The pier is open daily and entrance is FREE.

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The pier at Southwold is one the town’s most popular attractions and the view of it from the adjacent beach is one of Suffolk’s most iconic images.

The view of the pier from the beach

The first wooden pile for the original pier was driven into the ground on October 2nd 1899 and the pier completed the following year. It was, upon first construction, an impressive 810 feet in length, and used primarily to dock the ‘belle’ steamers that were used to transport holidaymakers from London to the eastern seaside resorts.

In 1936 the timber pier was replaced with the two storey pavilion that still exists, in part, today. In 1934 the T-end was destroyed in a storm and not replaced. During the war years the pier was sectioned by the army to protect the coast from German invasion. Despite a sea mine blowing away another section of the pier, it was repaired in 1948.

The sign at the entrance

However, severe storms in 1955 and 1979 caused further degeneration, resulting in the pier being only 60 feet in length! It was then purchased by Chris and Helen Iredale and in 1999 construction began on the new pier. It was officially re-opened in 2001 by The Duke of Gloucester and is the first pier to be constructed in Britain in over 45 years!!

Amusement arcade at the head of the pier

Looking along the pier

The pier is an impressive 623 feet long and so extends far enough out into the sea to allow the docking of Britain’s last passenger steamers, the P.S. Waverly and the M.V. Balmoral. The new pier was designed by architect Brian Haward and received the ‘architecture for tourism’ prize in late 2002.

The PS Waverly, one of the last sea-going paddle steamers in the world

The pier is home to an impressive array of facilities, including a bar, restaurant and range of shops. The bar offers a great selection of ales, wines and snacks. Why not treat yourself to an enchanting pint of Adnams ale, a Suffolk favourite! and a true delight for the taste buds. An exquisite tea room also offers wonderful cream teas, and nothing beats listening to the sound of the sea crashing against the pier’s towering pillars whilst sampling a delightful scone and a classic cup of Earl Grey. A true English experience!

Looking back along the pier

Mugs for sale in the Treasure Chest Gift Shop

The pier also has plenty to offer the whole family, including an amusement area, complete with penny press and games machines. The under the pier show, provides yet more fun for the family with a mad collection of unique contraptions and amusements, including the simulator, ‘Bathyscape’ which provides an opportunity for an underwater adventure. Punch and Judy shows are also performed throughout the summer. Furthermore, viewing telescopes provide an opportunity to look out over the beautiful bay and for children to search the horizon for any passing pirate ships!

The Bathyscape, an epic underwater adventure exposing some of the North Sea's best kep't secrets

Decoration Direct, create prestigious medals and award them to your friends and relatives

The true gem of the pier however, is the remarkable Water Clock. Designed and made by Tim Hunkin in 1998, this ingenious mechanical clock performs every 30 minutes and aims to show how water can be recycled in the home.

The Water Clock

Part of the ingenious mechanism

Any visit to Southwold must include a trip to the pier. Pleasure piers have been central to English seaside history for many years and a walk down its length provides an opportunity to take in the sea air and remind oneself of a way of life long since passed. A time of regular steamers chugging down the coast, of donkeys on the beach and stripped swimsuits galore.

Playing songs from the good old days on the pier in summer

So why not take a walk down the pier and remind yourself of all that is great about the good old English seaside?

Learn more about the Victorian seaside holiday

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