The magnificent Southport Pier extends proudly into the Irish Sea now a whopping 3,650 ft, (1112 m) in length. As the second longest pier in Britain, Southport Pier has seen its share of “near misses” in the past due to Weather, Fire and Public Vote.

Designed by James Brunlees at a cost of £8,700, construction began on 4th August 1859. The pier was completed only a year later and opened to the public on 2nd August 1860 to the delight of the crowd. This was an extravagant event which included illuminations, banquets, processions and even a massive firework display.

Although the Pier is now 3,650 ft, (1112 m) in length this was not always the case.

Due to the implementation of a tram system in 1868 to accommodate ferrying passengers Southport Pier was further extended to a length of 4,380ft (1,335m). Disaster struck however on 1889 when stormy weather swept the foundations away from underneath the refreshment rooms at the pier head reducing the pier significantly. Eight years later on 18th September 1897 a fire destroyed the original pavilion building causing massive damage. Later on in 1903 the 1864 entrance buildings were demolished to make way for the pier redevelopment. Disaster was to strike the pier again on 22nd June 1959 when the buildings at the pier head caught fire and as a result reduced the pier to its current length of 3,650 ft, (1112 m).

The future of Southport Pier remained stable until events in 1990 saved the Grade II listed pier from demolishing due to rising upkeep costs. A single vote seen the future of the pier secured and the formation of the ‘Southport 2000 – save the pier group’ and later the ‘Southport Pier Trust’. In 1999 the groups managed to secure funding from both the European Merseyside Objective and Heritage Lottery Fund allowing the entire structure to be repaired and restored.

Today, Southport Pier is still a fantastic place to visit and is popular with people of all ages. Take a stroll or ride the tram to the end of the pier. Try your hand in the old fashioned penny arcade built during the age of mechanical machines all of which still uses pre-decimalised coins. Visit the Cafe overlooking the Sand and Sea.

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