Come ye bombs and fall on Brighton Pier... it really is that bad. There's little to redeem this temple of tat, this horrible tourist trap that is Brighton's second most famous landmark. Honestly, don't go here: let the tourists be the one's there when the gods tire of its madness and let the pier crack off Brighton's coast and float out into the sea. Really, really rubbish entertainment for none of the family. What does the Pier offer? Overpriced, rubbish amusement park rides? Check. Overpriced, tasteless food? Check. An overpriced amusement arcade? Check. The worst bit about the amusement arcade is that there is a serious casino towards the end of it, and serious gamblers seem to congregate there... Who says: "Guys, let's play serious blackjack off the coast of Brighton when there are plenty of nice casinos in town"? Apart from all of this hogwash, the pier also sports various bars of the kareoke and normal variety. They too are overpriced (are you sensing the pattern here?), and normally full of the kind of denizen of Brighton you'd rather avoid. Unpleasant at best. To top it all off, there are vendors selling inedible (and yes, overpriced) food on the way in and out. There are no redeeming features here: the Palace Pier is officially Brighton's worst place to be. The views off the side are impressive, but to get out there you have to run the gamut of awful shops and horrible people. Just give it a miss! read more

Brighton Pier is a great place! First time being to a pier like this. The rides seemed fun, the food was good, and seagulls were fun to watch the Ferris wheel was fun but a little scary because it was huge but I loved it anyway! read more

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Technically this is the Palace Pier. But, name weirdness aside, it's lovely. Penny slots and Brighton rock and silly rides and deck chairs and fun. Classic. read more

My oh my, this place can be a little ridiculous! Walk into the arcade and you can hear nothing except 2pence and 10pence coins clanging together. I still can't fathom the attraction for those games. If you've been there you know what I mean. Other than the awful Arcade games, the boardwalk is awesome (unless its too crowded, but we were there on a cloudy/cold day - I can just envision a sea of people crammed onto the boardwalk during warmer days). The rides are fun, if expensive, so pick and choose the best! Whatever you do, don't go on the Horror House ride, it's a total waste of time. I love walking along the beach, even if it's rocky. I could spend hours skipping rocks and watching the waves. The food shops on the pier aren't outrageously expensive, but maybe that's just because I'm from London. So I was pleased with my 3.75 large fried noodles with Chicken. Super tasty and it warmed me up despite the cold weather. A final warning: the chairs along the beach cost money! Don't bother, the rocks are just as comfy. If you really must sit in one, try to bargain with the person who comes around to make you pay. They are bored and a little banter softens them up :) read more

The pier is always gonna have a spot in my heart. As a kid I used to regularly walk out across the rickety boards to play arcade machines for 20p a go. There are still both of the arcades here, although they tend to focus on the big simulators rather than street fighter or Mario these days. If a room filled with flashing lights and electronic instrumentation is not your thing then there are also a number of fairground style rides and roller coasters. I always feel a bit worried that the whole thing may sink into the sea from the added weight of the rides. Perhaps I'm just being a touch paranoia, but keep in mind that these rides will cost you a fair bit to have a go. It can still be a nice location to just have a stroll on a good day and there are enough booths selling donuts, candy and a few bars fora beer if you want a change of scenery. It's certainly not gonna win an epic award for entertainment innovation, but it's kind of a British institution to have a pier at the seaside and Brighton's offering is better than many. read more

Not entirely sure what everyone expects from Piers like this, but I have come to associate piers with random, sketchy amusement rides, arcades, junk food, tacky souvenirs... and it wouldn't be the same without them. While I kept sniffing those mini-doughnuts, I resisted the urge, but Mr. Snarky gave in on the milkshake. The Oreo Milkshake was really good... too bad I am a lactard. That's probably why he ordered it. We sauntered down the pier and ended up playing some of the arcade games... but not the slot machines or the new video games... we played the fun, older games: air hockey, ski ball, whack-a-mole, and that one where you roll the ball and it moves your person/animal across a course as you race others (I have no clue what it is called). It was actually a lot of fun! They have a new version of air hockey... the Pac-Man air hockey table. Looks innocent enough with one puck... and then... a squillion smaller pucks just flood the table and it is pure chaos and loads of laughs for a minute. We ended up giving our tickets to some random child. Figured he would probably appreciate a cheap little toy more than we would. They have some... rides... I think the only thing I would give a go would be the Bumper Cars... the rest I'd give a miss. I think the fact that a number of them were closed as they were trying to repair them said it all. I think if you go with very high hopes, you'll be disappointed every time, but if you go, with an idea of what it is... it can just be a walk down memory lane and the chance to be a big kid for the day! read more

