Bournemouth Pier has been welcoming people from all over the world for over 150 years to enjoy its many attractions. First constructed in 1856, when visitors would dress up in their best clothes to promenade and enjoy the views, the pier has lived through many adventures, reconstructions and extensions in its long history.
Today, the pier is a vibrant hub of activity that combines the best of traditional seaside crowd-pleasers with state-of-the-art new features and entertainments, making it a fantastic day out for all the family.
At the end of an exciting day, a comfortable and luxurious home-from-home to relax in is a must, and luckily, there are some exceptional hotels near Bournemouth Pier, with the New Forest Collection offering some of the area’s very best.
Come rain or shine (which is always a bonus if you’re visiting the British coast!) there’s always something to do at Bournemouth Pier.
In the sunshine, you might build a sandcastle or two on the golden sands of the award-winning beach, before a stroll along the pier itself. Pop into the Rock Shop for a must-have stick of your favourite flavour, treat yourself to an ice cream, or stop for fish and chips with the best ocean view ever, with the Isle of Wight visible on one side and the Purbeck Hills on the other.
There are plenty of shops for souvenirs, postcards and other essentials, and if your rubber rings feel a little deflated after splashing about in the sea all morning, never fear – you can get those pumped up here as well!
Fisherfolk are welcome to drop a line from the pier, and if you feel inspired, the pier is also the place to jump aboard a traditional pleasure cruiser to explore Poole Bay, Swanage and the Dorset coastline.
The pier plays host to all sorts of events throughout the year too, from live music to balls and parties, as well as being the ultimate spot from which to enjoy the annual Bournemouth Air Festival.
Inside, you’ll find the all-weather spectacular that is RockReef. This incredible indoor adventure attraction boasts over 28 climbing walls, aerial obstacle courses and all sorts of high-wire adrenaline-packed activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Thrill-seekers can see all this as a mere warm up for having a go on the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire! Launch yourself from a platform 25 metres in the air to fly over the waves and onto the beach, and if that isn’t enough, there are dual wires so you can race against your family and friends!
Whether or not you’re tempted by the zip-wire, after an exciting day out at Bournemouth Pier, any of the New Forest Collection hotels nearby make the perfect place to land.
Each one is comfortable and luxurious, with elegant and comfortable interiors, and award-winning restaurants showcasing the best of locally sourced and seasonal produce on their inspiring and creative menus.
Every hotel also has superb leisure facilities and its own pool, with onsite parking, EV charging points and WiFi as standard, and being located within the glorious New Forest countryside, each one has beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds to enjoy.
You couldn’t get more of a relaxing place to unwind than Beaulieu Inn, a former coaching inn nestled right in the middle of the heath. It is characterful and quirky, with elegantly modern interiors and a soothing atmosphere making it the ideal spot to come home to. Children love the forest ponies that graze on the doorstep, and parents appreciate the soothing, family-friendly ambiance.
And when it comes to dining at Beaulieu, the stylish, laid-back country pub next door is a firm favourite with everyone, including those with four legs and waggy tails! The Drift has family-friendly settings in the restaurant and a menu of delicious pub classics with something sure to please everyone.
Another great choice if you’re looking to stay near Bournemouth Pier is Bartley Lodge, a glorious Grade II listed country house hotel. Its heritage-meets-contemporary interiors are a delight, and it has beautiful rooms, each with breathtaking views over the landscaped gardens and neighbouring deer park.
Again, you can expect family-friendly settings in Bartley Lodge’s fabulous restaurant, and like all the hotels featured here, if you’re travelling with children, there are always spacious suites available with plenty of room to lounge and an extra pop-up bed available if you need one.
Lounging is most definitely in order, if not downright expected, at nearby Burley Manor. This magnificent country house is set within an 800-year-old estate, and is a real indulgent escape for solo travellers, couples and families with children over the age of 13 visiting Bournemouth Pier.
Its sumptuous rooms, wellness facilities and renowned restaurant mean that after an exciting day out, you are in the right place to completely relax and unwind.
Also close to the pier is the boutique townhouse hotel, Forest Lodge. Located right on the edge of the forest itself, this elegant and sophisticated hotel boasts comfortable and stylish interiors, and its rooms feel crisp and contemporary. Forest Lodge is also host to its own award-winning grill and brasserie, 1820, that offers a fantastic range of options to suit every taste.
This part of the world is well served by excellent transport links, with trains and buses offering regular services, and flights available to and from Bournemouth Airport. It is also easily accessible by road, with Bournemouth Pier just a short countryside drive from all the hotels featured here via the A338 and A31.
To reach Bourneouth pier from Burley Manor, it’s a 28-minute drive by car, and from Bartley Lodge it takes 30 minutes; Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst is 35 minutes away, and to get to the pier from Beaulieu Inn, near to the picturesque mediaeval village of Beaulieu, is a pleasant 40-minute journey.
Whichever one you choose, any of these stunning hotels really does offer the perfect jumping-off point for a memorable day out at Bournemouth Pier.
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