- Brighton Palace Pier is in East Sussex, England.
- Grade II*
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Brighton Palace Pier
Brighton Palace Pier is the last surviving of the three great piers that once graced the resort, a Victorian pleasure pier packed with fairground rides, arcade games and food stalls. Its distinctive domed pavilion at the seaward end has been a landmark on the Sussex coast for over a century.
The story of Brighton Palace Pier
The pier was opened in 1899, designed by R. St George Moore and built by the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier Company at a cost of £27,000. It succeeded the Chain Pier of 1823, which had fallen into disrepair and was destroyed by a storm in 1896. Originally the pier featured a grand pavilion for 1,400 people and a separate bandstand, with entertainments from orchestral concerts to variety shows. A major fire in 2003 destroyed the amusement arcade on the shoreward end, which was later rebuilt. The pier was Grade II* listed in 1976.
Visiting with care
Open year-round with free admission, the pier is busiest in summer when the fairground rides are fully operational; arrive early or after 5 pm to avoid the worst queues. It sits in the heart of Brighton, a short walk from the seafront hotels and the Lanes, and is well served by public transport.
Interesting facts
- Opened in 1899 and originally known as the Brighton Marine Palace and Pier.
- It is the only survivor of three piers that once served Brighton — West Pier burned, and the Chain Pier was destroyed in 1896.
- The pier is 1,722 feet (525 metres) long.
- Grade II* listed, the highest rating of any pleasure pier in England.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.