Dates set for the reopening of Bournemouth Pier attractions

Our striking pier has a whole host of attractions, including the world's first pier to shore zip wire, indoor climbing, aerial obstacle course and an arcade. 

The restaurant and bar as well as all of the attractions are currently closed due to the national lockdown. 

However with Boris Johnson's four-stage 'roadmap' out of lockdown, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

All lockdown restrictions could be lifted by 21 June at the earliest based on certain conditions being met, such as a successful vaccine rollout.

When are the key dates for the reopening of Bournemouth Pier?

• 12 April - All Retail shops, Key West al-fresco dining only
• 17 May - Key West Indoors
• 29 May - RockReef & PierZip
• 21 June - Key West events and RockReef groups and birthday parties

The zip-wire opens on 29 May (Image - Bournemouth Pier)

Stage two of the 'roadmap' could see all shops, restaurants and pub gardens reopening - allowed to serve customers sitting outdoors, including alcohol, from 12 April.

The Key West Bar and Grill will be back in business for al-fresco dining on 12 April, so visitors can enjoy the stunning views across Dorset Bay and enjoy a selection from their huge menu.

As part of stage three of the 'roadmap' outdoor and indoor entertainment  such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children's play areas can reopen no earlier than 17 May. 

RockReef will reopen its indoor ­activity attraction, featuring ­obstacle courses, high ropes and ­climbing walls, on 29 May.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth Pier said: “We are looking forward to welcoming tourists and visitors back on to the iconic Bournemouth Pier once government restrictions are eased.

"The lockdown has been extremely challenging for everyone and especially for those of us in the tourism and hospitality sector but we are now busy preparing to reopen as soon as it is safe for us to do so.

"We have lots to offer visitors of all ages on the Iconic Bournemouth Pier with RockReef Indoor Climbing activities, the world’s first pier to shore zip wire, Key West restaurant with some of the best views in Bournemouth and lots more!”

READ MORE: Bournemouth Air Festival 2021: What will it look like?

What are the current tests for easing restrictions?

Each stage will be a minimum of five weeks apart. Four conditions must be met at each stage before proceeding to the next one:

The coronavirus vaccine programme continues to go to plan

Vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment

Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions

New coronavirus variants do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions

What can reopen in the next part of stage one of the 'roadmap'? 

No earlier than 29 March, people will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the "rule of six", including in private gardens.

The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible.

Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts - formally organised outdoor sports can also restart

Parents and children groups can return but are capped at 15 and must be outdoors. Indoor groups can take place for vulnerable children and where parents need the groups to go to work.

Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances.

What can reopen in stage two of the 'roadmap'? 

Stage two marks the start of life really getting back to some sort of normality, with all shops reopening and restaurants and pub gardens allowed to serve customers outside. 

Beer gardens are expected to reopen no earlier than 12 April (image stock)

READ MORE: The Bournemouth beer gardens we can't wait to get back to

Gyms and spas can reopen for individuals and households while hairdressers, beauty salons and other 'close contact services' can reopen.

Domestic holidays in the UK will be permitted, with self-contained accommodation able to reopen for use by members of the same household.

Children will be allowed to attend indoor play activities, with up to 15 parents or guardians allowed to join them

Zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas can reopen as well as libraries and community centres.

Weddings attended by up to 15 people will be able to take place.

This is expected to happen no earlier than 12 April. 

What can reopen in stage three of the 'roadmap'? 

No earlier than 17 May:

- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors

- Six people or two households can meet indoors

- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors

- Up to 30 people can meet to celebrate weddings or other life events, like christenings

- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open

- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children's play areas can open

Vertical slide at RockReef (Image - Bournemouth Pier)

- Performances and large events will be subject to limits though. For indoor events they can be at half capacity or 1,000 people, and outdoors they can be at half capacity or 4,000 people - whichever is lower. For large venues (at least 40,000 capacity) up to 10,000 will be allowed to attend

- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen

- International leisure travel will resume no earlier than 17 May

- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can start up again

What can reopen in stage four of the 'roadmap'? 

The final date in the roadmap for stage four - no earlier than 21 June, all legal limits on social contact will be removed. 

There will be no legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events. 

Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen too - all hopefully marking the end of lockdown.