pier

BLACKPOOL Pleasure Beach has opened a brand-new attraction that you may have seen before.

The new love-lock installation is similar to ones found in Paris, New York and parts of London.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Yesterday, Blackpool‘s Central Pier opened its new addition, a huge, red, love-lock installation.

Text on the heart reads ‘Heart of Central Pier’, ‘We Love Central Pier’.

The new display allows couples and visitors to attach their own padlocks to the heart, which is a trend that occurs in cities all over the world.

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Visitors can buy a new lock and attach it to the heart frame, they can be bought from the ride pay boxes for £5 each.

The new installation has been met with positivity, one person wrote on Facebook: “Blackpool is where i found my Teen love after nearly 35 yrs so deffo want to buy 1 for here.”

Another said: “We coming on friday and its our 20 year anniversary so will defo be doing this x.”

Love locks are a trend in cities across the world, the largest being on the 400-metre-long Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany.

It’s considered the world’s largest and most famous love-lock bridge.

Another famous display is the Pont des Arts in Paris.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is taking steps closer to building a ride that will be “tallest of its kind” – a record-breaking gyro-swing called Aviktas.

The ride will carry 40 people at a time, swinging them through a massive 120-degree arc that reaches 138ft above the promenade.

An exact open date hasn’t been confirmed, but the ride is expected to welcome its first passengers later in the year.

It has been a beloved seaside landmark for over 200 years, where families can explore its rich history and enjoy a ride on its historic train for just a few pounds

For just a few pounds per person, families can explore the world’s longest pleasure pier right here in the UK – complete with its own railway whisking you off to a day on the waterfront.

Southend Pier isn’t your average seaside attraction but a major landmark sitting proudly in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, holding the title of the world’s longest pleasure pier. It extends an impressive 2.14km, or 1.33 miles, into the water.

Jutting out into the Thames Estuary, the pier was originally built in 1829, before welcoming the public in 1889.

Through the decades it has evolved and been reimagined into the pier that visitors and residents recognise today, having survived several catastrophic blazes.

Throughout the 1970s, the cherished pier fell into disrepair, prompting the council to announce plans to shut it down in 1980. But it wasn’t long before residents rallied together with passionate protests to save their treasured landmark, and by 1983, restoration work was approved.

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A revitalised pier, featuring a modernised railway system, welcomed visitors once more in 1986, though troubles for the structure weren’t quite over.

Fires in both 1995 and 2005 wreaked havoc on the pier’s timber planking and decking, necessitating multiple rounds of reconstruction.

There’s also a museum situated along the pier offering deeper insight into Southend Pier’s 200-year story, covering everything from the calamities to the entertainment and its wartime contribution.

Featuring original artefacts from the early days, old penny slot machines and a simulated train driver experience, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained.

Families can now revel in this remarkable slice of British seaside heritage, enjoying rides, stalls, food and drink while taking a leisurely stroll out towards the sea.

For those who’d rather not walk, they can jump aboard the train, which runs along the pier every half hour.

One visitor took to TripAdvisor to share: “We were lazy and took the train instead of walking. Stepping on to the train is like stepping back in time. The train was from a different era, which was interesting.

“It didn’t go too fast, but we just didn’t feel like walking. It was cute to watch children who were walking with their parents try to race the train. The pier is very pleasant even on a cold day.”

Visiting

Perhaps the biggest draw of a trip to Southend Pier is just how affordable it is. Entry currently costs adults £3.10, while children and concessions pay £2.10.

For a little extra, families can combine pier entry with unlimited train journeys for as little as £19.50 with a full family ticket.

Those looking to swap the amusements for a peaceful day by the water might want to consider a fishing pass. Locals can turn up with all their gear and enjoy a full day’s fishing, provided they stick to the pier’s guidelines.

One visitor shared: “We decided to walk the pier, and the driver of the train waved each time he passed. Ice cream was lovely and views amazing. Worth the 1.3 miles there and back.”

Another happy visitor added: “Visited here recently with friends. A lovely long pier that’s perfect for a nice walk from the coast or a train ride if you prefer!

“It’s ticketed and does cost a few pounds to enter, but it was worth it personally, as I’ve never seen or experienced such a long pier before!”

The pier welcomes visitors daily between 10:15am and 5pm, with last entry permitted one hour before closing time.

The Redondo Beach Pier reopened Sunday afternoon, hours after police and city officials ordered its evacuation for reasons law enforcement has declined to disclose.

The Redondo Police Department issued its initial evacuation order at about 11 a.m. through the city’s alert system.

