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Pier named best in UK after £1.8m refurbishment

Aimee DexterNorfolk
Andrew Turner/BBC Britannia Pier.Andrew Turner/BBC

A pier on the Norfolk coast has been named the best in the country after a £1.8m refurbishment.

The National Piers Society (NPS) praised Britannia Pier, one of two in Great Yarmouth, for the redevelopment of its entrance and theatre, its warm welcome and family-friendly experience.

NPS chairman Tim Wardley said: "Huge congratulations to the worthiest of winners who have shown that in challenging economic times, investment is still the way forward to success."

Describing the win as a "huge honour", the pier's co-owner Joseph Abbott said: "We feel this is a huge testament to us as new owners for the work, time and investment we have put in since our takeover in December 2022."

"This pier has a huge history behind it, and this award has just added another chapter to its ongoing story. Long may it continue," he added.

Getty Images Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth.Getty Images

The structure was originally built in 1858 but was demolished in 1899 before a new steel and timber frame was constructed in 1901.

It reopened in its current form in 1958 after a series of devastating fires and was bought by Triangle Amusements in 2022, with the group applying for planning permission to upgrade the site a year later.

It is one of only a few working pier theatres in the country and takes over the award from last year's winner, Llandudno Pier in Wales.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council Old black and white photo of Great Yarmouth Britannia Pier, showing a buzz of activity including a helter skelter, the pier building and hundreds of people enjoying the sunGreat Yarmouth Borough Council
The Britannia Pier - with its familiar signage on the far left - has been a hive of summer activity for generations

The recent £1.8m refurbishment included redevelopment of its facade, creating a new amusement arcade and improving its food stalls.

The letters on the well-known sign, installed in the 1970s, were too fragile to salvage and were sold to a memorabilia collector.

Herne Bay Pier, in Kent, came second in this year's contest, with Swanage Pier third.

Andrew Turner/BBC Joseph Abbott, wearing blue jeans and a black jacket, stands outside the Britannia Pier, holding a letter 'R' made from orange acrylic, which once was mounted on the pier façade. Andrew Turner/BBC
Joseph Abbott said receiving the title was an "honour"
Andrew Turner/BBC View of Britannia Pier from the front on the right. A orange sign is above the entrance that says Britannia Pier, and multiple posters that show who is set to be at the pier.Andrew Turner/BBC
Britannia Pier had distinctive sign lettering, which was installed in the 1970s, and colourful advertising boards before the redevelopment
Andrew Turner/BBC The inside of a small building painted red which has an arched white roof. Multiple bright arcade games are dotted around the room.Andrew Turner/BBC
A new amusement arcade was built on the structure as part of a £1.8m refurbishment

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