Nearest Piers UK and Ireland
When we think of a traditional seaside town most of us automatically think of the Victorian pier. Our Piers category brings all Coast Radar’s listings related to the traditional seaside pier together, where most now offer family entertainment and places to eat.
Finding the best things to see and do on a day out with your family or friends is easy – simply explore the piers links below, hit the jump to my location button or use the search bar to plan your next UK and Ireland activity.
- Wellington Pier in Great Yarmouth on the Norfolk coast is an entertainment complex with an amusement arcade, bowling alley and casino hall. The 700ft wooden pier was first opened in 1853. Today it offers a range of attractions for all the family. There is a gift shop, café and bar on site. More details: www.wellington-pier.co.uk
- Claremont Pier was constructed in 1902/03 and used originally as a mooring for Belle steamers. The pier was designed by D. Fox at 182 m in length and 11 m in width. In 1912, it was extended to a length of 230 m. A storm in 1962 washed a section of it away, reducing its length to 218 meters.
- Totland Bay Pier pier was constructed of a light girder framework on cast iron piles and a timber deck in the late 1870’s. Now in a dilapidated state and its long-term future seems insecure.
- Saltburn Pier located in Saltburn-by-the-Sea is the last pier remaining in Yorkshire. Construction started in 1867 and the 1,500 feet (460 m) pier opened in May 1869, with a steamer landing stage at the head of the pier and two circular kiosks at the entrance. Access to the pier was difficult from the town via the steep cliff so a wooden Cliff Hoist was constructed in 1870 that allowed 20 people to be placed in a wooden cage and then lowered by rope to beach level.
- The Yarmouth Pier is the only pier left in The British Isles that is totally constructed from wood. It is “T” shaped and 609ft long.
- Torquay Pier was built in the 1890s but has the appearance of a harbour wall protecting the marina. The pier is also known as Torquay Princess Pier.
- Work commenced on Teignmouth pier in 1865 and was completed during 1867 and it was placed in the middle of a long stretches of sandy beach.
- Mumbles Pier is a Victorian pier first built in 1898. At 835ft long, it is an iconic landmark for south Wales, located near the village of Mumbles in the south-eastern corner of Swansea Bay. The pier is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment as it had fallen into disrepair. It is expected to reopen towards the end of 2013 and the restored pier will also include a new RNLI lifeboat station.
- The last of the 3 piers work began on Blackpool’s third pier in 1892 to the design of T P Worthington. Originally known as the Victoria Pier it opened in 1893. Blackpool South Pier offers bars, ammusement arcades and a fairground includig dodgem cars and thrilling rides. The pier also provides an excellent vantage point from which to view Blackpool’s pleasure beach accross the promenade.
- Felixstowe Pier is a wooden pier built in 1905 and designed by the Rogers Brothers. The pier extended to a length of 2,640ft (800m) and was little more than a promenade deck, with railings along the entire length, and a T-shaped landing stage at the head. A large pavilion was at the shoreward end. The pier deck had an electric tramway takeing passengers and luggage to the steam boats. The pier was partly demolished for safety reasons and due to lack of funds looks set to disappear in the near future. Note that due to the lack of development plans the state of the pier could change. If anyone has an update please leave a comment.
- Penarth Pier is one of the last remaining Victorian piers in Wales. The pier opened in February 1895 and the original structure was of cast iron with a timber deck. A wooden pavilion was added to the pier-head in 1907. In the 1920s the pier had enhancements of a reinforced concrete landing stage and an art deco pavilion. On August Bank Holiday Monday 1931 a fire destroyed the pier and the wooden pavilion was not replaced.
- Walton pier was originally built to a length of 530 feet in the 1870s but due to shallow water was extended in 1898 to a length of 2600 feet and is the second longest pier in Great Britain. Facilities on the pier include a large undercover amusement arcade at the shoreward end which has ten-pin bowling centre. There are fairground rides and a rail-less ‘train’ that takes passengers to the pier-head where there is fishing.
