Brighton, England
The Brighton Palace Pier was built in 1899, so when we visited, it was celebrating its 125th anniversary. The historic pier attracts over 4.5 million visitors per year and helps make Brighton a popular day-trip destination in the United Kingdom.
The pier has always featured entertainment, historically hosting a theatre that featured acts such as Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin. Since the 1970s, Brighton Palace Pier has been a small amusement park on the English Channel, featuring rides, games, and quick eats.
The pier stretches out into the sound for 525 meters, so quite a few entertainment options are found in a small space. If you have been to a small carnival, you have seen many of the same kinds of small rides and games as those found on the Brighton Palace Pier. Currently, there are around twenty rides ranging from a couple of small roller coasters to a log flume. Most rides could be purchased individually, or they could include a wristband for unlimited rides.
We visited in the offseason, so there was no charge, but during the peak season, there is a £2 charge per visitor for all who walk onto the pier. There are several decent food options on the pier. I opted for fish and chips, and they were pretty tasty with malt vinegar and ketchup.
Brighton Palace Pier provides year-round carnival entertainment on the southern English coastline. When traveling, it is fun to experience life like the locals. On the night we visited, we were probably the only non-British people on the pier. If you are taking a day trip from London, the Brighton Palace Pier is a nice way to spend a few hours.
