Southend Pier voted Pier of the Year 2023

April 5, 2023

Southend Pier has been awarded the coveted Pier of the Year award 2023 by the National Piers Society (NPS).

Following a record year for visitor numbers and two new electric trains coming into operation, NPS members voted for Southend Pier because they were impressed by the way in which older train carriages have been repurposed to form seating areas on the pier, by the mix of food and drink available in the brightly painted beach huts at the pier-end, and by the enthusiasm of pier volunteers.

Tim Wardley, national Piers Society chairman, said: “With visitor numbers tantalisingly close to breaking the half million a season mark, new attractions, and state-of-the-art pier trains, it is little surprise our members voted for Southend to receive the prestigious Pier of the Year award, made even more special as this year is nationally recognised as Year of the Pier.

“Southend Pier is a true survivor having withstood storms, fires, collisions and threats of closure to transform into the vital contributor to the resort's tourism and leisure economy it has become today.

“Southend-on-Sea City Council continue to demonstrate their commitment to the success of the pier through record investment, and I am delighted this year the coveted accolade goes to the iconic longest pleasure pier in the world. Congratulations Southend!'”

Southend Pier was voted the winner having competed against other famous and iconic piers including Cromer Pier which was voted in second place and Brighton Palace Pier in third place.

Mark Harvey, executive director, adults & communities at Southend-on-Sea City Council, added: “We are delighted that Southend Pier has been awarded the Pier of the Year award by The National Piers society. It is our city’s most treasured and historical icon, and we are extremely proud of this achievement.

“The pier is more popular than ever having welcomed 412,300 visitors last year – the highest number of visitors ever recorded in a single year, and 2023 is on course to continue this success with 37,000 visitors having already visited the pier in February, also a record for that month.

“We are seeing the results of ongoing investment into Southend Pier and regular events like the Halloween Parade, Santa on the Pier and LuminoCity which all help to boost visitor numbers. With an Easter trail coming up and visiting ships planned for the next few months, there’s more to do on Southend Pier than ever before!”

Visit the National Pier Society website for more details about the award and visit the official Southend Pier & Railway website to plan your next visit.