Brighton Palace Pier is the postcard image of the city, a 1,722-foot Victorian pleasure pier that opened on 20 May 1899 and still runs out over the Channel with its domed pavilion, arcades, fairground rides and food kiosks. It was designed to include a palace-like pavilion and theatre that opened in 1901 and hosted stars of the age, including Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin. The first rides arrived in 1932 with a big wheel and dodgems, and today the pier holds a mix of white-knuckle rides, gentler family attractions, vintage arcade machines and a soft play area. Walking to the end gives you views back along the beach to the Royal Pavilion's domes and the i360, and the smell of doughnuts and sea air is part of the experience. Even if you do not ride anything, the pier is the place to feel Brighton's old-fashioned seaside spirit.
Check the pier's own calendar before you go, because opening arrangements change through the year. The pier is open every day except Christmas Day, but in the colder months the rides and soft play generally run only on certain days, usually from Friday to Sunday, and some venues such as the bar can close for the month.
Weekday gate hours can be shorter, while Saturdays and Sundays are longer. A small admission fee has applied at peak times, with free entry for local residents and at other times, so check the fee page on the day. Rides are paid for separately.
On the pier you will find a mixture of classic and modern. There are traditional arcade games and penny-style pushers, fairground rides including some thrill rides, a soft play area for younger children and a long row of snack kiosks for chips, ice cream and doughnuts. The boards are weathered, the wind is stiff and the rides can pause in strong gusts, so dress warmly out of season. It is wise to bring a card, because many outlets are cashless.
The pier suits all ages, and a quiet walk at the end of the day with the sky turning pink is lovely. For something calmer, walk the length of the boards and back without stopping at the arcades. It is also a good meeting point, since the pier is close to the Lanes, the beach and the aquarium. Come early on a sunny weekend to avoid crowds, and keep an eye on seagulls if you are carrying chips, because they are bold. Accessibility information is on the pier's website.
What to expect
The experience
A walk along the pier boards with arcades, fairground rides, soft play and snack kiosks, with rides charged separately.
Best time
A sunny weekend morning for fewer crowds, or late afternoon for golden light on the sea.
How long
About an hour for a walk and a snack, up to two hours with rides.
Tips
Check the pier's calendar for ride days out of season, bring a card, dress warmly and watch your food around seagulls.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants the classic English seaside.
- Families
- Rides, arcades and soft play keep children busy for hours, with ice cream on the way out.
- Couples
- A sunset walk to the end of the pier has plenty of old-fashioned charm.
- Pair with
- SEA LIFE Brighton next door and a stroll along the beach.
- Time needed
- Allow one to two hours.
Good questions
Is Brighton Palace Pier open all year?+
Yes, it is open every day except Christmas Day. In the colder months the rides generally run only on certain days, so check the calendar.
Do I have to pay to walk on the pier?+
A small admission fee has applied at peak times, with free entry for local residents and during quieter periods. Check the fee page before you go.
How old is the pier?+
It opened on 20 May 1899 and is 1,722 feet long. It is a Grade II* listed structure.
Are rides paid separately?+
Yes, rides and arcade games are paid for on top of any entry fee. Bring a card because many outlets are cashless.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Yes, there are gentle rides and a soft play area. Keep a close eye on small children near the pier edge and the open boards.
