Jane's Midlife Journey

As Bournemouth has two piers just 1.4 miles apart, a popular challenge is to swim from one pier to another – either just for the sake of it or as part of an organised event. Each year, the British Heart Foundation puts on the Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim. Billed as one of Europe’s biggest charity swimming events, with around 1200 participants. The event offers swimmers the opportunity (weather dependent) to attempt this challenge in a supervised environment with plenty of lifeguard and medical support.

How to get to the Pier to Pier Swim

The event starts at Boscombe Pier and finishes at Bournemouth Pier. You can reach Boscombe pier via the Prom or along the A35 before turning left onto Boscombe Spa Road.

By Bus

There is no public transport to Boscombe Pier. You can catch a bus (m2, 1a/1b/1c, X3) to Boscombe Gardens and take the 10 minute walk through the gardens to the Pier. Alternativiely, take the 70 Breezer Bus to Monkey Island and walk through the gardens. Numerous buses stop at Bournemouth Pier, close to the finish.

Parking

A logistical decision – park near the start or near the finish? The nearest car park to the start is Overstrand (£3 for an hour). The nearest to the finish is Bath Road South (£3.60 for an hour). Or split the difference and pick a spot on Undercliff Drive (£18 if arriving before 2 pm).

Dates

The event takes place on a Saturday in late June/early July, with swimmers departing in waves between 11 am and 2.45 pm.

• In 2025 the date was Saturday 5th July, but the event was cancelled due to the weather.
• In 2026, the date is Saturday 27th June.

Price

Entry costs £50 with an additional minimum fundraising commitment of £300.

Organised Pier to Pier Swim

In recent years, the event seems to have alternated between taking place in glorious sunshine and perfect swimming conditions; flat sea and warm (for England) sea temperatures. And much worse weather with rough seas which mean the event is reduced to swimming in a small square, not from pier to pier. Or cancelled altogether.

Each year I toy (very briefly) with idea of entering, then go instead to watch those who were brave/crazy to enough to swim 1.4 miles in the cold of the English Channel. Evidently, there are plenty of people less wussy than me, as there is always a great turn out. Together with plenty of spectators (deliberate or otherwise) – the beach is usually heaving.

Private Pier to Pier Swim

If you don’t want to enter an organised event, it is, of course, possible to swim the route on your own. The cons are that it is unsupported if you get into difficulty. There are three lifeguard stations situated between the piers, which are manned daily in summer from 10 am until 6 pm. In addition, you end up 1.4 miles from where you started, without any clothes on. Whereas, the BHF event includes luggage transport from start to finish.

The pros are that you can select a weather (and sewage) appropriate time slot. And you can choose which direction to swim in, according to the prevailing currents.

Pier to Pier Swim for Children

The minimum age limit for Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim is 14 years old. Under 18s can only enter if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, who is also a paid participant. Wetsuits are compulsory for under 18s.

• Updated: July 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.