Britain’s ‘most beautiful pier’ wins top award 3 times – not Brighton or Blackpool | UK | Travel

Back in 2014, CNN Travel recognised it as one of the world’s most stunning piers, and it remains the only pier in the UK to have claimed the coveted ‘Pier of the Year’ title a remarkable three times.

Now, it has been crowned one of Britain’s most underrated destinations to visit in 2026 by The Telegraph.

In its roundup, The Telegraph noted: “Across Britain, there remain places of staggering beauty, eccentric history and quiet, un-showy charm that somehow go unnoticed.”

That’s a remarkably fitting description for this immaculately preserved Victorian pleasure pier in Somerset.

Having been in operation for 157 years, Clevedon Pier first welcomed visitors in 1869. The Telegraph’s list declares it has “aged with extraordinary grace” – and truer words have never been spoken, reports Somerset Live.

Clevedon Pier stands as Britain’s last remaining Grade I-listed pier, its timeless elegance enchanting every visitor who passes through its gates. It comes as little wonder, therefore, that the late English poet Sir John Betjeman dubbed it ‘the most beautiful pier in England’.

Positioned on the Severn Estuary of the Bristol Channel, this Somerset pier was originally constructed to draw in tourists and functioned as a ferry port for rail passengers heading to South Wales, as well as a departure point for paddle steamer excursions for nearly a century.

Comprising eight spans supported by steel rails and topped with wooden decking, this magnificent pier stretches 312m (1,024 ft) in length and boasts a pavilion at its head. In 1970, two of the spans collapsed during stress testing, and the pier’s future looked decidedly bleak.

However, owing to local fundraising efforts and heritage grants, the pier was taken apart for restoration and subsequently reassembled.

It underwent a partial reopening in 1989, with a full return to service in 1998. The following year, Clevedon Pier claimed the ‘Pier of the Year’ award for the very first time.

Today, this magnificent Victorian structure offers a landing stage for steamers and is widely regarded as one of the most beloved attractions in the whole of Somerset.

What makes Clevedon Pier special

Open seven days a week (weather permitting), Clevedon Pier offers visitors a blend of history, dining, and traditional seaside entertainment.

It boasts a fascinating visitor museum situated upstairs in the Toll House, guiding guests through the pier’s rich heritage and the history of the Channel, while affording breathtaking panoramic views across the spectacular Bristol estuary.

An elegant restaurant known as The Glass Box also sits on the pier, serving up exquisite cuisine alongside unrivalled views. The pier is equally home to the charming Pagoda café, ideal for a swift snack amidst the pier’s picturesque surroundings.

The pier also serves as the departure point for the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, which operates throughout the spring and summer season, whisking passengers away on thrilling nautical adventures. An adult admission ticket priced at £6.50 provides year-round access to the pier, while youngsters aged between 4 and 15 can gain entry for £4.

A family pass costing £17 encompasses up to two adults and three children for a full 12 months.

One Direction link

Remarkably, this overlooked Somerset pier holds a poignant link to former boyband icons One Direction.

The pier secured its place in pop culture folklore when the chart-topping group arrived by helicopter in Clevedon during March 2014 to discreetly film the music video for their track You and I.

Any aspirations for discretion and seclusion were dashed as whispers of the filming spread rapidly across social media and devotees descended upon the pier to catch sight of the teenage idols. A commemorative plaque marking the memorable occasion was unveiled on the pier soon afterwards.

In January 2025, a further plaque – this time honouring the late 1D vocalist Liam Payne, who passed away in 2024 – was mounted on the pier, positioned directly beneath the original One Direction music video memorial.

The commemorative plaque to Liam features lyrics from one of Liam’s cherished One Direction tracks, Walking in the Wind, and reads “If you’re lost, just look for me. You’ll find me in the region of the summer stars.”

Traveller’s paradise

Somerset’s picturesque Victorian pier stands as a bona fide traveller’s paradise, with enthusiastic reviews substantiating the bold assertion.

One Tripadvisor review of Clevedon Pier says: “A Historic Seaside Gem. I love visiting Clevedon Pier, it’s so charming. Firstly, the weather on the day was glorious – sunny and unseasonably hot! Clevedon Pier definitely looks its best when bathed in sunshine. The Spooky Family Trail was great for younger children. At the end of the pier you’ll find the lovely little cafe.

“We ordered a couple of hot drinks from a lovely lady behind the counter and enjoyed them on the bench in the sunshine while reading some of the dedication plaques. Lots of people were out and about enjoying the weather and we loved watching people swimming, fishing and paddle boarding. Highly recommended, we’ll definitely return before our annual pass expires.”

Another enthusiastic review added: “Great local landmark. Well worth a visit. Timeless treasure of this town! Purchase a yearly ticket and it’s a bargain! Friendly staff. Visitor museum which tells you all about the Pier’s history. Fortunate enough to sail on The Waverly from here. Another national treasure! !”.

Yet another satisfied visitor said: “On a dull October day the pier team of volunteers and the pier itself gave us a great day out. Everyone was very friendly , and the pier is such a graceful structure probably because of its lack of the normal seaside shops and entertainment facilities, so to us it was a joy to visit. We also found two nice cafes on the seafront.”