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 In fact, according to official national statistics, Brighton
Pier is the second most visited leisure facility with over
4.5 million tourists coming to sample the rides and traditional
English seaside scene every year. While the rest of Brighton
holds itself with a certain pride, dignity and elegance…you
can bet the Pier is anything but – it sure is fun though.
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In 1891, work commenced on a new pier to replace
the original Chain Pier. Adorned with filigree
arches and a few kiosks, Brighton Pier was opened
in grand ceremony on May 20th 1899. By 1901, the
pier consisted of a building with minaret corner
towers housing dining, smoking and reading rooms
and its first concert hall. By 1911, the concert
hall had become a theatre attraction. 21 years elapsed
before the next major phase saw the addition of a
big wheel, heralding an extension to the piers' length
and a widening of the promenade. The wars interfered
with development and, as with most seaside piers,
a section of the middle was removed to discourage
enemy landings. Post war euphoria saw business booming
and by the Summer of 1946 day sea trips from the
pier along the coast prospered until 1960.
In 1984, the pier was destined to be revitalised under
new ownership. New innovative features were
introduced such as free admission, free deck
chairs, new food outlets on the forecourt and a traditional
fish & chips restaurant.
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You can’t really help but warm to the pier however – particularly
on a hot day as you can sunbathe on the adjacent beach, or
check out many of the different forms of entertainment held
on the pier.
Historically, the pier was built purely as a pleasure point
- it certainly has had its
moments of trouble however, including almost being destroyed
by a storm in 1896.
The pier is located along the main Grand Junction Road – there
are also some very prolific hotels opposite if you wish to
be located in this region during your stay. The most notable
of these are the Royal Albion and Palace Hotel, both of which
command premium rates.
The pier, of course, also has some splendid views out to
see - and is a real spectacle at night when lit up with a
myriad of brightly coloured lights.
The pier also has a family entertainment centre in the pleasure
dome - here are some of the facilities the pier has
to offer for those seeking a pleasant day out in Brightons
most lovced landmark:
- The restaurant - serves up quality fish & chips
and other tasty tid-bits to eat once you get hungry. There
are 250 seats so no-one will get hungry.
- Arcades - kids and grownups will love
the huge section devoted to arcades.
- Funfair - Everything from roller coasters
to bumper cars. Every visit to the pier should include
a trip to the funfair where some great views out to sea
can also be had.
 Bars - with a choice of two bars, you
can enjoy a hot summers day with a beer or two.
- Side-Stalls - There are multiple stalls
selling everything from ornaments, jewelry to tarot card
readings.
For more information, visit the
Brighton Pier website. If you just want
the Pier's opening times, look
here.
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