Top 10 longest and best Great British piers

Born from practical necessity, Britain’s piers stand as a testament to simpler times, and a reminder that a visit to our seaside towns remains the ultimate family day out.

Originally constructed from the early 19th century as landing places for pleasure steamers, they evolved into must-visit destinations teeming with amusements, theatres, penny arcades and even swimming pools, where knobbly knees were celebrated and the fresh sea air would rejuvenate the soul. 

Around 50 of our piers still exist today, offering culture vultures, wildlife lovers and thrill-seekers of all ages the quintessential British experience. From Brighton to Blackpool, here’s our pick of the bunch…

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Southend-on-Sea Pier, Essex

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Walk or ride the train along the longest pier in the UK – and the world! 

We’re starting with the big one. Literally. Stretching out 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary, Southend-on-Sea Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world – and it has the Guinness World Record to prove it. If that sounds daunting, there’s a regular train that runs every 30 minutes. With a Selfie Signpost and attractions like the Wacky Wall of Mirrors, it’s a welcome mix of the old and new. The pier is situated within the Foreshore Nature Reserve, so keep an eye out for seals, whales and dolphins.

How to get there: 25 miles east of the M25 (J29), off the A127

Opening times: Open daily, 10.15am-8pm

Admission: Entry fees apply

For full information, visit the Southend-on-Sea website

Llandudno Pier, Conwy

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The longest pier in Wales, and the fifth longest in the UK, Llandudno Pier is the proud owner of its own 70ft ferris wheel. Designed and manufactured by Lamborghini, each of its 18 gondolas can hold up to six people. During the day, it provides stunning views over Llandudno Bay; at night, you’ll be enveloped within its 10,000 glistening lights – please note, it closes over the winter. Elsewhere, you’ll find two arcades, funfair rides, food, drinks and a designated fishing platform (permit required). 

How to get there: Five miles from J19 of the A55

Opening times: Open daily during the summer, 8am-10:30pm (see the website for other times of year) 

Admission: Free (costs may apply for individual attractions)

Bournemouth Pier, Dorset

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Surrounded by 10 miles of golden sand, Bournemouth Pier offers spectacular views across to the Isle of Wight and surrounding Purbeck Hills. 

Starting life as a simple wooden jetty in 1856, Bournemouth Pier was rebuilt as a tourist attraction in 1880. Today, the pier hosts a number of different events, including live music and Christmas events. You’ll also find a number of attractions ideal for families with an amusement arcade, helter skelter and even a zipwire! 

If you fancy a weekend break, Boundless members receive up to £46 in free benefits and can save up to 20% when booking a stay at the Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa.

How to get there: Follow signs from A338

Opening times: Open daily during the summer, 10am -10:00pm (see the website for other times of year) 

Admission: Free (costs may apply for individual attractions and events)

Cromer Pier, Norfolk

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Cromer Pier is a three-time winner of the National Piers Society’s ‘Pier of the Year’ prize. Central to the charm of this Grade II-listed Victorian pier is the Pavilion Theatre, home to the Cromer Pier Show – the only full-season end-of-pier show in the world, popular with visitors young and old. The pier is also a crabbing hotspot, but don’t worry if that catch of the day eludes you, as mascot Claude the Crab is often on hand/claw for anyone looking for a photo opportunity.

How to get there: 20 miles north of Norwich, off the A140 

Opening times: Open daily, 10am-5pm (see the website for restaurant and show times)

Admission: Free (costs may apply for individual attractions)

North Pier Blackpool, Lancashire

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The seaside resort of all seaside resorts, Blackpool has a trio of piers for its visitors to enjoy. Although serious pier enthusiasts might want to check out what each of the South, Central and North Piers has to offer, our pick of the bunch has to be the North Pier, which was restored to its former Victorian glory in 2011.

The oldest surviving pier created by prominent seaside architect/engineer Eugenius Birch, it’s also where Harry Corbett discovered the original Sooty puppet in a joke shop in 1948 – you can still see the oldest surviving version of the puppet on display here.  

Boundless members can benefit from up to 37% off attractions such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach with Kids Pass. Learn more about using your Kids Pass membership here.

