The pier is one of the most famous in the UK (Image: Getty)
A popular UK seaside town has scrapped the entry fee for its pier ahead of the summer. The attraction has suspended its entry toll for more than three years thanks to £700,000 worth of investment.
Bournemouth Pier, an award-winning Victorian landmark that first opened in 1880, will be free to enter until the end of October 2029. It comes after Adventure Attractions, which operates the pier, committed over £700,000 in March to keep the iconic landmark accessible to residents and visitors.
The move has been made in an effort to increase footfall and support tourism, altogether boosting the local economy in Bournemouth.
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Sarah Hunter, Adventure Attractions managing director, said: “Increasing accessibility to the pier has always been our ambition, and the response over the past year has been incredibly positive. Continuing the toll suspension allows us to build on that momentum and ensure the pier remains a place everyone can enjoy, all year round.”
Some of the UK’s most iconic seaside towns still charge a small admission fee to enter their piers. They usually apply during peak season – between March and October – and are used to help cover maintenance costs.
Brighton Pier costs £1 in the “pre-summer” period before rising to £2 during peak summer. Meanwhile, a “walk both ways” ticket is priced at £2 for Southend Pier and visitors to Hythe Pier are also charged the same amount.
Bournemouth Pier will be free to enter for the next three summers (Image: Getty)
Following a one-year successful trial in Bournemouth, the decision has been made to make the pier free to enter for a further three years. Bosses found the move significantly boosted footfall to both the pier and the wider resort.
Ms Hunter added: “It is a difficult time for the Leisure and hospitality industry, but in anticipation of BCP Councils’ investment in the structure of the pier, we are showing our commitment to the future by investing over £700,000 in removing the toll.
“This is a huge investment and risk for us, but the increased footfall and support for our businesses have shown us that the opportunity is there to grow the pier into the future and develop the returns that can justify the investment.
Adventure Attractions has committed £700,000 to keep the pier going (Image: Getty)
“As BCP Council invest in the structure for the future, Adventure Attractions want to invest in developing the customer experience for the future to ensure the partnership continues to deliver and develop.”
Amanda Barrie, Director of Commercial Operations at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, continued: “Bournemouth Pier is one of our most loved landmarks and keeping it open and accessible benefits both residents and visitors alike.
“We are pleased to be able to work with Adventure Attractions to allow residents and visitors to enjoy the pier toll free which helps encourage footfall, supports tourism, and strengthens the local economy, while ensuring the pier remains a welcoming, everyday space for our communities.”