Blackpool North Pier

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About Blackpool North Pier

Blackpool North Pier is the oldest and longest of the town's three piers, a Grade II listed Victorian pier with a traditional theatre and a sun deck at the seaward end. It has a quieter, more genteel atmosphere than its Central and South siblings.

The story of Blackpool North Pier

North Pier was opened in 1863, designed by Eugenius Birch — the most prolific pier engineer of the Victorian era — and built by the Blackpool North Shore Pier and Railway Company at a cost of £27,000. The pier was deliberately oriented northwards to catch the sun and was conceived as a promenade for the resort's more refined visitors. A theatre was added at the pier head in 1874, and the pier was battered by storms and fires throughout the 20th century, including a major blaze in 1933 that destroyed the landing stage. The current entrance buildings date from a mid-century rebuild.

Visiting with care

Open year-round with a small admission charge, the pier hosts seasonal variety shows and comedy at the North Pier Theatre. It is the most sedate of Blackpool's piers — ideal for a stroll and a cream tea — and catches the afternoon sun on its north-facing deck.

Interesting facts

• The oldest of Blackpool's three piers, opened in 1863.
• Designed by Eugenius Birch, the foremost Victorian pier engineer.
• The North Pier Theatre dates from 1874 and still stages variety shows.
• Grade II listed and deliberately angled north to maximise sun exposure.