How to get there: 20 minutes west of the M6, J32

Opening times: Open daily, 11am-8pm (visit the Blackpool Piers website for full entry and entertainment information) 

Admission: Entry to the pier is free, although costs may apply for individual attractions on the pier. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a separate attraction, with an admission charge.

Brighton Palace Pier, East Sussex

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An adrenalin seeker’s paradise where you can find appropriately named rides like the Turbo Coaster, Air Race and Wild River. When you’ve had enough of hurtling around roller coasters and other stomach-churning rides, side shows like Hook-a-Duck and Tin Can Alley offer a more leisurely alternative. Throw in the Palace of Fun arcade, a four-storey soft-play area, shops, kiosks and restaurants, and you have all the ingredients for the ultimate family day out. It even has its own Pierfest, a music and arts festival attracting performers from around the world.

Boundless members can make the most of seeing the sights in comfort with 20% off City Sightseeing bus tours using Kids Pass. After you’ve finished your tour, you can benefit from 5% off Brighton i360. See our guide on how to make the most of your Kids Pass membership.

How to get there: From the A27 in Patcham, drive south for 15 minutes

Opening times: Open daily, 10am-8pm 

Admission: Small entry fee applies (charges may also apply for individual attractions)

For more information, visit the Brighton Palace Pier website

Hastings Pier, East Sussex

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The essence of Hastings Pier is its iconic visitor centre. An architectural delight that opened in 2016, its striking cladding includes decking salvaged from the fire that destroyed the pier in 2010. Having once witnessed performances from legendary acts such as the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, it’s now a place for tranquil contemplation. On a sunny day, there’s no place better to do that than the Top Café. If the weather is against you then the Memories Café offers a cosy alternative.

How to get there: Take the A21 south from Royal Tunbridge Wells (approx. 40 mins)

Opening times: Sun-Thurs, 10am-10pm; Fri & Sat, 10am-11pm

Admission: Free (costs may apply for individual attractions)

For more information, visit the Hastings Pier website

South Parade Pier, Southsea

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Like so many of the UK’s piers, South Parade has an eventful history – not least because it has been destroyed by fire on three separate occasions, most recently during the making of Ken Russell’s film ‘Tommy’ in 1974. Today it’s a bustling destination with its arcade, Kidz Island funfair, and live performances at The Gaiety. It’s also a popular fishing spot – you can gaze over to the Isle of Wight as you wait for mackerel, garfish, pollack, bass, mullet, bream or scad to bite.

How to get there: Take the M275 to Portsmouth. South Parade Pier is then a 10-minute drive south

Opening times: Mon-Thurs, 11.30am-8pm; Fri-Sun, 11.30am-9pm 

Admission: Free (costs may apply for individual attractions)

For more information, visit the South Parade Pier website

Penarth Pier, Vale of Glamorgan

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The primary draw of this pier just south of Cardiff Bay is the magnificent art deco pavilion with its vaulted ceiling and imposing frontage that was opened in 1930. Housing live music, cinema, talks, theatre performances, art exhibitions and more, it offers something for everyone. With a focus on local produce, the pavilion’s café has food and drink to match its views over the Severn estuary. Free fishing is available between June and August.

How to get there: Follow the A4055 north through Dinas Powys. At the roundabout, turn right onto the A4160

Opening times: Mon-Thurs, 9.30am-5pm; Fri & Sat, 9.30am-9pm; Sun 9.30am-6pm 

Admission: Free entry (costs may apply for individual attractions)

For more information, visit this Penarth Pier web page

Writer's choice: Clevedon Pier, North Somerset

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Clevedon is the only place in the UK where you can visit a Grade 1-listed pier. With iron and wood working in perfect harmony as they survey the Severn Estuary, this beautifully designed Victorian structure is a perfect setting for a romantic stroll or some quiet alone time. Make sure you visit the porthole room for a chance to see the pier from below. It’s not just this writer who thinks Clevedon is the pier de résistance – it was voted Pier of the Year in 1999, 2013 and 2021.

How to get there: 10 minutes north of the M5, J20

Opening times: Open daily, 10am-4pm

Admission: Entry fees apply

For more information, visit the Clevedon Pier website

Boundless members can save up to 20% off a stay at Whitemead Forest Park which is less than an hour’s drive from Clevedon Pier, making it an ideal day out.

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