Southend Pier and Railway
Sightseeing attraction | Southend-on-Sea | England | United Kingdom
Longest pleasure pier in the world
The Southend Pier and Railway in Southend-on-Sea, England, is one of the most famous landmarks in the UK and a historic landmark of the coastal town in Essex. With a length of 2.14 kilometers, the pier extends into the mouth of the Thames and holds the title of the world's longest pleasure pier. This impressive structure, existing for over a century, combines a rich history with a unique visitor experience and is deeply rooted in the identity of Southend, as the English poet Sir John Betjeman once said: "The pier is Southend, Southend is the pier." The pier and its associated railway are not only a symbol of British seaside culture, but also a technical and cultural heritage recognized as a Grade II listed building.
History of Southend Pier
The history of the Southend Piers began in the early 19th century, as Southend became a popular holiday destination for Londoners seeking the supposed health benefits of sea air. Since the mudflats along the coast made it difficult for large ships to dock, a law was passed in 1829 authorizing the construction of a pier to improve access. In July of the same year, the then Lord Mayor of London, Sir William Thompson, laid the foundation stone for the first section, a 180-meter long oak wood pier, which opened in 1830. It was extended multiple times in the following decades, but due to the strain of increasing visitor numbers and financial difficulties of the original owners, it changed ownership in 1846. By 1848, it reached a length of 2.1 kilometers, making it the longest pier in Europe. In the 1850s, the new railway connection from London to Southend brought a huge influx of visitors, highlighting the need for a more stable structure. From 1887, the wooden pier was replaced by a modern iron construction, which opened in 1889 and was later extended to its current length.
Southend Pier visitor attractions
A central element of the Southend Piers is the Southend Pier Railway, the country's first pier railway. It began operations in the early 1890s, initially as an electric narrow gauge railway with a track gauge of 3 feet 6 inches. The railway quickly became popular, transporting millions of passengers until the 1970s. After World War II, when the pier reached its peak in the 1950s with up to seven million visitors annually, four trains with seven carriages each ran on a double track. Due to wear and tear and declining visitor numbers, the electric railway was discontinued in 1978, but revived in 1986 with two new diesel trains operating on a simplified single-track line with a passing loop. These trains, named after Sir William Heygate and Sir John Betjeman, were later replaced by more environmentally friendly models, including a train in honor of the late MP Sir David Amess, unveiled in 2022 by Prince Charles and Camilla.
Southend Pier railway history
The pier has a rich history. During World War I, it served as a docking point for ships carrying German prisoners of war, and in World War II, it was taken over by the Royal Navy, renamed HMS Leigh, and closed to the public. Several fires, including serious ones in 1959, 1976, 1995, and 2005, significantly damaged the pier - the 2005 fire destroyed large parts of the pier head, including the original railway station. Despite these setbacks, the pier was always rebuilt, with the pier head renewed in 2009 with a modern glass station housing the Southend Pier Museum. This museum showcases the history of the pier with exhibits such as restored carriages, photos, and old coin-operated machines, offering insight into its cultural significance.
Sights in Southend-on-Sea
For visitors, the Southend Pier offers a variety of experiences. One can walk the entire length - about a 40-minute stroll - or use the train, shuttling between the Shore and Pier Head stations. At the pier head, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Thames estuary and the coast of Kent, especially in clear weather. Attractions include a cafe serving traditional foods like fish and chips or ice cream, a mini-golf course, and a Royal National Lifeboat Institution rescue station that attracts visitors with a small shop and a viewing platform. Anglers can fish along the pier, catching species like mackerel or flounder, while walkers can enjoy the fresh sea air and the opportunity to observe seals or seagulls. The Royal Pavilion, a modern event hall at the pier head, serves as a backdrop for cultural events and weddings.
