Britain’s seaside piers have evolved far beyond fish and chips, amusement arcades, and ice cream. Today, some offer unusual overnight stays, panoramic restaurants, historic lighthouse tours, indoor attractions, and even the chance to fly from the end of a pier straight onto the beach.

Here are five of the most interesting piers to visit in 2026, with practical prices, activities, and recommendations to help plan a coastal trip.

1. Garth Pier, Bangor

Stretching 458 metres into the Menai Strait, Garth Pier offers beautiful views towards the mountains of Eryri. It is one of the best choices for travelers who prefer scenery and atmosphere over busy amusement parks.

Small Victorian kiosks line the pier, housing independent businesses selling local food, artwork, gifts, and drinks. At the far end, visitors can stop for refreshments while looking back towards the Welsh coastline.

One of its most interesting features is the restored Pier Master’s House near the entrance. The property accommodates up to six guests, making it possible to stay almost directly beside the water.

Prices: аdult pier entry is €1.20, while children under 16 can enter free. Parking costs €2.35 and fishing access is €3.50. The Pier Master’s House starts at €164 per night for the whole property. Regular accommodation in Bangor costs €85–160 per night. A casual meal in town costs €20–25 per person.

Recommendation: visit in the late afternoon and stay until sunset. The combination of the Menai Strait and mountain backdrop makes this one of the most scenic piers on the list.

2. Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth is the opposite of a quiet Victorian promenade. This pier is designed for travelers who want activity and adrenaline.

Its headline attraction is PierZip, a 250-metre zip line that begins from a tower around 25 metres above the sea and finishes on the beach. Two parallel lines mean friends or couples can make the descent together. The nearby indoor adventure centre also contains 28 climbing walls, aerial obstacles, tunnels, a vertical slide, and other challenges, making Bournemouth useful even when the weather is unpredictable.

Prices: a single PierZip experience starts at €32. A package for two costs €56, while a four-person option is €101.

A casual restaurant meal in Bournemouth costs €17–20 per person. Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is €75–90.

Recommendation: book the zip line earlier in the day. Coastal weather can change quickly, so an early reservation gives You more flexibility if strong winds affect operations.

3. Roker Pier, Sunderland

Roker Pier is immediately recognizable thanks to its red-and-white lighthouse, completed in the early 20th century.

What makes the visit unusual, however, is what lies underneath. Guided tours take visitors through an underground tunnel once used by lighthouse keepers during dangerous weather. After walking beneath the pier, the route continues into the lighthouse itself, where visitors can climb upwards for coastal views. Tours normally last between 90 minutes and two hours.

Prices: аdult tickets cost €16.40, while children’s tickets are €11.70.

A casual meal in Sunderland costs €15–18 per person, while a multi-course dinner for two can be found for €55–65.

Recommendation: wear comfortable closed shoes with good grip. Parts of the tunnel can be damp and uneven, so this is not the place for delicate summer sandals.

4. Clevedon Pier, Somerset

For pure beauty, Clevedon is difficult to beat.Opened in 1869, it is England’s only Grade I-listed pier and is constructed using old wrought-iron railway lines arranged into elegant arches. The atmosphere is much calmer than at Bournemouth or Blackpool. Visitors come primarily to walk, enjoy the architecture, photograph the coastline, and spend time over the water.

A Victorian pavilion stands at the end, while the entrance area includes a museum, gift shop, and a modern restaurant with large windows overlooking the sea.

Budget: allow €15–25 per person for a relaxed lunch or refreshments nearby. Accommodation around Clevedon generally starts at €80–100 and can reach €150 or more for higher-end stays.

Recommendation: arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset. Clevedon is less about entertainment and more about atmosphere, so good light and clear weather make a big difference.

5. Sandown Pier, Isle of Wight

British seaside weather does not always cooperate, which is exactly why Sandown Pier works so well for families.

Much of its entertainment is indoors. Visitors can play themed crazy golf, use the children’s adventure area, or go ten-pin bowling without worrying about rain.

During the warmer months, the outdoor section adds traditional seaside rides, including dodgems and teacups.

The long sandy Sandown Beach is right beside the pier, making it easy to combine indoor attractions with several hours beside the sea.

Budget: allow €10–20 per person for individual attractions and €15–25 for a casual meal. Family accommodation on the Isle of Wight starts at €90–120 per night and rises significantly during peak summer dates.

Recommendation: plan a full day here rather than visiting only the pier. Combine the attractions with the beach and a walk along the waterfront.

Which Pier Should You Choose?

Choose Garth Pier or Clevedon for scenery and a slower atmosphere, Bournemouth for adrenaline, Roker for history and exploration, and Sandown for a family-friendly day that still works when the weather changes.