Its gaudy. Its a cacophony of lights, sounds, deep fried foods and candies of all sorts. And I love it! I'm not a huge amusement park fan, so I never came to Britghton Pier for the rides. But, I did love coming here for the food and people watching. It was so nice on a sunny day to get an ice cream and maybe even a doughnut to go with it, and walk down the pier listening to the people on the rides laughing and joking. Its definitely someplace you should see if you're ever in Brighten (and try some of the rock candy!). read more

So many happy memories of Brighton pier. At the far end of the pier there is a good assortment of rides including some really terrifying ones. Bumper cars are always fun too, especially if, like me, you like to show off your skills by driving backwards. Also, there is the pub Horatios at that end of the pier. Karaoke nights there are a must (I really regret singing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" though). The rest of the pier has various fast food outlets dotted along it (serving everything from fish and chips to doughnuts). In the middle of the pier is a fish and chip restaurant (I haven't tried this). What I have tried, though, is the excellent noodle bar (near the pub and rides). The amusement arcades can get a bit noisy, but can also provide a nice place to warm up in. read more

"Welcome to the world-famous Brighton Pier" reads the sign. I am not sure if people in say, New York are as aware of Brighton Pier as we are of the Statue of Liberty for example, but it's definitely famous in Brighton! Oddly for a Brighton & Hove resident I detest seaside resorts. The tat, the hoards of people in summer and the emptiness in the winter make me feel uneasy, but I guess this isn't really odd for a Brighton & Hove resident, because Brighton defies usual seaside town conventions. I could write an essay about why I love Brighton, but I will stick to my point. Brighton Pier is very "seaside" (it'd kind of be a bit stupid to have a pier without the sea!), but there is something just perfect about it. The pier reminds us where Brighton came from and just how far it has come. We can look fondly at the pier, not with pitiful, or condescending stares, but with a genuine sense of pride and achievement. Brighton has transcended what many seaside towns fail to do: there is depth beyond the "Kiss me quick" hats and the hen parties. There is a real and vibrant city that exists after the season has ended. The pier works as a tourist attraction, but also as a place where locals can enjoy great views of the sea and a bit of fun on the slot machines or fairground attractions. It is also a great vantage point to look back at our fair city and realise what a great place Brighton is. A word of warning though: it isn't teenage gangs you should fear on the pier, rather, the swarms of seagulls - they're evil and will try to steal your food. Don't believe me? Don't say I didn't warn you! read more

Brighton Pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Well, where would be without the pier. I don't mind taking a stroll down there in the daytime. Especially if we have people visiting from fields a far. I do however avoid the place like the black death as soon as the sun goes down as you do get some rather horrid people lurking around and generally vomiting over the side. The restaurant sells a pretty good fish and chips and is lovely to sit outside on a nice sunny day but do beware! It gets horrendously crowded at the weekend and you have to wait a fair old while. read more

Brighton Pier. Brighton Pier? Brighton Pier! The very name sticks in the throat. To any Brightonian the name Brighton Pier raises the hackles and causes foaming of the mouth. Visitors may merrily stroll up and down it, take a turn on the helter skelter and buy some of those awful doughnuts that people seem to buy so many of. But Brighton Pier just makes me angry. Why? Because there is no such animal as Brighton Pier. Whatever happened to the Palace Pier? What's in a name? Everything. Even the Argus still calls it the Palace Pier. It's like calling the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Tower. Or the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausilito Crossing. Would we love the Statue of Liberty as much if it was the New York Monument.?The Cistine Chapel would lose its cache as the Vatican Ceiling Mural. Sometimes rebranding is offensive because it is simply a change. Brighton, you see, has two piers, to quote the old song: there's a pier for people to sit on and a pier for starlings to shit on. The grand dame, the West Pier, may now be no more of a skeleton, but she was a fine girl in her day. Such is the betrayal that, whilst I will sometimes walk up the Palace Pier to look back and take in the vista of our beautiful city I will never spend a penny on it. Give us back our Palace Pier! read more

Any visit to Brighton wouldn't be complete with a walk on Brighton Pier. Once you get past the tacky lights and carnival games/rides it can be very enjoyable. It's a really long pier and it offers great sea views. There are places to eat here and even a full pub. The seagulls are a constant factor and if you have exposed food and you're walking along the pier it is imperative that you pay attention. I was eating and out of nowhere a gull came from behind me and took a run at my food. So as silly as it sounds look out for sea gulls. They can be a huge menace. read more