“Police Activity on the Pier. Anyone in the area of the pier is requested to evacuate safely,” the statement read. “Catalina [Avenue] between Torrance [Boulevard] and Beryl [Street] are closed. Please stay away from the pier area until further notice.”

The department issued an update on X at 11:57 a.m. saying that the pier would remain closed until further notice.

At 2:21 p.m., the department sent out another message through the city’s alert system saying that police activity had concluded and that pier and its surrounding area were once again open to the public.

Redondo Beach City Councilmember Brad Waller weighed in on the evacuation in the comments section of BeachLife’s initial postponement announcement on Facebook.

“There was a threat made to the pier, and the area was evacuated to allow the police and dogs to clear the area,” Waller wrote. “Police are still going over the pier area and have expanded to BeachLife. There was no threat made to BeachLife, but out of an abundance of caution, they want to ensure that the area is safe before thousands of people enter. The pier area and BeachLife space were searched, and nothing was found. BeachLife should be ready to open and proceed.”

The Times has reached out to the Redondo Beach Police Department for more information.

The evacuation came on the last day of the Redondo Beach-set BeachLife Festival, which was scheduled to open at noon and feature performances by My Morning Jacket, Peach Pit, Sheryl Crow and James Taylor.

In a social media announcement, organizers for the festival said the start of Sunday’s event would be delayed at least an hour.

“Safety comes first. In cooperation with our public safety professionals in the City, out of an abundance of caution, we have coordinated to temporarily delay doors until 1 p.m. due to ongoing police activity on the Redondo Pier near Torrance Boulevard,” BeachLife wrote in the statement.

In a subsequent post that went live at 1:43 p.m., the organization said it had been given the all-clear to open its doors to the public.

“Per the direction of local safety officials, we have been given the go ahead to safely open doors momentarily,” the statement said. “We appreciate the patience from our community and look forward to a wonderful of day of sun, fun, and great music.”

ONE of the longest piers in the UK has taken the next steps to reopen.

Southport Pier was forced to close back in 2022 due to safety concerns over the stability of it.

However it was announced last year that £20million was being put into its reopening, and works have now started.

Local website Stand Up for Southport confirmed that contractors are now doing pre-construction work, with the full restoration expected to take up to 16 months.

This includes replacing the decking, as well as adding new gates and CCTV, while fixing the steelworks as well.

Sefton Council said: “The first task contractors will have is to assess the current condition of the existing paintwork on the structure’s columns. We want to ascertain if there has been any deterioration since previous assessments were undertaken.

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“If the condition is good it can be left as is, however if not we will also need to repaint the whole structure as part of the repair works.

“This pre-construction work will take at least five days to complete. Following this we’ll shortly be moving onto the ground investigation stage within the coming weeks, which checks the stability of the ground underneath and around the Pier for materials like scaffolding.”

Southport Pier is the oldest iron pier in the UK, dating back to 1860, and is the second longest (only behind Southend Pier).

However, the original pavilion was destroyed in 1897 by a fire, with another fire in 1959 damaging the decking.

It was later given Grade II listing in 1975. with a new £7million tram in 2002.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, previously said: “The Pier is a symbol of Southport’s identity, history, and now, thanks to the Council and Central Government, secured for the town’s future too.”

And it’s not just the pier that was at risk, but Southport’s beach as well.

New studies have found that the increase in sand will lead to increased vegetation – essentially turning the coastline into mud.

THE UK’s ‘Golden Mile’ is getting a major revamp and now it has been named as the home of the country’s best pier.

Great Yarmouth’s Britannia Pier has been named the Pier of the Year.

In the annual National Piers Society’s (NPS) competition, the pier beat 62 other seaside piers around the UK.

According to the BBC, NPS chairman Tim Wardley said: “Huge congratulations to the worthiest of winners who have shown that in challenging economic times, investment is still the way forward to success.”

The pier’s co-owner Joseph Abbott also added: “We feel this is a huge testament to us as new owners for the work, time and investment we have put in since our takeover in December 2022.”

The pier, which recently underwent a £2.2million revamp, was originally built in 1858 as one of the original Victorian timber-framed piers in the UK.

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Over the years, the Britannia Pier on the Norfolk coast has undergone a number of transformations including being destroyed and rebuilt after a fire in 1958.

Thanks to the recent £2.2million revamp the pier has several new features including an upgraded amusement arcade, entrance and the end-of-pier Britannia Pier Theatre – which is one of only five remaining in the UK.

And there are new food stalls and rides too.

Current owners, who bought the pier back in 2022, are keen to make the pier “a must-visit attraction for holidaymakers and the community to enjoy year-round – with a strong line-up of acts, events, shows and family-friendly activities”.

