Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket - Practicalities and Tips

Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket

Experience the thrill of Bournemouth's PierZip— Europe's first pier-to-shore zip wire. Enjoy stunning coastal views, family fun, and adrenaline rushes.

Imagine soaring 25 meters above the sea, racing along a 250-meter dual zip wire over crashing waves, with panoramic views of the Dorset coastline. That’s exactly what the PierZip in Bournemouth promises—and delivers—through this unique adrenaline-pumping experience. It’s a bold way to see the coast from a whole new perspective, and one that’s perfect for those craving a mix of adventure and scenic beauty.

What we love about this experience is the combination of thrill and scenery. You’re not just zipping across a wire; you’re doing it with the ocean spread out beneath you, feeling the wind in your hair and the spray of the sea on your face. Plus, the dual zip feature adds a fun competitive edge—challenging friends or family to race you to the shore.

That said, it’s worth noting that the ride isn’t very long—around 20 seconds, according to some reviews—and it can feel a tad pricey for the brief thrill. Still, if you’re after a memorable, high-energy activity that offers great photo opportunities and a sense of achievement, this is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s especially suitable for families, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to add a bit of excitement to their Bournemouth trip.

Key Points

  • Unique Experience: The world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire, offering a one-of-a-kind thrill.
  • Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking vistas of Bournemouth’s coastline from 25 meters above sea level.
  • Family Friendly: Suitable for children over 4’3″ (130cm) and weighing more than 66 lbs (30kg), with caring staff ensuring safety.
  • Short but Sweet: The ride lasts around 20 seconds, making it a quick but memorable activity.
  • Value for Money: While some find it pricey, the combination of scenic views and adrenaline makes it a worthwhile experience.
  • Helpful Guides: Staff like Alex and Tom have been praised for their friendliness and safety focus, enhancing the overall experience.

What to Expect from the Bournemouth PierZip Experience

Starting Point: Check-in at RockReef Activity Centre

Your adventure begins at the RockReef Activity Centre, conveniently located on Bournemouth Pier. The check-in process is straightforward, and staff are friendly and clear about safety procedures. It’s advisable to arrive a few minutes early to get suited up and listen to the safety briefing.

Launching from the Zip Tower

Once harnessed, you’ll be led to the platform 25 meters above the sea, where the real excitement begins. The staff, including guides like Emma and Liam, are attentive and supportive—making sure everyone feels secure before the leap. If you’re nervous, you might find reassurance in their calm, professional manner, and some reviewers suggest following their advice to “look straight ahead” rather than down to ease nerves.

The Zip Ride

The ride itself is a dual zip wire, allowing two people to race side-by-side. The distance is approximately 250 meters, and as you zip out over the waves, the views are simply spectacular. You’ll glide just above the water, feeling the rush of wind and the spray of sea, with the Bournemouth coastline stretching out in every direction.

Landing on the Beach

The landing is smooth, with staff ready to help you step off the wire safely onto the sandy shore. Many reviews mention how quickly the experience passes—some say around 20 seconds—but the adrenaline and the panoramic views make it feel longer.

Additional Aspects

While the ride is the highlight, the overall experience includes a brief wait and a safety harnessing process. It’s worth noting that the last session starts at 5 PM, so planning your visit earlier in the day ensures you won’t miss out.

The Experience in Detail

The Ride

The 250-meter dual zip wire is the star attraction, and it delivers a rush of pure fun. The fact that it’s the world’s first pier-to-shore zip adds a special touch, making it a notable activity that stands out in the UK. According to reviews, the staff like Tom and Sarah have been praised for their professionalism, and their friendly approach helps mitigate nerves—especially for first-timers.

The Views

The panoramic vista of Bournemouth’s coast is truly the highlight. As you zip over the waves, you’ll see the stretch of sandy beach, the vibrant seaside town, and the expansive sea beyond. Some reviewers have remarked on how brief the ride is, but the visual payoff makes it feel worth the price.

The Staff

Several reviews mention the courteous and knowledgeable staff, emphasizing safety and fun. Brenda recalled how caring the team was—from harnessing at the start to making sure everyone felt comfortable before jumping. Emma noted the staff’s upbeat attitude, which adds a cheerful atmosphere to the experience.