I had a blast on Brighton Pier! Fish, chips, candy floss, mini-donuts, lots of people watching and carnival rides! Who wouldn't have a fun time? The carnival rides are quite pricy (£6 for one person one ride?!) and not very thrilling. The candy floss is a good price and quite enjoyable, especially if you order it on a stick because they make it fresh for you! On a warm summy Summer afternoon, Brighton Pier is the perfect date spot, albiet not cheap! It's fun, romantic and out of the norm-dinner&a-movie-date. read more

Okay people, you know my infatuation with doughnuts (especially my favourite cart in Camden), but I have discovered for the first time the doughnut shop on the pier in Brighton! One of my mates drove me down there last night, it was my first time in Brighton and he said I just had to try their doughnuts, they are homemade and they cook them right in front of you! Yep we walked out to the pier, had a go on the arcade motorbikes, but the night just wasn't complete without half a dozen freshly-cooked cinnamon doughnuts that we munched while walking along the boardwalk. Does that not sound like a perfect way to enjoy Brighton?! read more

I'm with Hartingale on this place. As a boy I used to come to Brighton for day coach trips with my Nan and Uncle and I always headed straight for the pier. Does anybody remember the joke shop at the entrance? I do. Only then would I hit the beach, usually armed with a selection of cheap tricks, electric hand shakers and whoopee cushions. I'd also happily feed coppers into those cascade amusement machines. For hours & hours. Nowadays, I love those memories that the pier still gives me. I also love the view of the seafront from the end of the pier. Those lovely clotted cream coloured terraces never cease to impress me. read more

I haven't reviewed Brighton Pier yet? Right, this needs to be rectified. When I was a kid and we used to come to Brighton on day trips to the seaside, the Palace Pier WAS Brighton to me. I used to love going to the arcades, getting my little purse containing £2 changed up into 100 two penny pieces, slotting them into those machines where the big metal thing slides back and forth and waiting for the ever-increasing stack of coins to topple in my favour. I seem to remember being fairly good at those. The ghost train was great too, if absolutely terrifying to a seven-year-old. Then, when I got older, my daredevil friends would go on those horrendous rides that spin you round and dip you over the edge of the pier as I watched on in horror and ate my ice cream along with all the other cowards. Then, as I got even OLDER, the bars on the pier were a fantastic place to go for a drink before browsing the insanely tacky souvenir shops, making a fool of yourself on the bucking bronco and giving in to the fabulous smell of fish and chips. Piers are a landmark of every seaside town and Brighton's is definitely one of the best. Even though I've lived here for five years now, it just never gets old. read more

From looking at recent reviews.You either love it OR hate it!! For meYeah, I can sit outside The Victoria Bar, on a sunny day, with a pint and a good cigar, watching the kids enjoy themselves. People is such good fun, especially with a camera and waitingfor that special shot. We always have some laughs on the Pier..people should try and relax!!! read more

Brighton Pier is one of those must-do activities when visiting the city, if only to gorge on fish and chips, candy floss and doughnuts! The more brave follow this up with a go on one of the rollercoasters, but it's equally fun just observing the terrified faces of others from a safe distance. Always a great place to spend a couple of hours, though expect to be hassled by any kids that are with you for money for the amusements! read more

As far as British piers go, Brighton is probably the best looking one, especially at night when it is lit up like a christmas tree. As others have said though, the attractions and shops are a bit pricey and commercialised, but the views are great. The best attraction I found on the pier is the hundreds of starlings that gather there just before sunset and entertain us with some formation flying around the pier! Video link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-UmENzlY6v0 read more

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside... Brighton Pier has it all, a fish and chip shop at its foot, hordes of quirky shops and stalls on the long walk down to the massive amusements arcade with penny-slots and claw machines, a few pubs and cafes to while away summer days, and ending with a bunch of slightly scary rides for the more adventurous seaside goers. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the Pier is literally heaving in the summer, as Brighton flocks to enjoy its nostalgic charm, banging about in bumper cars, splashing around in the log flume, chomping on candy floss and playing to win teddy bears. It's easy to get swept up in the Pier's charisma, it drags you in and keeps you hostage, turns you into a child again and makes you break all those promises to yourself and splash your cash like you've never spent before. Brilliant! read more

Being originally from the USA, there's nothing really like it back in the States. I love it. It's a hodge podge of things. Tatty gifts, sickening sweet food stuff, fish & chips, cheap and crappy games people waste their money on and it's great. A walk through the sections is just fantastic and great people watching. The architecture of this pier and its buildings are magical. If I lived in Brighton, I probably wouldn't visit that often but going as a tourist is just great. You can feel the history and the enjoyment many people have felt breathing through its structure. And such a great place just to stand and breathe in the sea air. read more