The pier isn’t the only destination in the seaside town to see a change.

Over the coming years, Great Yarmouth will undergo an extensive £40million glow-up.

There will be several projects taking place including opening the 19th century Maritime House and the Iron Duke art deco pub.

The Maritime House, which can be found on the seafront, has been abandoned for five years now.

It was originally a safe house for sailors who became shipwrecked nearby but has seen a number of different uses over the years including being a museum and a tourist information centre.

When it finally reopens, which is expected to be this spring, it will house a cafe and a number of flats.

The Iron Duke pub which closed back in 2007, will also reopen this year following a £2.4million renovation.

The Victorian Winter Gardens will get a major makeover as well, set to cost £18million.

The Grade-II listed landmark is the UK’s last surviving Victorian seaside cast iron and glass winter gardens and will reopen next year as the ‘People’s Palace’ and include indoor gardens, cafes and entertainment venues.

The final project will involve a £20million transformation of the North Quay, which is expected to take a few years.

Eventually the area will include shops, homes and leisure venues, such as a ‘Leisure Box’ which will include a multi-screen cinema and 120-room hotel.

If you are visiting the seaside town, make sure to visit the beach which is often dubbed ‘the Golden Mile’.

One recent visitor said in a review on Google: “First time at Great Yarmouth and we loved it!

“Really clean, lots of places to eat from, lots of attractions for the kids.

“Will definitely be coming again.”

Another visitor said in a review on Google: “Place looks like Miami and is perfect for beach and casinos.”

For somewhere to stay, you could head to Parkdean Resorts Vauxhall Holiday Park that has a number of new attractions and family activities.

And you can stay there with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50, as there’s still breaks available for this year.

In other seaside news, here are Britain’s hidden seaside holiday towns where you can dodge sky-high prices and book stunning breaks from just £49.

Plus, here are seven great UK seaside towns with beachfront theme parks – and you can stay with Hols from £9.50.

The pier has been extensively redeveloped and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s top seaside family attractions, perfect for a day out by the sea

When Brits picture a quintessential pier experience, their minds often drift to the likes of Blackpool or Brighton, while overlooking one of the UK’s finest piers.

Yet nestled in the South West, along the Bristol Channel in North Somerset, lies a coastal gem that delivers a pier experience unlike any other.

Weston-super-Mare pulled out all the stops when it decided to elevate its Grand Pier, preserving its heritage while simultaneously raising the bar on the main seafront stretch.

Today it caters to modern families in exactly the way a holiday spot should, boasting an indoor venue packed with excitement, entertainment and all the British seaside essentials.

Originally opening as the Grand Pier in 1904, it has since achieved listed building status, safeguarding a rich history of seaside tourism in Weston.

However, during this period, the pier has evolved from a simple viewing platform to a comprehensive attraction offering hours of amusement.

Sadly for visitors and residents alike, throughout its existence, the pier has been devastated twice by fires, the first in 1930 and subsequently in 2008. It was the 2008 disaster which granted it a completely fresh start and ushered in the reconstruction of the pier as it stands today.

In 2009, North Somerset Council gave the green light to proposals for a new pier to be constructed, with contractors John Sisk and Son chosen to build a new pavilion.

The revamped Grand Pier threw open its doors for the half-term holiday on 23 October 2010, with an official reopening for the tourist season the following July.

While the pier still offers traditional seaside rock, fish and chips and a host of arcade games — including the much-loved 2p machines — there is a great deal more on offer these days.

Fifteen years on, it continues to delight families seeking a fun-filled day out, with activities spread across two floors and stunning views of the surrounding sea.

Top indoor attractions include a house of horrors, glow-in-the-dark go-karts, mini golf, a free fall ride, a sidewinder ride, dodgems and much more besides.

One visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “We spent pretty much the whole day there and could easily go again the next day as we didn’t do everything (didn’t make it to soft play for the little ones) even though we did do the ghost train twice!

“Absolutely great day out at a beautiful venue. Wristbands are great value for money, and so much is included. 100% recommend – great destination. We will be back!”

On arrival, guests can pay a £2 entry fee per person at the door, or book tickets in advance to save the hassle of carrying loose change.

The pier’s website features a range of deals, including unlimited ride access or combined entry and ride packages for the whole family, making advance booking both straightforward and cost-effective.

As with any pier, visitors should expect to part with some money once they reach the pavilion, with individual attractions and games each carrying their own separate charges.

There’s no need to head off-site for a bite to eat either, as the Grand Pier has your mealtimes well and truly sorted with its range of cafés and dining options.

