zipline

A MAJOR pier is marking 170 years this year and with it, a number of new attractions.

Bournemouth Pier opened back in 1856 as a shorter jetty and in 2014, the pier launched the world’s first pier-to-shore zipline.

And the pier is planning to launch a number of new attractions such as Christmas events, live shows and immersive dining experiences.

A few days ago a new pop-up venue also opened right next to the pier – Palm Beach Club.

The beach club has been designed to feel like Ibiza, with striped deck chairs and parasols, overlooking the beach.

You can grab food including pizzas as well as drinks and in the evenings there will be DJ sessions and weekend entertainment.

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It comes as plans were also announced earlier this year that the pier would undergo a £9.6million restoration.

When the pier first opened it was just 30 metres long and was used for passenger boats.

The in 1861 it was replaced by a 304metre pier as more tourists started to visit the area.

Storm damage later destroyed the pier but it was then rebuilt and reopened in 1880.

PierZip then opened in 2014 and stretches fro 250metres and you can also head climbing at RockReef indoor climbing walls.

A recent visitor said: “Traditional English seaside pier at it’s best!

“A Lovely walk around on a sunny day with a nice cafe at the top.

“There are also attractions for families with kids such as a climbing wall and zip wire.”

THE UK is home to the world’s fastest zipline – and it’s cheaper to visit this summer.

There are eight locations across the UK, one of which is Penrhyn Quarry in Wales where you can reach top speeds of 100mph.

The ride allows riders to soar high over quarry for one mile, and there are four parallel lines so families can race too.

There are other activities at Penrhyn Quarry including Aero Explorer which is the UK’s largest zip-coaster.

There’s a smaller zipline called the Quarry Flyer and there’s also karting and tours of the historic slate quarry.

And this summer, Zip World is offering up to £25 off tickets.

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One of the biggest savings is at Penrhyn Quarry where tickets are £99 between June 25 and September 1, rather than £124.

Here, families can also get up to two free kids’ meals with every adult main meal (children must be aged 12 or under).

Children can also eat for free at three other Zip World sites: Betws-y-Coed, Llechwedd and Tower Colliery.

While the other Zip World sites might not have to same zipline thrills, there’s still plenty to do there – at Llechwedd, there’s an underground cavern filled with trampolines.

Travel Writer Catherine Lofthouse who visited said her children were thrilled to find all the rides inside the former slate mine.

Catherine continued: “My boys were most excited for Bounce Below – a sprawling and cavernous trampoline park which features nets set at different levels for adventurers young and old to explore.

“The boys had an absolute blast underground, exploring all the different levels of nets and the twisty slides that connect them.

“Obviously the caves are a bit cold and damp, so you need to wear warm clothes and sensible shoes, preferably not your Sunday best.”

Meanwhile, Zip World Betws-y-Coed has the UK’s longest alpine coaster which at its fastest can travel up to 25mph.

Other Zip World sites have high ropes courses, tree top adventures and the site in London has the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide which overlooks the 2012 Olympic Park.