Bournemouth Pier Turns 170: How to Celebrate Today

Today, July 14, 2026, marks exactly 170 years since the very first wooden jetty was built on the site of Bournemouth Pier. Back in 1856, it was just a simple 100-foot platform for passenger boats. Over the decades, it evolved into a grand 1,000-foot wooden structure designed by George Rennie, and eventually into the iconic iron pier we walk on today, which was designed by Victorian engineer Eugenius Birch and opened in 1880. Having survived wartime closures, storm damage, and even a bombing in 1993, the pier is currently undergoing a massive £9.6 million restoration to keep it standing strong for future generations. It is the perfect excuse to head down to the seafront and spend a day rediscovering this local landmark.

If you are looking for some adventure, the pier is home to some pretty unique activities. You can head to RockReef, the indoor climbing centre located right at the end of the pier. It features 28 different Clip 'n Climb walls, a vertical slide drop, and an aerial obstacle course. If you want to take things up a notch, you can try the PierZip. It is the world's first pier-to-shore zip wire, stretching 250 metres from the top of the pier tower straight down to the beach. You can ride side-by-side with a friend on their dual line. Just keep in mind that you need to book these sessions in advance, and there are specific height and weight requirements to meet before you strap in.

After all that activity, you will definitely want to grab something to eat or drink. Right next to the pier on West Cliff beach, where the old WestBeach restaurant used to be, you will find the Palm Beach Club. This is a new Mediterranean and Ibiza-style pop-up beach club that is open daily until September. It is designed with striped decking, white parasols, and palm trees, making it a great spot to sit back with some tacos, pizza, or a cocktail while listening to live DJs during their sunset sessions. If you prefer something simpler, there are also plenty of small kiosks and a café right on the pier where you can grab quick snacks and traditional seaside treats while enjoying the views across the English Channel.