West Pier

About

The West Pier is one of Brighton’s most poignant landmarks, a skeletal silhouette that tells the story of the city’s seaside heritage. Designed by Eugenius Birch and opened in 1866, it was the first pier in Britain to be awarded Grade I listed status, admired for its elegant ironwork and grand pavilions. For more than a century it drew millions of visitors, offering concerts, theatres, and the thrill of walking out over the waves. After its closure in 1975, the pier fell into decline, and devastating storms and fires in the early 2000s left only its haunting framework standing offshore. Today the remains are both a symbol of loss and a source of fascination, photographed daily for their stark beauty against the sea and sky. The West Pier Trust continues to preserve its memory through exhibitions and education, while the nearby British Airways i360 serves as a modern “vertical pier,” keeping alive the spirit of innovation that the West Pier once embodied. Its ruins remain an enduring icon of Brighton’s seafront identity.

Brighton United Kingdom

Location

The West Pier is located on Brighton’s seafront, just west of the Brighton Palace Pier. Opened in 1866 and designed by Eugenius Birch, it was the town’s second pier and became a popular Victorian seaside attraction with a concert hall and pavilion. Although now a ruined structure following storms and fires, it remains an iconic part of Brighton’s coastline. Nearby are the British Airways i360 observation tower, the vibrant Brighton seafront promenade, the Palace Pier, and the West Beach area with its hotels and cafes. The location is easily accessible from central Brighton, close to cultural landmarks such as the Brighton Dome and Royal Pavilion, making it a notable historic site amid the city’s lively beachfront.