The British seaside is set to make a comeback now that coronavirus restrictions have been eased. Although some foreign travel is now allowed, many people will choose to stay closer to home for their holidays this year.
This is a great opportunity to explore the UK’s beautiful coastline and visit some of the traditional piers which have long been iconic landmarks of the seaside.
With their unique blend of amusements, entertainment and stunning sea views, these sensational structures have become a cherished part of the British identity. To celebrate the start of the summer season, we’ve compiled this list of the best piers to visit during your next holiday by the sea.
Cromer Pier
There has been jetty in Cromer since 1391 but it wasn’t until the Victorian era that the seaside town got the long wooden structure we now recognise as a pier. Cromer Pier has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and today stands as a beacon of joy on the North Norfolk coast. Sadly, there’ll be no performances this year in the Pavillion Theatre, but the pier is still a wonderful place to stretch the legs and admire the sea views.
Brighton Pier
Britain’s best known pier has been entertaining holidaymakers for nearly two centuries. Brighton Palace Pier has a restaurant, fun palace, amusement arcade and funfair. Those looking for more natural entertainment will enjoy the panoramic views of Brighton’s seafront from the 525-metre long pier. The pier has recently introduced Covid-19 safety measures and social distance requirements, including the need for advance bookings for the restaurant and amusements.
Southend Pier
Southend Pier is a major landmark on the Essex coast with a cornucopia of attractions and amusements to keep visitors entertained. Extending an astonishing 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary, this Grade II listed building is the longest pleasure pier in the world. It’s so long, in fact, that it has its own railway to transport passengers to the pier head. However, in response to the covid crisis, the pier is only open to walk-ons for the foreseeable future. Sightseers can enjoy the stroll out to sea and sample some of the many treats available, such as traditional fish and chips, and many flavours of ice cream.
Clevedon Pier
The pier in Clevedon, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, is a little more low key than most seaside piers. Situated on the North Somerset coast, this antiquated structure has none of the amusements that encumber piers in other parts of the country. Clevedon Pier has a small museum and shop but that’s it. It’s easy to see why Sir John Betjeman described it as “the most beautiful pier in England.” It’s a refined structure and genteel attraction, perfect for quiet walks to enjoy views over the town and out to the sea.
Southwold Pier
Southwold Pier is yet another iconic pier that has been a major attraction on the coast of Suffolk for over 120 years. At 190 metres long, it is one of the shortest piers on our list. But what it lacks in length it makes up for in character. Attractions include an amusement arcade, water clock structure and the Wacky Walk of Mirrors. Visitors won’t go hungry at Southwold Pier, as there are numerous take away food options on the boardwalk.
Bournemouth Pier
Bournemouth Pier is a south coast beauty that is packed with attractions to keep people amused. The 255-metre long pier boasts an indoor play area and a range of adventure activities. One of the newest additions is a pier to shore zip wire which whizzes riders across the water to the beach. The pier is great for sightseers as it overlooks Bournemouth’s long, sandy beach with some fabulous sea views along the Dorset coast.
Llandudno Pier
For dramatic coastal scenery, Llandudno Pier is unmatched. This Victorian pier provides vistas over the water to the Great Orme headland and the spectacular north Wales coast. As well as an old-fashioned amusement arcade, visitors can enjoy regular live music and entertainment, plus a huge choice of snacks or sweet treats.
Dunoon Pier
Seaside piers have not weathered the storms so well in Scotland. But one historic pier remains a popular attraction and famous local landmark for the coastal resort of Dunoon in Argyll & Bute. For many decades, fleets of paddle steamers brought holidaymakers to the seaside retreat from Glasgow but this all ended in the 1960s. Dunoon Pier was falling into disrepair until a campaign to revitalise the local economy sparked a renovation project that has restored the iconic Victorian Pier to its former glory.
