Exploring Brighton Pier and the Seafront

Located across from Old Steine, the Palace Pier isn’t the first iteration of a pleasure pier in Brighton. It’s actually the third that was built, the first two ended up getting destroyed, the Royal Suspension Chain Pier in a storm in 1896 and the West Pier fell into disrepair and was the victim of a couple of arson attacks in 2003. Richard St George Moore constructed and designed the pier which was inaugurated in 1891 but officially opened in 1899 and originally named the Brighton Marina Palace. The pier was successful from the get-go and people flocked to Brighton’s newest landmark. In the early 1900s a series of amusement machines were installed on the pier, along with a theatre where comedians such as Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel performed in the early stages of their careers. The distinctive clock tower was added in the 1920s after the pier was expanded. During the Second World War, the pier was under strict instruction from the War Office to close down as a security precaution. When the war came to an end, the pier reopened and the crowds were once again able to enjoy everything the pier had to offer. In the years following the war, the pier continued to develop and stand as a pillar of leisure in Brighton. Fairground rides were added and entertainment events continued to be held on the pier, with the Spice Girls even performing in 1996. The pier was renamed the Brighton Palace Pier by new owners in 2016. Today, the pier remains popular amongst visitors and locals alike, and is one of England’s most visited free attractions, amassing on average 4 million visitors per year.

The pier is full of fun activities for the whole family. 

There are many rides and attractions, including a carousel, a roller coaster, a haunted house, a helter skelter and even a cup-and-saucer ride. They also have a Fantasia ride which is beloved amongst younger children. Visitors can buy wristbands to enjoy rides and prices vary between £17 and £30. 

The pier also features a game arcade called the “Palace of Fun”, where visitors of any age can enjoy a wide variety of different games.They also put on various shows and kid’s parties visitors can take part in. 

You will also find a few different food and drink stalls if you need a little pick-me-up in the midst of all these activities. 

Overall, the pier makes for a fantastic viewpoint of Brighton and its seafront. Going either at sunrise or sunset can be very rewarding as the colours reflect onto the city and the perspective offered by standing at the end of the pier is unlike any other in the area. Whether you’re in the mood to contemplate the fleetingness of moments like sunsets or want to capture it with a camera, this experience won’t disappoint. 

Once you feel ready to leave the pier head on down to the beachfront to enjoy the liveliness of the rocky beach. This is the perfect spot to grab a drink or dinner with a spectacular view of the sea and the pier, and enjoy the warm and vivacious atmosphere. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite spots along the seafront. 

The Salt Room is a fantastic modern seafood restaurant with uninterrupted views of the seafront. The perfect place for a nice dinner among family and friends, it’s cozy, fresh and inviting. 

Lucky Beach is a cool burger joint right on the beach, as the name suggests. It’s the perfect spot for a mid-beach day brunch or dinner location to meet up with friends after a day of exploring the city. 

The Regency is a great old fashioned restaurant that serves up timeless classics.The outdoor seating area is also perfect to soak up the sun on a warm summer day. 

Riddle & Finns is a spectacular restaurant with some of Brighton’s most exceptional views. The oyster and champagne bar serves up some fantastic fresh seafood and is a gorgeous spot for a more luxurious beach outing.  

Tempest Inn is the perfect place to grab a drink with a few friends. Located right on the beach, they serve some wonderfully creative cocktails along with all the classic drinks. If you get hungry, they also have some delightful finger food, perfect for sharing. 

A little bit off of the seafront, we also love The Mesmerist. This pub always has a great atmosphere and serves some fantastic and unusual drinks which makes for a great going out experience. 

• The pier can get rather busy on sunny days, weekends or bank holidays. The beachfront can also become very crowded on a hot summer day or during a heat wave. 
• The pier is accessible, and so is the beachfront pedestrianised area but the beach itself is hilly and rocky and can be tricky to navigate for persons with a disability. 
• The pier is free to access and walk along but the rides, attractions and arcade require paying admittance. 
• The pier opens at 10 every day, most rides close between 6 and 8pm and food stalls close at 8pm during the week and 10pm on weekends. 

By foot: 

• The pier and beachfront are located in the city centre and therefore very easily accessible by foot. It is hard not to find the beachfront and there are many signs to indicate directions to the pier. 

By public transport: 

• If you are taking the bus to the pier, get off at Old Steine, most bus routes travel through this stop. Here’s more information about bus schedules and routes that are available to take visitors to that stop.