11 UK seaside towns with beautiful old-fashioned British piers you simply have to visit
There's nothing quite like the Great British seaside and piers are a key part of what makes the UK coast so special. From Brighton to Llandudno, these piers are enjoyed by people of all ages from children to the elderly - they never loose their charm.
No matter where you are in the country, you likely won't be far from one of these iconic spots and while the sun is shining, it's worth a visit.
11. Brighton
Brighton Pier attracts millions of visitors and continues to provide fun rides and arcade games alongside a huge range of dining locations.
It remains a popular icon of the British seaside and has been named as a Grade II listed structure.
Today, over £1million a year to keep us standing for generations to come.
(Image: Getty Images)
10. Bournemouth
The pier's first origins were in 1856, when a 100-foot wooden jetty was completed on the beach.
In 1880, at a cost of £21,600, Bournemouth Pier was opened by the lord mayor of London in August.
Today, the pier is home to a huge amount of attractions and in 2024, it opened the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire to celebrate 10 years of operation.
(Image: Getty Images)
9. Eastbourne Pier
Eastbourne Pier is a traditional English seaside pier with a variety of shops, arcades, a camera obscura, nightclub and much more.
You can enjoy the seaside whilst taking a stroll along the Victorian boardwalk and enjoying views of Eastbourne from the sea.
One visitor on Tripavdisor said: "My daughter and I enjoyed the pier. Some cute shops and arcades.
"We also enjoyed the crazy golf. There were also plenty of places to eat (mostly shacks) and a bar."
(Image: Getty Images)
8. Llandudno Pier
Llandudno Pier was named as the pier of the year in 2025.
Located in North Wales, Llandudno’s north shore Victorian promenade stretches out 2,295 feet (700m) into the Irish Sea, making it Wales’s longest Pier, and the fifth longest in the UK.
(Image: Getty Images)
7. Saltburn Pier
Saltburn pier was the first iron pier to be built on the North East Coast.
The pier opened in 1869 and was an immediate success, with over 50,000 visitors during its first six months.
One person who visited on Tripadvisor said: "Free to walk the pier. A lovely little walk along the boards to the end of the pier taking in the beach, landscape, surfers and colourful beach huts. A lovely way to look back to shore and watch the Saltburn Tramway."
(Image: Getty Images)
Daily Express