It was really cold and windy but a definite must visit attraction, especially for the young. I'm not an arcade fan, but I do love looking out to sea. Known as The Palace Pier, it is walking distance from the Royal Pavilion. It's an amusement boardwalk. There's a big ferris wheel. Ice cream and games inside the arcade building. We opened a bottle of champagne, sat on a bench, and toasted the sunset. Bundle up and enjoy the gorgeous sunsets from the pier. read more

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The Brighton pier is a great spot to visit on a day out in Brighton, it is nothing insane but it offers a variety of amusement rides and fun games to play while there. there is also an arcade which is a fun place to get rid of any spare change you may have, you will also find a little café /restaurant which does decent food but nothing insane but overall a nice place to have a snack or meal, if you are not feeling like a restaurant there are also doughnut stands at the entrance of the pier. So overall I would recommend spending an hour or two here if you are on a day out in Brighton. read more

The pier itself is beautiful- a true piece of brighton's history. Iconic in fact. However, the place itself has been turned into a cheap overpriced tourist rip off centre. For one, everyone knows everything on there is rigged which basically destroys 80% of what the pier is. The rides have rocketed in prices over the years and they seem less and less safe. The majority of the food their is ok, but when you're in brighton, you really have to step up your game. Basically go there, spend a quid or two on some arcade machines, buy some doughnuts (which is a redeeming feature), and see the sights. THAT'S IT. Just don't watse your money their like many people do. 3 stars for the views on the pier, the pier's beuaty itself and the dougnuts. read more

Over priced rides, a multitude of amusement arcades that have your ears ringing with there inane constant mechanical whirrings. Plastic tasting icecream, staff who do not want to be there let alone serve you and a giant invisible sign above its entrance that reads "Welcome to Brighton All You Wonderful Visitors Do Come In and Marvel at the Wonderous and Numerous Ways We Have To Rip You Off". If you are a visitor as you near it vear sharp right and go for a walk along the seafront then vear sharp right again and treat yourself with all that money you've saved to a coffee in the Lanes. And remember this "Its on Brighton Pier that no one can hear you scream!!!!!!" read more

Brighton Pier is a very beautiful old pier which they've kept very well preserved. It's lively with lots of difficult outlets. It's got the usual arcade, a pub in the middle, a fish and chip restaurant with an outdoor seating area and a funfair at the end. It's free to go onto the pier, which isn't the case for all piers, and the deckchairs are also free to use which again is not standard and is nice. There's loads of space and plenty of wind shelters for when it's rainy or windy. The fish and chip shop is a bit odd as they will not give you anything other than a plastic fork if you choose to take away or eat outside - they really want you to eat inside so they can charge you more for the same food justified by the waiter service. They claim not to have plastic knives - when I asked how to eat a large piece of fish with only a fork I got a very Gallic shrug from the French chap serving! So take your own! read more

Brighton Pier offers lots of good old British seaside fun! Taking the kids there for fun in the arcades on the slot machines etc. or the large donkey derby is great for a bit of family fun. The fair ground rides are a good little selection with even a mini roller-coaster!. The old favourites of the helter skelter and the Ghost ride through the haunted house are still loved by the kids today. There are many gift shops selling rock and souvenirs and plenty of food stands selling food from all round the world. A must visit place for anyone visiting Brighton with kids....but watch the pigeons who love to steal your food!!! read more

Genuinely loved the pier. I visited late November 2012, and it was freezing I can only imagine how great it is in springtime! The doughnut stands and fish & chip shops you get halfway down were closed, however the pub was open. Also you're able to get doughnuts or chips when you first enter. We intended to go for lunch at the restaurant next to the pub half way down, however they were closed when we got there at 2:30pm! Turns out everything closes on the pier if they're not getting many customers. It's the same for the rides, amusements and shops. The amusement arcade is VERY addictive. You will spend more money than you keep track of on the 2p machines (I recommend the snake one for tokens) We bought 30 ride tokens for £20 which is a heck of a lot of money, as most of the rides are 3 tokens per person. It's the only deal they do, plus it's £1 per token if you don't choose the offer. read more

