The Boscombe Pier Company was formed in 1886 with the intentions of creating a pier for public use. The first pile for the pier was laid in 1888 and was finished in 1889, to stand as a 600-foot pier. It was designed by Archibald Smith but was initially unsuccessful at attracting tourists.

The local Bournemouth Council took over the pier operations in 1904 and decided to invest in constructing builds and entertainment at the entrance and the head of the pier. They reinforced the pier-head with high alumina concrete in 1924, to create a safer structure that the public could use. By 1958, they had also reinforced the neck of the pier with concrete. This enabled new buildings and entertainment to be added to the pier in the 1960’s, including a restaurant, the Mermaid Theatre and arcade.

The pie-head closed in 1990, with the neck remaining open. It stayed this way until the council refurbished the pier and beach in 2008, costing £2.4 million. The old pier buildings were demolished and replaced with a viewing and fishing platform. The beach became Europe’s first artificial surf reef, designed to create big waves, attracting tourists.

The 2010’s saw many other changes to the pier. Boscombe’s land train route was extended to Boscombe precinct, which immediately attracted more tourists. The UK’s first eco-friendly mini golf had also attracted more tourists in 2016, along with a film shot in the area, staring Dame Joan Collins.