Southport Pier
Demi Sheridan, Editorial Assistant
Stretching elegantly into the Irish Sea, Southport Pier is the UK’s second-longest pier and one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. First opened in 1860, it’s a nostalgic slice of Victorian engineering that has managed to keep its charm firmly intact — with a few modern touches along the way. A stroll along its mile-long boardwalk offers sweeping coastal views and a salty breeze, while the vintage tram (when in operation) adds an extra dash of seaside whimsy.
At the pier’s far end, visitors are rewarded with a modern pavilion housing a café and a small exhibition space, as well as panoramic views across the water — on a clear day, you can even spot the Welsh mountains in the distance. Whether you’re there for a bracing walk, fish and chips, or simply to watch the tide roll in, Southport Pier delivers all the classic coastal feels with a touch of retro flair.
