The Brighton Marine Palace and Pier, on the south coast of England boasts one of the greatest piers in the country. It is also one of England’s most popular attractions, with over 3½ million visitors a year.
It is generally known as the Palace Pier in 1891 before being unofficially renamed by its current owners as Brighton Pier in 2000, is generally acknowledged to be the finest pleasure pier ever built, and is also a grade II*-listed building.
It replaced the old Chain Pier which had served primarily as a landing stage for cross channel ships. Designed by Richard St.George Moore, it took over eight years to build but finally opened in May 1899, illuminated by over 3000 lights.
Two years later an oriental styled pavilion was opened which contained a concert hall with a capacity of 1500 and a range of dining facilities. A mix of entertainment was available from musicals to dance and pantomime.
This entertainment “menu�soon increased. Penny coin machines offered “What the Butler saw�and other delights and pre-printed cards told visitors their fortunes. People strolling along the pier were entertained by illusionists, magicians, musicians, fire eaters and jugglers. Kiosks all over the pier offered souvenirs and postcards for sale.
In 1920 fairground rides were introduced, together with the Helter Skelter and the Big Wheel. Indeed such was the success of these innovations that Brighton Pier incorporated one of the early permanent funfairs. Today to this traditional, much loved entertainment includes state-of-the art amusements, making the pier an amazing, all ages experience. New and exciting features are added every year.
There is a traditional English fish and chip restaurant with, not surprisingly, the freshest of fish. These are not sourced from the fantastic tropical fish tank! Private functions can hire the Palm Court Café as an excitingly different venue, especially if guests have a trip on The Ghost Train beforehand.
This prime English attraction is free admission, as is the entertainment and for the exhausted, the deckchairs. Visitors to Brighton can enjoy a 20 minute performance on the hour, every hour, every summer Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.  Brighton Pier is a joyous location for young and old.
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