Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth Pier is a prominent Victorian-era pleasure pier located in the coastal resort town of Bournemouth, Dorset. Extending approximately 300 meters into the English Channel, it serves as a central landmark and tourist attraction for the town. The pier features a variety of amusements, including a theatre, amusement arcades, and seasonal attractions, and has undergone several reconstructions following damage and fires throughout its history.

History

The original structure, designed by the renowned pier engineer Eugenius Birch, opened in 1880 as a simple wooden landing stage for the Bournemouth Steam Packet Company. It was significantly extended and rebuilt in iron to a more elaborate design by Birch in 1885, establishing it as a proper pleasure pier. The pier's early years were marked by its use for steamer excursions to destinations like the Isle of Wight and Swanage, and it became a focal point for the burgeoning tourist economy of Bournemouth. In 1909, the pier head was enlarged to accommodate the growing number of visitors, and a pavilion was constructed, which later hosted performances by artists such as Charlie Chaplin.

Description and features

The current pier structure is primarily constructed of iron and concrete, culminating in a large T-shaped pier head. Key features include the **Pier Theatre**, a 500-seat venue hosting summer shows and concerts, and the **Rock Reef**, a challenging indoor adventure climbing centre located beneath the pier deck. The pier entrance is dominated by a modern, glass-fronted building housing amusement arcades, food outlets, and a tourist information centre. At the seaward end, visitors can find traditional attractions like a hook a duck game, coin-operated telescopes for viewing the Jurassic Coast, and kiosks selling classic British seaside fare such as fish and chips.

Events and attractions

The pier and its surrounding area are a hub for annual events and daily entertainment. It serves as the focal point for the **Bournemouth Air Festival**, where the Royal Air Force Red Arrows and other aircraft perform dramatic displays over the water. The adjacent **Bournemouth Pier Approach** often hosts live music, markets, and the seasonal **Oceanarium** aquarium. Regular summer theatre productions in the **Pier Theatre** feature tribute acts to major stars like The Beatles and Queen, while the pier itself is the start or finish line for various sporting events, including the **Bournemouth Marathon Festival**.

Incidents and renovations

The pier's history has been shaped by several destructive incidents, necessitating major renovations. A significant fire in 1936 destroyed much of the pier head, leading to a rebuild completed just before the outbreak of the Second World War. During the war, a section was deliberately removed as an anti-invasion measure. The most devastating fire occurred in 1958, which gutted the pavilion; it was replaced by the current **Pier Theatre** in 1960. Further storms and structural wear led to a £1.7 million restoration in 1979-80. A comprehensive £5 million refurbishment was undertaken between 2008 and 2010, strengthening the structure and updating visitor facilities.

Cultural references

Bournemouth Pier has appeared in numerous television programmes and films, cementing its status as an iconic British seaside landmark. It was featured in episodes of the classic BBC series Doctor Who, including the 1979 serial "The Creature from the Pit". The pier and its beach have been used as filming locations for the popular drama series Broadchurch and the film adaptation of Judy, starring Renée Zellweger. Its distinctive silhouette is also a frequent subject for artists and photographers capturing the essence of the South Coast of England.

Category:Piers in Dorset Category:Tourist attractions in Bournemouth Category:Buildings and structures in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole