Brighton Palace Pier, opened in 1899, is a Victorian pleasure pier stretching about 525m (1,722ft) into the English Channel and a defining landmark of the seaside city of Brighton. Of the three piers Brighton once had, it is the only one still operating and is a Grade II* listed structure, blending a historic building with a modern amusement park packed with rides and arcades. As of 2026 it remains fully open, though its operator (The Brighton Pier Group) has put it up for sale amid rising maintenance costs, so attractions and pricing may change; check the latest before you go. Entry is normally free, but a small seasonal admission fee applies in the peak months (roughly March to October).
The funfair at the pier head - roller coasters (Turbo Coaster and the spinning Crazy Mouse), dodgems, a carousel, helter skelter and a haunted house
Preserved 1899 architecture, including delicate Victorian filigree ironwork and traditional kiosks
Two indoor amusement arcades and 'Palace Play', Brighton's largest indoor soft-play area for children
Classic British fish and chips on the pier, plus the Palm Court Restaurant, Horatio's Bar and Sunset Garden Bar
Starling murmurations swirling around the piers at dusk in autumn and winter
Good to know
SeasonJuly and August, weekends and sunny days get extremely busy, and popular rides can have long queues. Arrive soon after opening for a quieter experience.
SeasonSea winds are strong and the weather is changeable; even in summer the breeze off the water is cool, so bring a windproof layer. Some rides close in high winds or bad weather.
RulesAdmission is normally free, but a small per-person fee (around £2 for ages 2+ in 2026) applies during the March-October peak season. Rides require separate payment or an all-day ride wristband, which is cheaper booked online - always confirm prices and hours on the official site.
SafetyThe beach in front of the pier is pebble/shingle, not sand, so it is slippery and awkward underfoot. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a close eye on children near wet decking and railings.
CautionWatch for pickpockets along the crowded seafront and pier entrance; keep bags in front and secure your phone and wallet. Treat arcade coin-pushers and grabber machines as fun only and set a spending limit.
MannersQueuing etiquette is taken seriously in the UK - don't push in at rides or kiosks. Gulls aggressively snatch food, so avoid walking around while holding open snacks.
Practical info
The pier is about a 20-minute walk from Brighton mainline station (down Queen's Road, then West Street to the seafront); buses 14 and 27 stop opposite the pier. The address is Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW. It is open every day except Christmas Day, but opening hours (roughly 10:00-21:30 weekdays, 10:00-22:00 weekends), admission and ride prices vary with the season and weather, so check the official website for the latest details.
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