From classic fish and chips to sugary doughnuts, ice creams and more, the pier has everything you’d need for a perfect summer’s day or seaside trip.

A recent visitor shared: “Can clearly see a lot of thought and investment has gone into the grand pier. The couple of hours we spent there were enjoyable.

“There’s something and everything for all ages. Even if it’s just sitting out on a nice sunny day enjoying a nice drink. £2 entrance fee doesn’t break the bank.”

Weston-super-Mare is also home to a second pier, though there’s little in the way of entertainment on offer, as it remains derelict. Birnbeck Pier stands as a piece of history and a listed building, currently undergoing restoration work with hopes of reopening sometime in 2027.

Having first welcomed visitors in 1867, the once-stunning structure has lain dormant since 1994. Weston hopes to see it restored to its former glory, breathing fresh life into the seaside town as the only pier in the UK connected to an island.

One Yorkshire pier was once dubbed the “unluckiest pier in the world” after a series of disasters saw numerous ships crash into the structure during its short life

A tiny seaside town in Yorkshire was once home to what became known as the world’s most cursed pier. During the Victorian era, piers emerged as a must-see attraction for seaside visitors, prompting the construction of one in the town of Withernsea.

Built between 1875 and 1877, Withernsea Pier had a remarkably brief existence, shutting down by 1893 and being completely demolished by 1903. Today, all that remains on the site are the striking castellated pier towers, which lead down towards the beach.

The pier’s fleeting lifespan was the result of a series of catastrophic incidents, earning it the notorious title of the “unluckiest pier in the world”, with multiple vessels smashing into the structure throughout its operational years.

The pier’s unfortunate saga began during construction in 1875, when a crane gave way, crushing and killing a 17-year-old boy.

Then in 1877, a fierce storm loosened sections of the construction, which subsequently plunged into the sea, destroying one strut and warping girders. This setback delayed the pier’s official opening and required £200 worth of repairs.

The calamities continued, and on October 28, 1880, a devastating North Sea storm saw two vessels plough into the pier. Fishing boat Jabaz struck the pier and went down, claiming the lives of four sailors in the tragedy.

Meanwhile, a coal barge named Saffron slammed into the pier, tearing a 150-180 foot gap through its centre. That same night, the storm obliterated the nearby Hornsea Pier and sent another vessel crashing into Redcar Pier.

Three years later, on March 6 1883, another storm hit and washed away part of the pier, including the section that had been hit by the Saffron years earlier.

The ill-fated pier would then suffer yet another blow, when the fishing vessel Genesta came crashing into it on October 20 1890, destroying more than half of the structure in the process.

On this occasion, there was just one casualty, the captain of the ship, while the crew were luckily rescued from the sea.

What little remained of the pier was damaged even further on March 22, when the Henry Parr ploughed into it during a violent storm, leaving just 50 feet of the structure standing.

It came as little surprise when the remaining section was declared unsafe, and the last remnants were torn down by 1905.

In more recent times, proposals to reconstruct the structure were drawn up, backed by funding from the East Coast Communities Fund, the National Lottery and local fundraising efforts.

In January 2020, the cost of rebuilding was put at £8 million, though the plans were ultimately shelved in 2023 after East Riding Council concluded they were “no longer viable.”

While the ambition to restore the pier has been abandoned, the distinctive castle towers still stand to this day, leading visitors down towards the seafront.

SEASIDE lovers are in for a treat as an iconic pier is finally re-opening today.

The historic 145-year-old pier is back in business after a grueling six-month closure that left locals and tourists high and dry.

Hythe Pier, which stretches a whopping 700 yards into Southampton Water, has undergone a massive “deep clean” and vital electrical upgrades to make it ship-shape for the public.

And the best part is it’ll cost sun-seekers just £1 to take a stroll and soak up the stunning coastal views.

Local leaders are hailing the move as a massive “first step” in bringing the Hampshire town’s “beating heart” back to life.

The pier, which first opened its doors in 1881, was forced to shut last year due to safety concerns and infrastructure wobbles.

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But thanks to a band of dedicated volunteers and local businesses, the Grade II-listed structure is ready for action once again.

A spokesperson for the Hythe Pier, Train and Ferry Group previously said: “We could see how incredibly important it was that we bring our much-loved pier back to the community.

“Every £1 you spend goes back into the pier, supporting its future. Come and walk the full length, take in the views, and be part of this next chapter.”

The pier is also home to a historic ferry train which having opened in 1922 makes it the world’s oldest, a feat recognised by Guinness World Records.

While the walkway is officially open from 10am today, fans of the pier’s world-famous railway will have to wait a little longer.

