Explore Brighton Pier – England’s Iconic Seaside Landmark

Welcome to Brighton Palace Pier, one of the UK's most iconic and entertaining coastal destinations. Stretching 1,722 feet over the English Channel, this Victorian-era pier is a symbol of British seaside tradition, buzzing with arcade games, thrilling rides, classic fish and chips, and panoramic sea views.
 

As your tour guide, I’ll help you navigate Brighton Pier’s top attractions, fun facts, best photo spots, travel tips, and nearby places to explore—ensuring you make the most of your seaside adventure.

📍 Quick Facts

Location: Brighton, East Sussex, England

Opened: May 20, 1899

Length: 1,722 feet (525 meters)

Original Name: Brighton Marine Palace and Pier

Operated by: Eclectic Bars Ltd

Entry Fee: Free

Best For: Families, couples, day-trippers, photographers

🕰️ A Brief History of Brighton Pier

Brighton Palace Pier has stood proudly over the water for more than a century. Its origin is rooted in the Victorian era, when piers were the height of seaside sophistication.

1891–1899: Construction began as a replacement for the old Royal Suspension Chain Pier.

1940s–1960s: Pier survived WWII and gained popularity in the post-war holiday boom.

1986: Ownership passed to the Noble Organisation.

2000: Renamed “Brighton Pier,” but the original name was reinstated in 2016 due to public demand.

It remains one of the few operational pleasure piers in the UK and is a nostalgic journey into traditional English seaside culture.

🎠 What to Do on Brighton Pier

🎢 1. Thrill Rides and Attractions

The funfair at the pier's end is a paradise for adrenaline seekers. Top rides include:

Turbo Coaster – High-speed thrills with sea views

Air Race – Spins, flips, and turns at dizzying speeds

Booster – Not for the faint-hearted

Dodgems – Family-friendly bumper car chaos

Helter Skelter – Classic spiraling slide fun

Rides use a token system. You can buy wristbands for unlimited rides.

🕹️ 2. Brighton Pier Arcade

Step inside and you’ll find a huge arcade filled with nostalgic and modern games:

Claw machines

Coin pushers

Dance Dance Revolution

VR simulators

Air hockey and racing games

💡 Tip: Don’t forget to collect tickets and trade them for prizes at the redemption counter.

🍟 3. Classic British Seaside Food

From candy floss to fresh fish and chips, Brighton Pier is bursting with classic UK comfort foods.

Top food spots:

Palm Court Restaurant – Sit-down fish & chips with sea views

The Doughnut Stand – Hot, sugary treats

Shellfish Bar – Oysters, prawns, and crab

Ice Cream Kiosks – Flavors from vanilla to bubblegum

Churros and crepes stands – Great for sweet-toothed visitors

🍺 You’ll also find bars serving pints, prosecco, and seaside cocktails with music.

📸 4. Best Photo Opportunities

🎭 5. Live Events & Entertainment

Brighton Pier hosts seasonal events and performances:

Summer music nights

Halloween on the Pier

Christmas lights & winter rides

Fireworks displays

Check the official Brighton Pier website for current event schedules.

🧭 How to Get to Brighton Pier

🚆 By Train

From London: Direct trains from London Victoria or London Bridge to Brighton Station (~1 hour)

From the station: 15-minute walk to the pier through the city center

🚗 By Car

Follow A23 south into Brighton

Use Madeira Drive or Palace Pier Parking Lot for closest parking

Pay-and-display available along the seafront

🚌 By Bus or Coach

National Express and Megabus serve Brighton

Local buses stop directly by the pier

🎟️ Tickets & Prices

Entry to Brighton Pier is free, but rides and arcade games require payment.

🎟️ Wristbands can be booked online in advance, often with discounts.

⏰ Opening Hours (2025)

Pier Grounds: Daily from 10:00 AM until late (~10:00 PM or later in summer)

Rides & Arcade: Open by 11:00 AM, close around 9:00–10:00 PM

Restaurants & Bars: Vary by venue

Always check weather and events as hours may change.

🧠 Fun Facts About Brighton Pier

Brighton Palace Pier attracts over 4 million visitors annually.

It weighs over 3,000 tons and is supported by cast-iron piles.

Was featured in movies like Brighton Rock and Quadrophenia.

Survived multiple storms and fires—resilience built into its design.

There’s a time capsule buried on the pier from its 100th anniversary!

🏖️ What to Do Nearby

🏝️ Brighton Beach

Pebble-lined and backed by colorful deck chairs, it’s the perfect place to sunbathe or take a dip in the sea.

🎨 Brighton i360

Ride the glass viewing pod up 162 meters for panoramic views of Brighton, the pier, and even the coast of France on clear days!

🛍️ The Lanes

Wander through narrow, historic alleyways filled with indie boutiques, jewelry stores, and quaint cafés.

🏛️ Royal Pavilion

Just a 10-minute walk from the pier, this exotic palace combines Indian and Chinese architectural styles—truly one of a kind!

🎭 Brighton Dome

Catch a concert, comedy show, or festival performance at this historic entertainment venue.

🧳 Ideal Day Itinerary at Brighton Pier

🛏️ Where to Stay Nearby

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

🎯 Why You Should Visit Brighton Pier

Perfect blend of nostalgia and fun

Great for all ages – from kids to couples

Authentic British seaside culture

Free entry and lots to do

Beautiful views of the English Channel

Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, Brighton Pier is a must-visit on any UK itinerary.