REVIEW: RockReef Bournemouth - An Adventure-Packed Family Experience

Although we live in Poole, we decided to have a bit of family R&R and have a hotel stay in Bournemouth for a night.

Autumn is our favourite time of year to visit the Bournemouth area; when the crowds have gone and the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beach. With the weather always being a gamble though, we decided to book in a few hours at RockReef to guarantee plenty of fun for all of us whatever the weather was doing.

We stayed just 15 minutes away at the fantastic West Cliff Hotel and enjoyed a leisurely stroll in the autumn sun to the pier. The kids' excitement was palpable as we approached RockReef and they couldn't wait to get cracking with our adrenaline-pumping morning!

A Welcoming Start

From the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly, welcoming, and very reassuring – especially for first-timers like us who weren’t quite sure what to expect. My husband is working away for a long time, so I was solo parenting my 7 and 4 year old, and after a night in the hotel, my 4 year old was a little too tired to get involved. However, the staff were very patient and lovely; after seeing that she was content staying with me, they gave my 7 year old extra attention and made sure she got the most out of the morning.

They explained everything thoroughly, from safety protocols and how to clip in and out.

It was all very well-organised, and the equipment is top-notch.

A Variety of Family-Friendly Activities

One of the best aspects of RockReef is the range of activities suitable for different ages and abilities, making it ideal for families.  Florence (7) was a little timid to start but the staff are so experienced, they knew how to gently build her confidence. 

Within 5 minutes she was in her element trying out as many of the climbing walls as she could, which range in difficulty from beginner to more advanced levels. There are themed walls, such as the "Speed Climb" and the "Twister," which added an extra layer of fun and challenge. 

My 4 year old was really happy to watch and take in the atmosphere, but the staff could see I was needing to carry her a few times, and were straight over to clip in my eldest without me even needing to ask. They offered words of encouragement which she was delighted with and prompted her to race to the top and bounce her way down again and again.

Café and Facilities

We appreciated a little refuel at the on-site café, which offers a good selection of snacks, hot drinks, and light bites. It's a great spot to recharge while enjoying the views of Bournemouth Beach and to plan your next climb!

Pier Cave

Once my eldest was satisfied she'd climbed as many walls as she could, we headed to the Pier Cave which to their delight, was decorated for Halloween. 

Pier Cave consists of three separate caving tunnels, each colour coded with varying levels of difficulty. 

Once again, the staff explained what we were to expect and gave us a health and safety brief. My youngest wasn't keen so they very kindly stayed with her while I went in with Florence. We had such a giggle exploring our way through the dark cave and all the twists, turns, dips and bumps with our lit helmets. We enjoyed a ball fight in the ball pit. Phoebe loved watching us on the camera and didn't feel like she had missed out, but after a nap that afternoon asked if we could go back, typical!

Final Thoughts

RockReef Bournemouth is a fantastic destination for families seeking a fun activity.  It's well-organised, with a focus on safety and enjoyment, making it an excellent choice for both first-time adventurers and seasoned thrill-seekers. 

It's definitely going to be a regular activity and we'll no doubt be returning again very soon as my youngest is very keen to give it a go!