Top rated piers on TripAdvisor and number one is not in the south of England

Few things capture the British imagination quite like a trip to a historic seaside town, where one is met with the sound of waves, salty air, and a Victorian pier stretching out into the sea. Whether it's the arcade lights and the sounds of coin pushers or freshly made ice-cream cones melting in the sun, piers embody what it means to be on a holiday at the sea.

With staycations more popular than ever before, many future tourists will conduct their research on sites like TripAdvisor to find out where they can enjoy the best seaside sights, but they may be surprised to discover that the nation's best pier isn't located on the tourist-packed beaches of the south coast. So which piers come out on top when you let the public decide? According to the latest TripAdvisor rankings, the UK’s 10 best piers and boardwalks include everything from bustling Victorian piers to more tranquil harbourside walks.

While many of them are found in the South, as you’d expect to see the best, you’ll have to head east to the picturesque shores of North Norfolk. The famous Brighton Palace Pier has been pipped to first place as Cromer Pier has taken the top spot.

First opened in June 1901, the 151 metre Cromer Pier is more than just a wooden promenade into the sea; it’s an attraction in its own right. Not only is it known for its Pavilion Theatre at the pier end, but Cromer is one of the few UK piers that has been crowned “Pier of the Year” not once but three times by the National Piers Society, most recently in 2024.

People may also recognise it from the hit comedy Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa film, with the dramatic and hilarious final “shoot out” taking place at the end of the pier.

With more than 2,000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, the destination seems to be a hit with almost every visitor. One happy visitor added: “Such fun, you can see the RNLI lifeboat station, super cafes selling fabulous fish and chips and ice cream and don't forget the local delicacy, Cromer crabs.

“You can catch your own crabs off the pier with a kit you can buy there. A great day out, easy parking, good signage and local people keen to host you.”

In second place is the iconic Brighton Palace Pier. One of the most famous landmarks on the south coast, the Brighton Pier is brimming with lights, rides and plenty of food and drink options.

One visitor leaving a five-star review said: “Moved down to Brighton and went to the pier for all the amazing rides. Went on the Waltzers 4 times and couldn't recommend more, a great day out with friends.”

Cromer Pier - Norfolk

Brighton Palace Pier - East Sussex

Clacton Pier - Essex

Southwold Pier - Suffolk

Eastbourne Pier - East Sussex

Grand Pier (Weston-super-Mare) - Somerset

Southend Pier - Essex