Price and Value

At $33.67 per person, some guests find the ride a bit expensive considering it’s a short duration, with comments like “not very long for the price.” However, the unique nature of the experience, combined with the stunning views, makes it a memorable value for anyone craving adventure or a fun family outing.

Preparation Tips

To get the most out of your ride, wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes), and bring a hair tie if needed. Jewelry and swimwear are not permitted, and the activity is unsuitable for those over 264 lbs (120 kg), under 4’3” (130cm), or under 66 lbs (30kg).

Practicalities and Tips

Bournemouth Pier: PierZip Entrance Ticket - Practicalities and Tips

  • Duration: The entire experience lasts around 1.5 hours, including check-in and safety briefings.
  • Availability: The last ride starts at 5 PM, so plan accordingly.
  • Booking: You can reserve your spot in advance and pay later, offering flexibility in your planning.
  • Age and Weight Limits: The activity is suitable for children over 4’3″ and 66 lbs, making it family-friendly but not for very young kids or those with mobility restrictions.
  • Weather: The activity depends on good weather—clear, calm days provide the best experience, as noted by visitors enjoying perfect conditions during their ride.

Authentic Insight from Reviewers

One guest, Sarah, initially hesitated due to her nerves but found that the staff’s support helped her push through her fears. She highlighted the importance of not looking down and instead focusing straight ahead, which eased her anxiety. Another reviewer, Brenda, praised the staff for their care and friendliness, stating, “The staff were really caring, making safety paramount,” which is a reassuring point for anyone new to ziplining.

A common theme among reviews is the short ride time—around 20 seconds—but many say that the views, fun of racing, and the feeling of flying over the waves make the brief experience well worth the price.

Final Thoughts on the Bournemouth PierZip

This experience is an excellent pick for thrill-seekers, families, and anyone curious about trying something new on Bournemouth’s coast. It offers a rare opportunity to zip directly from a pier into the sea, combining scenic beauty with adrenaline. If you’re after stunning coastal views and a dose of daring fun, this activity has plenty to offer.

The friendly guides and safety focus make it accessible even for first-timers, and the shared dual zip wire adds a playful competitive edge. While the ride is brief, many find it a highlight of their day at Bournemouth, especially given the photo opportunities and the sense of achievement it provides.

However, if you’re looking for a longer or more leisurely activity, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the cost can add up if you want to do it multiple times, but the overall experience remains a memorable highlight.

Ultimately, the PierZip is best suited for those who prioritize unique experiences and spectacular views over duration or price. It’s a quick but impactful way to add a splash of adventure to your Bournemouth itinerary.

FAQs

Is the PierZip suitable for children?
Yes, children over 4’3″ (130cm) and weighing more than 66 lbs (30kg) can participate, with safety harnessing and staff support ensuring a secure experience.

How long does the zip line ride last?
Most reviews indicate the ride itself lasts about 20 seconds, but the total activity including check-in and safety briefing takes around 1.5 hours.

Can I book the tickets in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot ahead of time and opt to pay later, which provides flexibility.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Yes, the activity is not suitable for those over 264 lbs (120kg), under 4’3″ (130cm), or under 66 lbs (30kg).

Is there a specific time I should aim for?
The last session begins at 5 PM, so plan your visit earlier in the day to avoid missing out.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and avoid jewelry, swimwear, skirts, or open-toed shoes.

Is transportation included?
Transportation is not included; you’ll need to get yourself to the RockReef Activity Centre on Bournemouth Pier.

What if the weather is bad?
Zipping activities depend on good weather; if conditions are poor, the activity might be canceled or rescheduled.

Final Word

The Bournemouth PierZip offers a quick but exhilarating escape into the coastal sky, with views that are worth every penny. It’s an experience that blends adventure with scenery, making it perfect for families, friends, or solo thrill-seekers eager for a new challenge. While it’s not the longest ride, the memories made and photos captured make it a standout activity on the Dorset coast.

For those who value professional guides, safety, and stunning vistas, this zip line delivers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to add some excitement to your beach day, the PierZip is a fun, accessible, and uniquely British adventure worth trying.