World's Longest Pier with Its Own Train Is Just 90 Minutes from London
For just a few pounds per person, families can visit the world's longest pleasure pier just 90 minutes from London – complete with its own railway ferrying you to a day out on the boards. Southend Pier isn't just an average coastal pier but a significant landmark in the centre of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, as the longest pleasure pier globally. It extends an remarkable 2.14 km, or 1.33 miles, in length.
Reaching out into the Thames Estuary, the pier was originally built in 1829, before welcoming the public in 1889. Throughout the decades it has evolved and developed into the pier that visitors and locals recognise today after enduring several catastrophic fires. During the 1970s, the cherished pier underwent a period of deterioration, which prompted the council's proposal to shut it in 1980.
A Community Rally to Save the Pier
It wasn't long before residents rallied with a succession of demonstrations for their treasured pier to be reopened, and by 1983, it was approved for restoration work. A completely new pier, featuring a new railway system, welcomed the public in 1986, but challenges for the structure didn't entirely end there. In both 1995 and 2005, fires inflicted substantial damage to the pier's timber planking and decking, which has required reconstruction on multiple occasions.
History and Attractions Along the Pier
There is a museum along the pier documenting more about the 200-year heritage of Southend Pier, from the catastrophes to the amusement and the part it served in the war. Featuring authentic artefacts from its earliest days, vintage penny slot machines and an interactive train driver simulation. Today, families can experience this remarkable British seaside attraction, enjoying rides, stalls, refreshments and leisurely walks stretching out towards the sea.
Alternatively, visitors who prefer not to walk can board the train service, which travels 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."
Affordable Admission and Family Deals
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of a visit to Southend Pier is its remarkable value for money. Current admission prices stand at £3.10 for adults and £2.10 for children and concessions. For a modest additional fee, families can buy combined entry and unlimited train travel for just £19.50 with a full family ticket. Those wanting to spend their day appreciating the stunning coastal environment rather than the amusements might consider purchasing a fishing pass. Indeed, anglers can arrive with their equipment and tackle and fish throughout the day, provided they follow the pier's regulations.
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 wrote: "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 from 10:15am until 5pm, with final admission one hour prior to closing.
