Best Seaside Pier - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Best Seaside Pier – THE iconic Southend Pier has been named the best seaside pier in Britain.

Leigh On Sea News: Best Seaside Pier - THE iconic Southend Pier has been named the best seaside pier in Britain.

THE iconic Southend Pier has been named the best seaside pier in Britain.

The landmark destination topped a national poll compiled by The Telegraph, which compared more than 60 piers across the country, assessed based on their historical significance, amenities, condition, and links to Victorian heritage.

Factors that saw Southend’ Pier soar to the top of the list ahead of Brighton Palace Pier, Cromer Pier, and Clacton Pier included its length, fairground, ferris wheel, theatre and eating amenities, Blue Flag beach, railway, Grade II-listed status, RNLI lifeboat station, and proximity to a Victorian hotel.

Southend Pier opened in 1830 and, extending into the Thames Estuary, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world at 1.3 miles long.

It was first made of iron, but this was replaced by wood in 1889, and since then has been the icon of the town, leading English poet and writer John Betjeman to comment: “The Pier is Southend; Southend is the Pier.”

The Pier’s popular railway, which opened in the early 1890s, was the first pier railway in the country.

Councillor 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.”

This latest accolade 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.

These accolades add to the Pier’s previous recognition as the UK National Piers Society’s ‘Pier of the Year’ in 2023.

Previous winners of The National Piers Society’s Pier of the Year Award include Llandudno, Cromer, Southend, Bangor Garth, Clevedon, Clacton, Worthing, and South Parade.

Southend Council has shown its commitment to the pier’s future by allocating £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.

Councillor 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.”

Picture: Southend Pier.

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