the-pier.co.uk

If you are planning a trip to England there is a lot more to see than just the city of London. Ironically some of the best travel destinations are off the beaten path and known only to the locals. If you want to try something different for your holidays do what the locals do and head to the seaside.

The coast of Britain has some of the most beautiful piers in the world. Some have been restored to their original glory, while others are still waiting for restoration funding, but if you are looking for a different kind of holiday, you should consider a visit to the most famous piers in Britain. Your first stop should be the Teignmouth Pier in Devon England. The seaside resort gained popularity in the early 19th century and because most seaside towns had a pier of their own, it was decided that Teignmouth would have one as well. Also called The Grand Pier it was built in 1865 and completed in 1867. The 212 metre long pier became a dividing line between the bathing machines. The ladies would bathe on the long stretch of coastline on the eastern side of the pier, and the gentlemen would bathe on the western side. The open promenade deck was a place to enjoy a cool beverage or a bite to eat. Locals would sit on the pier and gaze out to the sea watching the ships come in and out of the harbour. During this time there would be changes to the structure. After the renovation in 1875 a 75.5 metre Castle Pavilion was completed in 1890. Like most piers around the world, Teignmouth has had its ups and downs. In 1904 the kiosks at the entrance collapsed on the beach for no apparent reason. In the late 1900’s the Castle Pavilion caught fire and was destroyed. Because the bridge section at the end of the pier was removed it shortened the pier by 22.7 metres.

Today the Teignmouth pier, which is located on the English Riviera, is a wonderful destination for a long holiday or a relaxing weekend away. Spend the afternoon playing amusement games with your family and sample some of the local fare. Shop for traditional souvenirs and head to the go-kart track that is located where the old Castle Pavilion used to stand. Take a walk along the beach, hail a water taxi, or take the ferry. Teignmouth has the oldest ferry in Britain. Jump onboard and cruise over to Shaldon which only takes 5 minutes. Shaldon is a quite little village with some very good pubs. The locals are very friendly and call the beachfront home. Have a bite to eat at one of the restaurants. You can sit outside and gaze out at the Teignmouth harbour. After lunch, hike to the top of The Ness as the views at the top are breathtaking. Head back down and visit the Shaldon zoo which is called the best little zoo on the western side. One of the best kept secrets in Shaldon is the smugglers tunnel. You will walk through a dark passage followed by a flight of stairs which will take you directly to the shore. Take the ferry back to Teignmouth and stop at the local pub. Have a traditional English pub meal or some fish and chips. Wash it down with a pint of beer and gaze out over the inner harbour. If you have not already made plans for the night, you should consider booking a couple of nights in Teignmouth. Stay in a self-catering hotel or choose a charming inn. One of the hotels has its own restaurant, but if you would rather dine in the village, there are quite a few dining establishments that will suit every budget. Be sure to stick around until 10:00 PM as every night you will hear gun fire which tells the smaller boats that the fishing vessels are heading out.

Unfortunately too many majestic piers are being demolished or suffering from lack of funds. A good example is the Victorian Pier which is sadly deteriorating because of neglect. Quite a few of these pleasure piers are being rescued and restored to their former glory. One can only hope that they are as lucky as the Teignmouth pier.

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