Overview

A traditional, Victorian pier with board walk to the attractions at the end of the pier, which include places to eat, shops and amusements, including a zip wire from pier to shore. Please note, I visited Bournemouth Pier in the evening and I didn't walk to the end of the pier, so this review doesn't cover any of the attractions at the far end.

Transport & Parking

I feel disabled access to the pier could be improved. The first evening it was so much of struggle for me with my crutch that I seriously considered not visiting the sea front the following day. I walked from my hotel to the pier the first time I walked down the Bath Road, which is on a short, downward walk with quite steep inclines in places. It was hard going and I was exhausted by the time I arrived. The second time I visited the sea front I went through the Lower Gardens, which is also on a slope in places, and personally I found this less steep, but still tiring to navigate. The pier is next to the Observational Wheel and there is a large open plan space near it, which from what I could see, there didn't appear to be any blue badge parking or drop off points. There is no public transport in the immediate vicinity of the pier. There are bus stops stop close by but they involve a walk down noticeable, short slope to the pier/ sea front.

Access

I can only comment on getting on the pier and the broad walk. The entrance way is spacious. There is step free access and pier itself is on the level with well-maintained wooden board flooring. On the broad walk there is a central divider with a small roof above it. There are benches with no arm rests which face the shoreline. These are quite spread out, so I'm not sure how easy it would be to get a seat during the busy summer holidays. I was so tired after walking down to the pier I couldn't face walking along to the end, so sorry I can only comment on the entrance and start of the pier.

Toilets

The website says that there is an accessible toilet. However, I didn't walk that far. However, directly opposite the pier is a building which which had a public accessible toilet.

Staff

I didn't see any staff when I visited.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This is a lovely traditional pier, which has been restored. My only problem was walking to it with the slopes wasn't very easy.

Photos