The Guardian has compiled a list of the top ten British piers for “dining, nightlife and good old seaside fun,” with each attraction on the list singled out for offering a unique experience, from rainy day entertainment to adventure, and from beauty to history.

The Guardian has published a list of ten UK piers that capture the unique appeal of the coast, with attractions from Aberystwyth to Great Yarmouth and Blackpool to the Isle of Wight all praised for offering “dining, nightlife and good old seaside fun.”

Worthing Pier was singled out for its appeal to foodies, and Penarth pier in Glamorgan was named best for culture, while Sandown pier’s variety of attractions earned it the title of best for rainy days, and Britannia Pier was named best for traditional seaside fun.

“Britannia pier won the coveted 2026 Pier of the Year award, taking over from last year’s winner Llandudno, and beating runners-up Herne Bay and Swanage,” reported the Guardian. “The 250-metre pier was built in 1858, but as with many of the original Victorian piers, it has been damaged, demolished, rebuilt (in 1901), burned down and reconstructed over the years.” 

“The current owners bought it in 2022 and have spent £2.2m restoring and upgrading it. Its attractions include a theatre, fun fair, arcades, fish and chip shop, pub and nightclub.”

Bournemouth pier, hailed as the best for adventure, was praised for PierZip, the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire starting from the end-of-the-pier tower. 

“As well as the PierZip, it has RockReef, an indoor climbing centre with 28 climbing walls, an aerial obstacle course, a vertical slide, a “leap of faith” and caving tunnels.”

Garth pier in Bangor was ranked best for overnight stays, best for exploration went to Roker pier in Sunderland, Clevedon pier claimed best for beauty, the nightlife title went to Royal pier, Aberystwyth, and Blackpool was awarded best for variety.