Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, reaching 1.33 miles (2.1 km) out into the Thames Estuary from Southend-on-Sea on England's east coast. You can walk the full length, ride the pier train, or walk one way and ride back. The farther out you go, the wider the sea views. At the far end you will find cafes, toilets, a gift shop and the RNLI lifeboat station. The pier's museum sits at the entrance.
From 1829 to today
The pier dates from 1829 and is 1.33 miles (2.1 km) long. For more than 100 years it has come through fires, storms, boat collisions and two world wars.
It remains one of the town's best-known landmarks, and the seafront promenade runs for about seven miles (11.2 km) alongside it.
Walking and riding
The walk takes about 40 minutes one way and comes to about 2.6 miles round trip. The train covers the distance in roughly 10 minutes from the shore to the end.
Ticket options include a return train ticket, a walk out with the train back, and a walk there and back. A standard fare of £7.50 has been quoted for the train, with £4.20 for people over 60. A return ticket for two adults and two children has been quoted at £13.80. Fares can change, so confirm them before you go.
At the end of the pier
The far end holds two cafes, toilets, a gift shop and the RNLI lifeboat station, which you can go inside. One of the cafes is where the television series Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast was filmed.
The end has also had a sandpit, a mini golf course and a pop-up bar with a DJ booth. Events are not always advertised clearly, so check what is on before you travel.
The pier museum
At the entrance, the museum is a living museum of the pier's history and of life in the resort. It holds original memorabilia and artefacts from the old pier workshops.
Adventure Island, an amusement park, is nearby if you want to continue the day there.
Step-free access and facilities
At the shore end, lifts link the upper pier level with the road-level train, and wheelchair users can board and leave the train without ramps. The planks on the walk are uneven in places, which can make pushing a wheelchair bumpy.
The pier has wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms, and an assistive hearing loop. A gift shop is at the shore end.
FAQ
How long does it take to walk the pier?
The walk takes about 40 minutes one way. The round trip is about 2.6 miles.
How much is the pier train?
A standard fare of £7.50 has been quoted, with £4.20 for people over 60. Fares can change, so check the official website before you go.
Is the pier wheelchair accessible?
Lifts link the upper pier level with the road-level train, and wheelchair users can board the train without ramps. The planks are uneven in places, so expect a bumpy push on the walk.
Is there a museum on the pier?
Yes, a living museum at the entrance covers the pier's history and life in the resort. It has been closed on some visits, so check before you go.
