Our Dorset Life

We’d heard so much about Rock Reef on Bournemouth Pier that we decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about. So on a bright winter weekend, we headed down to the seafront with our two girls, aged 11 and 9, to try out the Clip ‘n Climb and we were really impressed!

First Impressions

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing. The staff were welcoming, upbeat, and clearly loved what they were doing, which instantly put the girls at ease. We arrived a little early, so we grabbed a quick drink upstairs at the Coffee Reef café, where you can sit and watch the climbers below or take in views over Bournemouth beach.

Getting Started

After a quick safety briefing, everyone was fitted with harnesses and shown how to clip onto the belay system. The instructors made it fun and easy to follow, especially for first-timers. I’ll admit I was a little nervous watching the girls step up to their first wall, but once they’d got the hang of it, there was no stopping them.

They loved trying out the different climbing walls, each one with its own challenge some easy, some that really tested their nerves (and mine watching from below). The instructors were brilliant at encouraging everyone, and it was great to see the girls’ confidence grow with every climb.

The Highline & Pier Cave

We didn’t try the Highline or Pier Cave this time, but they looked brilliant especially for slightly older kids or those after a bit more of a challenge. The Highline runs above the main climbing area with rope bridges and balance beams suspended in the air, while the Pier Cave takes you through tunnels and twists in the dark with just a head torch for light. Definitely on our list for next time!

The Verdict

Rock Reef is a brilliant spot for families, especially if you’ve got kids who love climbing, challenges, or just trying something new. The staff were friendly, encouraging, and made the whole experience feel really safe and fun.

It’s definitely something we’ll do again, and next time we might even be brave enough to try the Pier Zip the world’s first pier-to-shore zipline!

Find out more…

Rock Reef, Bournemouth Pier
Book ahead at rockreef.co.uk