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Brighton Palace Pier, commonly known as Brighton Pier or the Palace Pier, is a Grade II listed pleasure pier* located in Brighton, England. This iconic landmark has a rich history and has evolved into a vibrant destination in its own right.

Key Facts:

🌟 Location: The pier stands proudly in the city center, directly opposite the Old Steine.

🌟 Original Victorian Charm: Much of Brighton Pier’s original Victorian charm remains intact, making it a captivating blend of nostalgia and modern entertainment.

What You’ll Find:

🎠 Rides: Brighton Palace Pier offers an array of thrilling rides for visitors of all ages.

🍔 Restaurants: Indulge in delicious meals at the Palm Court Restaurant, where you can savor seaside views.

🎰 Arcades: Step into the lively arcades filled with classic games and amusements.

🎈 Soft Play: The four-story soft play area is perfect for kids’ parties and playtime.

🐦‍⬛ Starlings Roost: Witness mesmerizing starling murmuration's during certain times of the year.

🥳Private Hire: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or planning a wedding, Brighton Pier has you covered.

History:

Brighton Palace Pier has a fascinating history, dating back to its Victorian origins. It has witnessed countless joyful moments, family outings, and seaside adventures.

Design and Construction:

The pier was designed and constructed by R. St George Moore. It was the third pier to grace Brighton, following the Royal Suspension Chain Pier in 1823 and the West Pier in 1866.

The inaugural ceremony for laying the first pile took place on November 7, 1891, overseen by Mayor Samuel Henry Soper.

A condition for its builders was that the Chain Pier, which had fallen into disrepair, must be demolished in exchange for permission to build the new pier.

In 1896, a storm destroyed the remains of the Chain Pier, narrowly avoiding a collision with the new pier during its collapse. Some of the Chain Pier’s parts were re-used for the new structure.

Early Popularity and Entertainment:

The Palace Pier was intended as a replacement for the Chain Pier.

It quickly became popular and evolved into a frequently-visited theatre and entertainment venue by 1911.

Despite closures due to wars, it continued to host regular entertainment up to the 1970s.

Changing Character:

The pier’s history includes a 1500-seat theatre at the seaward end, which opened on April 3, 1901.

Over time, the pier transitioned from seaside entertainment to an amusement park with various fairground rides and roller coasters.

The theatre suffered damage in 1973 and was eventually demolished in 1986.