft wooden jetty in 1856, primarily for steamers and fishermen. After suffering storm damage, it was re-built as pier in 1880. Since then, it has been added to and extended to become the structure we recognise today. With the addition of a theatre in the 1960s, visiting the ‘end of the pier show’ became an essential part of many a seaside holiday. By the 1970’s, though, the pier was starting to corrode and had to be re-built.

Bournemouth Pier from West Beach

With the demise of steamers, and a change in holiday tastes, our beloved pier needed to move with the times to survive. The pier theatre was replaced by an indoor rock climbing facility. For those even braver in nature, you can now descend from the end of the pier to the beach on a zip-wire.

There is still something rather lovely about strolling along, catching a glimpse of the sea below through the gaps in the wood: Do hold on to your hat as you reach the end and lose the protection of the wind shelters, though…

The pier approach area has recently been updated. With a modern café, the Tourist Information office and an interactive water feature, it’s a pleasant place to while away a few hours. The outdoor events space, on the site of the old swimming baths, has mix of music and sporting activities throughout the year.

Bournemouth Waterfront building Timelapse Demolition

Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth Pier Approach Development 2014