Eastbourne Pier

Eastbourne Pier is a seaside structure that extends into the English Channel with wooden walkways and metal-clad roofs characteristic of Victorian design. The framework features ornate iron supports and houses a theater, dining venues, and entertainment spaces throughout its length.

Construction started in 1866 and finished in 1870 under architect Eugenius Birch, a specialist in seaside pier design. A theater was added in 1901, and during World War II military defensive systems were installed on the structure.

The structure represents how British seaside entertainment developed, with its theater and arcades reflecting what people expected from a day by the coast. Visitors today experience the same tradition of casual enjoyment and social gathering that has drawn crowds here for over a century.

Access is available from Grand Parade and Marine Parade, with pathways designed for various mobility needs. Food venues and shops are located throughout, so visitors can find refreshment and purchase items during their time here.

Machine gun installations and camouflage netting covered the pier during World War II as part of coastal defense preparations. Few visitors notice these military remnants today, though traces of this wartime period remain in various details of the structure.

Location: Eastbourne

Address: Pier, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3EL, England

GPS coordinates: 50.76620,0.29460

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31