It’s hard to picture the classic British seaside image without thinking of piers. These Great British coastal institutions are adored up and down the country, offering entertainment, activities, food and drinks, and more.
There are around 60 across the UK, but which ones are the best? Well, The Telegraph has put together its top 10 using its own points-based methodology. Interestingly, the table shows a huge north-south divide as it is dominated by piers in the south of England.
The only pier from northern England to break into the top 10 was North Pier in Blackpool, which was placed 6th after earning 400 points.
While the charming Llandudno Pier was the only pier outside England to feature in the top 10.
The 2,295ft (700 metres) pier - the longest in Wales and second longest in the UK - finished 2nd after scoring 500 points. It was crowned Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society earlier this week.
The top spot was claimed by Southend Pier which scored an impressive 540 points.
At 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometres), the Essex pier is the longest in the world.
Here’s a look at the top 10, as scored by The Telegraph:
Southend Pier (540 points)
Llandudno Pier (500 points)
Cromer Pier (464 points)
Clevedon Pier (420 points)
Worthing Pier (407 points)
North Pier (Blackpool) (400 points)
Eastbourne Pier (388 points)
Palace Pier, Brighton (377 points)
Folkestone Harbour Arm (370 points)
Clacton Pier (368 points)
The publication said piers across the country were awarded points based on their performance in several categories, including year built (with oldest piers earning the most points, the length (with longer piers scoring higher), TripAdvisor rating, Google rating, number and quality (based on Google ratings) of its food and drink outlets, plus the standard of the seaside town the pier is in (according to Which?).
Points were also up for grabs for awards won, including the number of times they had been crowned the National Piers Society’s Pier of the Year.
Listed piers could also gain additional points, while there were bonus points too for piers with free entry and attractions such as a train or tram or theatre or events space.
In March, owners of British piers warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget was having a significant impact on the industry.
Among those to speak to the Express was Billy Ball, co-owner of Clacton Pier, and Rory Holburn, co-owner of Cromer Pier and Bournemouth Pier.
Mr Holburn said his piers were together facing a £180,000 hit to their bottom line, which he described as “horrific”.
