Bournemouth Pier
The pier is aimed at those who want a pleasant stroll in the sun and those who want to expend surplus energy. It could in fact be the bargain of the summer – Bournemouth Seafront is offering £1 season tickets giving access to the town’s landmark pier in a bid to attract more visitors. Specific seasonal charges may apply.
Located in the most vibrant and cosmopolitan town on the south coast, surrounded by some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches is Bournemouth Pier. The Pier offers a variety of attractions for the whole family to enjoy:
- The Pier Zip Line
The Pier zip Line is the first Pier to shore zip wire experience in the world with a launch tower towering above the sea, giving an exhilarating “zip surf” over the waves to the beach. The dual line means that you can glide along with friends, your partner or family members! Book now and breathe in the pure sea breeze.
Restrictions:
Minimum Height: 1.2mts
Minimum Weight: 30kgs
Maximum Weight: 120kgs
Please note: For health and safety reasons you might be asked to weigh yourself on a scale.
- Key West Bar and Restaurant
Key West Bar & Restaurant is located at the end of the Pier offering a great way to enjoy the combination of fresh, home cooked food, cool refreshing beer or cocktails and a 300 degree panoramic view over the bay that will take your breath away. Come and see for yourself and you will be amazed.
- Paddle Boarding
Stand up paddleboarding is a great alternative to surfing when the weather is calm during the Summer months!
Stand up paddle boarding is a form of surfing. For those that are not familiar with the sport, it entails standing on a large longboard and propelling yourself with a single bladed paddle. Recently, it has been picked up by watermen as an alternative way to ride the surf and as a great means of staying in shape on flat water. Simply book a session with a nearby Watersport Company/ Surf School. (http://ow.ly/MTLNI).
Bournemouth Beach
Described as one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in the UK, Bournemouth Beach is a wonderful place for all the family to visit. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade, treat yourself to a coffee or meal at one of the seafront cafes or restaurants and take in the exquisite view of the coastline.
Bournemouth Beach Huts, like a paint chart all stand proudly in their shades of various colours! If you are a lucky owner of one make the most of the summer with the family by cooking up a BBQ and preparing a family picnic. There are a number of car parks nearby, making it easy access whilst making trips back and forth to the beach.
Bournemouth Oceanarium
Take the family along for the opportunity to see sharks, eels, turtles and rare marine life up close! Keep up to date on the Ocenarium’s website for information about feeding times, new animals arriving this summer and educational tours. Stop by the Ocenarium café and get yourself a special souvenir or two to remember your trip.
Bournemouth Oceanarium Reviews:
“The animals look well cared for ad happy. The café makes a nice rest stop and the shop is well stocked to buy a few souvenirs.”
“I was very impressed and had a fantastic few hours looking around. My wife also booked me in for a sea turtle feeding session which I would recommend to anyone. The staff are friendly and take you backstage to prepare the food to then feed the turtles yourself which is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I hear the penguins are arriving this summer so may have to go again to see the new arrivals.”
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
The house is a treasure trove with a touch of fantasy, with over 1,000 objects and works of art on display. Here are four must see things for you to look out for…
- Venus Verticordia
This iconic Pre-Raphaelite painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti depicts “the turner of men’s hearts”, a femme fatale with her roots in both pagan and Christian traditions – luxurious, sensuous and rich with symbolism.
- The View
The Russell-Cotes is in a fabulous position, on the East Cliff, overlooking Bournemouth Pier and offering some of the best views along the Dorset coastline. Although we have to keep the blinds down in much of the house to conserve our collections, you can sit in the Conservatory or the Red Room and enjoy the view.
- The Japanese Collection
Merton and Annie sent back over 100 cases of objects from Japan in 1885, including Noh masks and a magnificent 18th century shrine. This is recognised by the V&A as one of the most important Japanese collections in the world.
- Midsummer
Albert Moore’s Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece Midsummer (1887) beautifully anticipates the Symbolists’ fascination with sleep and dreams. This world-famous painting has been on international tour with the V&A.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Reviews:
“The house is an artist’s dream, the exhibits are spectacular and highly individual – a real insight into late Victorian upper-class life, very Bohemian and real value for money.”
“Beautiful architecture, wonderful art, special collections that are a delight to see, lovely rooms and extra suprises. Coffee shop had good coffee and cake amongst other things. The view is stunning and staff very helpful”.
“If you are anywhere near Bournemouth and want to have a fine experience especially if the sun is shining you could not do better. After or as a break between rooms sit in the orangery and relish the view of the sea and pier whilst enjoying tranquillity with tea or coffee.”
Lower Gardens
The award winning Bournemouth gardens are split into 3 main areas – the lower gardens, the central gardens and the upper gardens. There are a number of activities to take part in:
- The Bournemouth Balloon
The Bournemouth Balloon, operated by S&D Leisure, is Bournemouth’s highest attraction, after all it reaches a height of just under 500 metres above the ground!
Passengers are carried in ‘The Gondola’ an 8 sided annular ring manufactured from aircraft quality stainless steel. The Gondola can carry up to 28 passengers and provides them with a 360 degree panoramic view. The flight lasts approximately 15 minutes.
The Bournemouth Balloon is a great attraction for all ages and they can also accommodate three wheelchair users per flight.
For more information about The Bournemouth Balloon and opening times visit our website: http://ow.ly/MU0tr
- Bournemouth Gardens Mini Golf
The recently refurbished Mini Golf course in the Lower Gardens features 18 holes, a decorative bridge, beautiful flower beds and a water fountain.
It's very popular in the summer, allow over an hour for your game.
Bournemouth International Centre
The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is ideally situated close to the beach and pier, gardens and town centre and boasts a 650-space 'Park Mark' Safer Parking Award pay and display car park.
The building has four halls ideal for various concerts, conferences and exhibitions, making it the largest venue in the southern region.
Overlooking Pier Approach, the Terrace Coffee shop is an ideal social space to relax with a coffee and have a chat.
There are plenty of options for eating and drinking at the BIC. If you want to grab a coffee and a sandwich, their Terrace Café overlooks Pier Approach. The Terrace Café also has free Wifi. Pre-show dining is available on a selection of shows, offering a first class dining experience and guaranteed interval seating with beautiful sea views.
