Great Yarmouth’s Britannia Pier has been crowned the UK’s best seaside pier, winning the National Piers Society’s Pier of the Year 2026 award following a £2.2 million renovation. The historic Victorian pier boasts rides, amusement arcades, fish and chips, and a theatre — and it’s not Brighton or Blackpool.
A vast seaside pier offering classic British coastal entertainment has been crowned the nation’s finest – and it may surprise you.
Britain boasts stunning coastlines, from expansive golden beaches, salt marshes and dunes to striking chalk cliffs, hidden coves and caves. However, what distinguishes UK shores from anywhere else in the world is its remarkable collection of historic pleasure piers extending into the sea, embodying quintessential British seaside character.
Notable examples include Southend Pier in Essex, the world’s longest pleasure pier, the famous Brighton Palace Pier, and Blackpool Pier with its Victorian entertainment. Yet, one pier has remained somewhat overlooked – that is, until it was crowned the national Pier of the Year.
Following an extensive multimillion-pound refurbishment, Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth was awarded ‘Pier of the Year 2026’ in the National Piers Society’s annual competition. The beloved attraction, originally constructed in 1858 as one of the Victorian timber-framed piers, secured top spot, triumphing over 62 other seaside piers from across the UK – and it offers a wonderful day out!
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Britannia Pier offers all the classic seaside attractions for a thoroughly enjoyable day out, boasting amusement arcades, rides, attractions, a bar, two pubs and stunning coastal views. At its far end sits the Britannia Pier Theatre, which has been welcoming audiences since 1880 and remains one of just five surviving pier theatres in the UK, continuing to draw visitors with an impressive programme of live entertainment.
There is no shortage of seaside dining options along the pier, with a varied selection of eateries including a fresh seafood bar, an American burger bar, and the much-loved Krispies Fish and Chip restaurant. Those with a sweet tooth will be well catered for, with food stalls serving up warm doughnuts, ice cream and churros, reports the Mirror.
In December 2022, the pier was acquired by businessman Joseph Abbott and his wife, Cherise Abbott, who have devoted themselves to restoring this cherished seaside landmark through a £2.2 million refurbishment that remains ongoing. As part of its fresh new look, the dated 1970s signage has been replaced with a sleek, contemporary façade and an eight-metre digital advertising screen.
The amusement arcade has been significantly upgraded and expanded to three times its former size, with new rides, attractions and food stalls also added to the mix. Further plans are in place to renovate the Pier Tavern, one of the pier’s two pubs, with new bars and bifold doors opening out onto a seafront terrace, allowing visitors to make the most of the spectacular views.
Joseph told the BBC: “I used to come to Great Yarmouth as a child – my mum and dad used to bring me, and we used to always go on the pier… play on the rides and the games. To now own it and see it grow – it’s fantastic. To win this award… It’s a great achievement.”
The pier’s transformation has clearly caught visitors’ attention, with one TripAdvisor reviewer writing: “I was not looking forward to seeing the new pier as I was nostalgic for the old style, but good news is, the new pier looks fantastic and has been well renovated, feels so much more spacious now!
“New advertisement screen is excellent, the new renovated frontage of Britannia Pier looks good and professional, well done,” another commented.
Highlighting its classic seaside appeal, one visitor shared: “Enjoyed the pier amusements with grandchildren. There’s plenty of affordable 2p machines which do give out prizes and the attendant even gave us some ‘lucky’ 2ps, very happy kids, thank you.” Though they observed that the toilets might require “more regular cleaning”, during their visit last July.
Meanwhile, another visitor simply said: “A typical British pier. All the things you’d expect, bars, food, funfair, amusements. Worth a visit, lots to do. Nice view.”
Further details about the National Piers Society can be found on their website. Alternatively, plan your trip to Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth via their website.
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