Alot of people always seem to sigh and look amused when you mention a visit to the pier! Why is this? My friends and i love visits to the pier. It has a fun, young, livley atmosphere which never changes with the day, time or weather. The rides are classic, fun and definately nearly all scary! The food is traditional ( fish & chips, hot doughnuts, ice-cream) but you would not expect anything less on a typical English pier! The amusements are noisey and pretty impossible to win at but nevertheless they still all have you trying again and again! Staff are friendly and deckchairs are free. If you are feeling blue and want a change of your usual scenary a little trip to the pier is highly recommended. read more

Brighton Pier - Just clowning around on the pier - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Brighton, BNH

You cant beat a bashing from the sea breeze on Brighton Pier on a Sunday afternoon. You dont have to pay to get on the pier but there are lots of opportunities to spend your cash once you get there on things like doughnuts, a ride on the dodgems, fish and chips, amusement games and more. Its easy to get carried away and spend a fortune. There are quite a few rides including some small tame ones for the really little ones. There is a merry-go-round, a helter skelter, a ghost train, a roller coaster, a log flume and some other scary rides for the bigger ones. You buy pre-pay tokens for the rides and if I remember rightly the bigger rides are around £5 a go. You can even do karaoke in the bar at the end of the pier. Although I would say that most of the food served at the various restaurants and stalls is generally not worth the money except of course the rock, lollipops and doughnuts. I would recommend a trip for the whole family. It is British seaside kitsch at its best! read more

Very well stocked, and works as a useful guide. Truly useful in its intended purpose as to locate yourself on the beach. Reg, Monty read more

What can you not like about Brighton Pier, especially if you're strolling along it at night with your partner and being able to look back and see the city lit up with the thousands of buildings sillouetted against the black sky. Also, there's not a dull moment on the pier, with all the "game stalls" and the fast food/donut/etc stands! And then, get to the end...and there's all the rides. My girlfriend and I went round on the ghosttrain, I didn't find it that scary, but it did get me a cuddle as she was "bricking" herself! Then, we went down the helta-scelta and were talking to the lady running it about where we were staying. Lo-and behold 2 hours later back at our hotel, we had room-service drop off a bad of presents we'd left at the pier! Turns out my girlfriend left her I.D in it and the woman who ran the ride brought it to the hotel on her way home! Lovely "staff" and a lovely atmosphere! I loved every minute of the pier! read more

Brighton Pier is one of the most popular piers in the UK; it has a little something for everyone. You will find bars, food and even the token arcade game, a visit to the pier is essential if you are in the Brighton area. It may seem like your typical seaside resort but the character is what makes this place unique. You can eat fish and chips while looking out to sea or you can go to a bar and watch sport on the telly. Like most piers you can have a gamble on the slot machines or compete with your friends on top of the range arcade games. A 'must visit' for your Yelp photo - the pier is the ultimate photo opportunity, especially if you are lucky enough to get a bit of sunshine! read more

A true icon of Brighton and the English seaside. It's tacky, it's cheap it's Brighton. The penny arcades are fun, the food is hit and miss the drinks are over priced but it's a must do when in town. Just try and avoid the seagulls. read more

Take a drive out of London and explore the beach life and see some beautiful ocean views in Brighton! The boardwalk has it's own ferris wheel and games to play! Great restaurants to try in Brighton.Take your pick! read more

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Great place to hang out and have fun with kids and adults, the games and rides and hours of fun, if you go to Brighton, you need to go to the pier. Please check it out,it's free to get in, but the games not free. read more

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I always find these 'theme parks on piers' to be a little tacky but it was clear on the faces of the children and teenagers on the rides that they were loving it. AND I guess there's nothing better than rising up on the roller-coaster high above the sea below. There's plenty to do on the pier, rides, photography, restaurants and arcades plus little souvineery stores. We tried the fish and chips that are at the start of the pier and they were good. If you walk down to the end you get a great view back onto the beach. Not to mention the view from the beach itself. It's a great landmark and very cool to see. I think they should bring back to the old theatre, have something other than arcade style shows, that would be very cool. read more

Believe it or not, the Brighton Pier is in business all year. I love the way it saves me now and then from keeping my son entertained. It is good fun to spend some money on games and 2p machines. There's quite a few places to choose from when it comes to food and drink as well. I normally go for the noodle bar at the end of the pier. And we will always traditionally finish off with a big bag of warm doughnuts made fresh for our journey home. Nice experience everytime. read more

Rides are a bit expensive and the staff weren't very engaged. Overall not too bad but they could use some sprucing up in the game centre area as well. read more

Such a fun place to go. I love buying Jewellery there, because a lady makes it for you and you can buy excellent fairy lights with your names on. Great place if you enjoy chips. Just mind the seagulls coz they can be deadly! read more