Work is still ongoing to get the vintage carriages and the ferry service back on track, but bosses are “hopeful” the full service will be restored soon.

Hythe councillor Malcolm Wade said: “It’s really good news that it has been opened so residents can go up and down the pier again.”

The pier’s reopening is a major shot in the arm for the quaint town, which relies on the landmark to draw in thousands of visitors every year.

HEADING to a seaside pier during the summer is a staple part of a UK staycation – and one popular pier will have free entry for the next three years.

Bournemouth Pier has announced that it is scrapping its entry fees until at least the end of October 2029.

The announcement is part of a move to encourage people to visit the pier, supporting the local economy and tourism in the region.

In a post on Instagram, the pier commented: “No toll. No barriers. Just the pier, as it should be.

“We’ve teamed up with BCP [Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole] Council to keep Bournemouth Pier open and accessible for everyone, indefinitely.

“After a hugely positive first year, the toll suspension isn’t just staying… it’s becoming part of the future.

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“More visitors, more energy, more reasons to spend time by the sea.”

The post added that there will be “pop-ups landing throughout the year” as well.

The pier can be found on Bournemouth Beach, which features golden sand and stretches for seven miles.

On the pier, there are a number of different attractions including RockReef – an indoor climbing centre at the end of the pier, that has 28 themed walls of different difficulties, costing from £20 per session.

There’s also PierZip – the world’s first pier-to-shore zip line – which costs £27 per person.

These aren’t the only adrenaline-based activities visitors can get stuck into…

Kids can have a go at the aerial course, suspended six metres above the ground, costing £11.50 per person.

And they can venture into the Piercave, which features three tunnels to crawl through and a large ball pit.

It also costs £11.50 per person.

Or they could try the Leap of Faith or drop down the Vertical Slide.

A two-hour session including the climbing, aerial course, Piercave, Vertical Slide and Leap of Faith costs £36 per person.

After burning energy at the different attractions, visitors can grab something to eat at Key West Restaurant where you can pizza costs as little as £14.95 or a cream tea will set you back £9.50.

If you just need a caffeine fix, then you can opt for Coffee Reef, where you can pick up a latte, cappuccino or flat white for £4.50.

There’s also a news and gift shop as well as a beach shop selling seaside essentials such as buckets and spades.

The pier is also a 10 to 15-minute walk from Bournemouth town centre.

Many people have taken to social media to express their excitement for the news.

One person said: “Love this! The right decision.”

The pier previously announced in April last year that it was temporarily suspending the entry fee for 2025, to make it more accessible to the local community.

Since the entry fee was scrapped, the pier has seen more visitors and engagement.

According to the Bournemouth Echo, Sarah Hunter, Managing Director of Adventure Attractions, said: “Increasing accessibility to the pier has always been our ambition, and the response over the past year has been incredibly positive.

“Continuing the toll suspension allows us to build on that momentum and ensure the pier remains a place everyone can enjoy, all year round.”

The entry fee will be suspended until the end of the current pier operator’s term, which includes 2026, 2027, 2028 and up to the end of October 2029.

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A HISTORIC Hampshire pier is set to reopen to the public for the first time since its closure in 2024 after undergoing months of work.

Hythe Pier will reopen on Thursday, April 2 following major electrical improvements and a subtle revamp.

Under the management of Hythe Pier Companies, it will cost visitors £1 to walk along the pier, but children under five will be allowed on for free.

A spokesperson for the Hythe Pier, Train and Ferry Group said: “Every £1 you spend goes back into the pier, supporting its future as we begin our transition into a charity.

“Come and walk the full length of the pier (700 yards / 640 meters) take in the views, and be part of this next chapter.”

The attraction is the UK’s seventh-longest pier but has been shut for more than a year and has kept essential ferry services closed, disrupting life for locals.

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A crucial stopping point for the Hythe Ferry, which ran regular services to Southampton before the closure, the pier has been essential to the community.

The pier is also home to a historic ferry train which having opened in 1922 makes it the world’s oldest, a feat recognised by Guinness World Records.

Although the reopening is good news for tourists, the essential ferry and train services that once connected the village to Southampton are not yet back on track.

Local councillor Malcolm Wade explained that the pontoon, owned by ferry operator Red Funnel, has been broken for almost two years, leaving commuters, football fans and day trippers cut off.

“We’re waiting for Red Funnel to decide what they’re going to do, because they’ve already written to us to say they’re not interested in running the ferry anymore and we want our ferry back”, he said.

Hythe Pier, Train and Ferry Group said: “We could see how incredibly important it was that we bring our much-loved pier back to the community.

“This is hopefully the first step towards restoring the service.”