The UK's best pier has been named for 2026, and it is not Brighton or Blackpool. After a multi-million-pound investment, a seaside destination in Norfolk has officially taken the top title. The National Piers Society runs an annual competition to find the best pier in the country, as voted by its members. This year's winner is Great Yarmouth's Britannia Pier, beating 62 other promenades across the UK.
Britannia Pier offers a 'world of entertainment' for all visitors. The pier, a Victorian invention for tourism, provides entertainment for the whole family with epic sea views. From arcades and candyfloss to rides, it is a must-see destination. The pier's new owners have invested £2.2 million into an ongoing improvement programme since purchasing it in 2022. They aim to restore the landmark to its former glory from the Victorian era.
History of Britannia Pier
First built in 1858, Great Yarmouth's pier was one of the first Victorian timber-frame promenades in the UK. It has since been demolished and rebuilt, surviving a demolition, a rebuilding, and a fire catastrophe before being reconstructed in 1958. Recent years have seen significant upgrades, including tripling its size, an improved entrance facade, and new food stalls and rides.
Attractions and Entertainment
Inside the pier, visitors can enjoy a wide range of games, from VR games to pushers, video games, and fruit machines. Rides include classic dodgems, a carousel, bungee trampolines, giant slides, tea cups, and a ghost train. Notably, the pier is home to a theatre, one of only five left in the country, and an onsite pub. The theatre hosts live shows, comedians, tribute acts, sing-alongs, and theatrical performances.
The pier also caters to adults with an over-18s casino, two bars, and a nightclub. It combines timeless seaside tradition with modernisation and forward-thinking entertainment. Visitors have praised the renovations. One TripAdvisor reviewer said, 'I was not looking forward to seeing the new pier as I was nostalgic for the old style, but good news is, the new pier looks fantastic and has been well renovated; it feels so much more spacious now!' Another shared, 'A typical British pier. All the things you’d expect: bars, food, funfair, amusements. Worth a visit, lots to do. Nice view.'
