Southend Pier ranked Best Seaside Pier in Britain

April 29, 2025

Southend Pier has been ranked the best seaside pier in Britain, topping a national list that compared and evaluated over 60 of the finest piers across the nation.

The list, compiled by The Telegraph, assessed piers based on historical significance, amenities, condition, and links to Victorian heritage.

Southend Pier ranked higher than other famous piers such as Brighton Palace Pier, Cromer Pier, and Clacton Pier. This latest recognition follows Southend Pier and Railway being voted the number one icon in Essex earlier this month, leading Visit Essex’s "Top 50 Icons of Essex" list after a public vote involving more than 1,600 residents.

The pier's unique features, including its world-record 1.3-mile length, railway and museum, Royal Pavilion, RNLI station, food and drink options, proximity to a funfair and ferris wheel (Adventure Island) and Victorian hotel (Park Inn by Radisson Palace), all contributed to its top ranking.

These accolades add to the pier's previous recognition as the UK National Piers Society's "Pier of the Year" in 2023.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has shown its commitment to the pier's future through significant investments. The council has allocated £3.75 million for ongoing planned refurbishment and maintenance work from April 2027 to March 2030. This is in addition to £3.1 million already budgeted for the period from April 2024 to March 2027.

Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: "Southend Pier is a symbol of our city's heritage and ambition. The numerous national recognitions it has received reflect our commitment to preserving and enhancing this iconic landmark, and our strong civic pride, which is woven into everything we do. Our continued investment ensures that the pier remains a cherished landmark for generations to come."

Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism, and Business, added: "Being ranked as Britain's best pier is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved in maintaining and promoting Southend Pier. This accolade, along with our ongoing investments, highlights our commitment to preserving this iconic attraction for both residents and visitors."

For more information about Southend Pier and Railway, including upcoming events, visit the Southend Pier and Railway website.