Dorset Belles

In 1868 the first recorded pleasure excursion from Bournemouth Pier was by the steamer 'Fawn'. She was chartered for a trip to Spithead, where a review of the fleet was being held in honour of the Shah of Persia.

Since 1871 there has been a long association between Bournemouth Pier and pleasure steamers.

The principal paddle steamer operator on the Wessex coast was Cosen's of Weymouth 1918-1996. Fond memories abound of Monarch, Empress and Victoria, just some of their fleet of paddle steamers that regularly called at Bournemouth Pier.

Bournemouth Pier - Watercolour 1865

Many other local boats offering day trips and excursions also operated along the lovely Dorset coast, including the family of Dorset Belles built and operated by the Bolson family for many years at the Skylark Boatyard in Poole (now part of RNLI).

One of the first post-war boats Bolson's operated from the Pier was proudly given the name "Bournemouth Belle" and from then on the little fleet  were affectionately nicknamed "the Dorset Belles" by the holidaymakers.

To this day the tradition of pleasure cruises from the pier continue to the delight of Bournemouth holidaymakers, along with regular seasonal visits by the paddle steamer "Waverley" and her motorised companion "Balmoral"

Bournemouth Pier - circa 1960