Southport Pier is a historic pier located in the seaside town of Southport, in the northwest of England. It was originally opened in 1860 and has undergone several renovations and extensions over the years.
One of the most interesting facts about Southport Pier is that it is the second longest pier in the United Kingdom, stretching out over 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) into the Irish Sea. Only the pier in Southend-on-Sea, located in the southeast of England, is longer.
In 1933, a fire broke out on the pier, destroying the pavilion and the theatre located at the end of it. Despite this setback, the pier was quickly rebuilt and reopened to the public in 1934.
During World War II, the pier was used as a defense position, with anti-aircraft guns stationed at the end of it to protect the town from German air raids.
In 1978, the pier was once again damaged, this time by a storm that caused significant structural damage. It took several years and millions of pounds to repair the pier, but it was eventually reopened to the public in 1980.
Today, Southport Pier is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to walk along the length of the pier and enjoy views of the Irish Sea and the town of Southport. The pier also includes an arcade, a cafe, and a gift shop... Although the pier has been closed since February 2023 due to some damage, I hope it opens soon!
One interesting fact about the pier is that it was used as a filming location for the popular TV show "Peaky Blinders". In the show's fifth season, Southport Pier was used to film scenes set in Margate, a seaside town in the south of England.
Overall, Southport Pier has a rich history and has played an important role in the town's development and protection over the years.
NOTE: Don't take your bucket and spade to Southport, the beach looks like sand but it's mud.
My Drone Adventure Video
Although, as a day-visitor from Yorkshire, I wasn't happy that the pier was closed, at least I got the opportunity to safely fly my drone close and above the pier.
Some cool facts about Southport
- The town has a long history of producing some of the finest quality shrimps in the country, known locally as "potted shrimps". This delicacy has been made in Southport since the 19th century and is still enjoyed by locals and visitors today.
- There is also a Southport in North Carolina which is home to one of the UK's oldest surviving iron lighthouses, built in 1864.
- The town has a rich sporting heritage and has produced several notable athletes, including Olympic gold medalist swimmer Fran Halsall and former Liverpool and England footballer Tommy Smith.
- Southport is the location of the UK's largest independent flower show, which has been held annually since 1924. The show attracts thousands of visitors each year and features a wide range of horticultural displays, as well as live music, food stalls, and other entertainment.
- The town is also home to one of the UK's oldest surviving pleasure gardens, Hesketh Park, which opened in 1868. The park features a lake, a bandstand, and several ornamental gardens, as well as a variety of sports facilities and children's play areas.
- Southport has been used as a filming location for several TV shows and movies, including the BBC drama "Little Boy Blue" and the feature film "The Last Hangman", which starred Timothy Spall.
- Southport has a thriving independent arts and culture scene, with several galleries, theatres, and music venues showcasing the work of local artists and performers. The Atkinson, for example, is a cultural hub that features a museum, library, and theatre all in one building.
A few photos that I took on the day
Location of Southport pier
Some more COOL places to visit
Here are some other cool places to visit, whether you have a drone or not
