Brighton Palace Pier runs 1,722 feet (about 525 m) out into the English Channel from Madeira Drive, opposite the Old Steine. Doughnuts are fried to order at the stalls, the Booster spins riders upside down above the sea, and two arcades keep the 2p machines busy. Walk the planks, pick a ride, then sit in a deckchair with fish and chips and watch the waves. The pier opened in 1899 and is now the only one of Brighton's three piers still in operation. Rides are paid for separately, so choose your favourites before you start.
The third pier, opened in 1899
Brighton once had three piers: the Royal Suspension Chain Pier, the West Pier, which opened in 1866, and the Palace Pier. Work on the Palace Pier began in 1891 and took eight years. It opened on 20 May 1899, built as a company venture and described at the time as a people's palace above the sea.
The West Pier was its rival. It closed in 1975, was damaged by fire and storms, and burned in 2003. That leaves the Palace Pier as the only one of the three that visitors can still walk along.
The pier has had more than one name. It began as the Palace Pier, became known as Brighton Pier, and now goes by a combination of the two, Brighton Palace Pier. More than four million people visit in a year.
From concert hall to funfair
The early pier was built for refined entertainment. By 1901 it had a building with minaret corner towers that held dining, smoking and reading rooms and the first concert hall. By 1911 the concert hall had become a theatre. Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin are among the performers said to have appeared there. The theatre stood where the amusement park is now.
Over the decades more kiosks, food shops and souvenir stalls were added, and the pier shifted from a promenade to an entertainment venue. Today it still has a theatre-era feel in places, with deckchairs, filigree ironwork and a long run of wooden planking.
Rides, arcades and games
The fairground sits at the seaward end, and the walk there takes you past food stands, bars and the two arcades. The Booster is the big thrill ride. It hangs directly above the sea and spins riders upside down. The Turbo Coaster is the other fast one. Dodgems, a helter-skelter, a carousel and a haunted house cover the traditional rides, and cup and saucer rides suit the youngest children.
In the arcades, 2p machines and classic games are the draw. There is a ball-catching game called Catch 6 beside a model of Big Ben. A soft play area for children is also part of the pier.
Rides are not free. Tokens are bought on the pier on the day, and the entrance kiosk sells super-saver tickets.
What to eat on the pier
Doughnuts are made in front of you. They come out of the oil hot, go into a paper bag, and are tipped in sugar before you get them. Churros are the other stall favourite, so the only choice is which one.
Fish and chips, hot dogs, ice cream and candy floss are all sold along the pier. For something old-fashioned, look for Brighton Rock, the pink and white striped seaside sweet. The Palm Court Restaurant is the sit-down option, with an outdoor terrace, and there are bars if you want a drink with a sea view.
Starlings and the West Pier ruins
In winter, starlings put on an evening display over the sea. The best chance of seeing the murmuration is between November and March, in the early evening. The skeleton of the West Pier, standing in the water nearby, is a good place to look. Starlings from as far away as Scandinavia are said to join the local birds for the winter.
After dark the pier is lit up, which makes the evening a good time for photographs. In July the Paddle Round the Pier Festival is held on the water around it.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long is Brighton Palace Pier?
The pier is 1,722 feet long, about 525 metres, and runs out into the English Channel. Some sources round it to 500 metres.
Do the rides cost extra?
Yes. Rides are paid for with tokens bought on the pier, and the kiosk at the entrance sells super-saver tickets. These are worth a look if you plan to ride the Turbo Coaster.
How long do you need at Brighton Palace Pier?
Allow two to four hours to walk the pier, eat, and try a few rides or arcade games. You can easily spend longer if you have children.
When can you see the starlings?
The starlings gather around dusk, and the best chance is between November and March. Look towards the West Pier ruins in the early evening.
Is Brighton Palace Pier wheelchair accessible?
The pier has a wheelchair accessible entrance, lift and restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating.
Where is the pier and how do you get there?
It is on Madeira Drive in Brighton city centre, opposite the Old Steine. Buses stop at Old Steine and Palace Pier, depending on your route.
