An opening date to remember
Palace Pier officially opened on 20 May 1899.
Source: Brighton Palace Pier: official history (opens in a new tab) ↗Seaside history · Brighton seafront
The pier with more than a century of stories.
Brighton Palace Pier
The familiar seaside landmark has survived storms and wartime disruption, while its entertainment has changed with generations of visitors.
Discover the facts ↓
LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER
Three things worth knowing.
A lost neighbour
The Chain Pier’s remains damaged the partly built Palace Pier in the 1896 storm.
Source: Brighton Palace Pier: official history (opens in a new tab) ↗The promenade came first
At opening, the main promenade was ready while the theatre and principal buildings were still being completed.
Source: Brighton Palace Pier: official history (opens in a new tab) ↗A dramatic beginning
The pier’s current history guide dates its opening to 20 May 1899. Before it was complete, wreckage from the older Chain Pier damaged the new structure during the 1896 storm. Looking along the deck today, it is easy to forget how uncertain its beginnings were.
Brighton Palace Pier: official history (opens in a new tab) ↗
Make it part of your Brighton.
Follow the pier’s current visitor information for admission, attraction availability and weather-related changes. For a closer look at its indoor entertainment, explore our separate arcade story.
Sources & further reading
Researched using venue, museum and local visitor information. Historical claims are linked to their sources. Visitor conditions and availability can change; check directly. Last checked 21 October 2026. Photographs retain their individual licences and show the stated capture dates.