Boscombe Pier

The pier stretches out into the water at Boscombe like a proper Victorian statement of intent. Built in 1889, it's the sort of structure that makes you understand why Edwardian seaside culture got people so excited - the ironwork, the pavilion, the whole theatrical gesture of it.

You can walk the full length for free, which takes about ten minutes at a dawdle. There's a small amusement arcade and a few cafes along the way if you need refreshment, though they're nothing special. The real draw is the view back towards Christchurch and the curve of the bay, especially on a clear day when you can see the whole coastline open up. Photographers do well here at golden hour.

It's ideal for families with younger kids who like the simple pleasure of being over water, spotting the occasional fish or crab. Older children might find twenty minutes enough before restlessness sets in. Walkers en route between Christchurch and Poole find it a natural stopping point - the pier marks a pleasant halfway point for a coastal ramble.

The pier works well as part of a broader Dorset seaside loop. Meadowbank Holidays sits just 2.6 miles away, making it a quick drive or a brisk walk if you're staying put for a few days. Sandhills and Hoburne Park are nearby too, so you could easily string together a few beach attractions without much faffing about. Come when the tide's up - it looks far better, and you're less likely to encounter mudflats.