East Sussex, United Kingdom
> January 2026: Brighton Palace Pier has been put up for sale by Brighton Pier Group due to operating cost pressures. The pier continues to trade as normal during the sale process. Visitor impact is not expected.
Brighton Palace Pier is an iconic Grade II* listed Victorian pleasure pier extending into the English Channel from Brighton's seafront. Opening in May 1899, this historic pier attracts over 6.2 million visitors annually, making it one of the UK's most popular seaside attractions.
About the Pier
The pier features 22 funfair rides and attractions, including the Crazy Mouse coaster, a log flume, and traditional fairground classics. Beyond the rides, visitors can enjoy over 300 arcade machines across two arcade buildings, various food venues including the Palm Court Restaurant, and the Horror Hotel attraction.
A £1 admission fee applies from March to October (free for local residents with card, under 2s, and pre-booked wristband holders), with additional costs for individual rides or unlimited wristbands.
What Can Your Family Ride?
Toddlers and Young Children (Under 100cm)
Very young children have limited options but can enjoy:
- Galloper's Carousel (all ages)
- Bouncy Castle
- Palace Play (indoor soft play, Brighton's biggest)
- Sideshows and arcade games
100-120cm Children
Children in this height range gain access to several attractions when accompanied:
- Dragon Fly (100cm+ solo, under 100cm with adult)
- Wild River log flume (100cm+ with adult up to 140cm)
- Galaxia (Jump and Smile ride, 100cm+ with adult up to 140cm)
- Fantasia (multi-themed ride)
- Jungle Jeeps
- Pirate Boat
- Cup 'n' Saucer (teacups)
- Trampolines
120cm+ Independent Riders
At 120cm, children can enjoy many thrill rides:
- Crazy Mouse (spinning wild mouse coaster, 120cm+, under 140cm with adult)
- Air Race (120cm+, extreme motion ride)
- Sky Surge (added in 2025, 120cm+, under 140cm with adult)
- Waltzers
- Dodgems
- Twister (catapult ride, 120cm+, under 140cm with adult)
- i220
140cm+ Maximum Thrills
Taller riders (140cm+) can ride all attractions independently, including:
- Crazy Mouse solo
- Twister and Galaxia solo
- Sky Surge solo
- Wild River solo
Ticket Information
- Pier Admission
- £1 per person (March - October)
- FREE for local residents with card
- FREE for children under 2
- FREE with pre-booked wristbands or Annual Pass
- Ride Wristbands
- Supersaver (1.2m+): £22 on-the-day / £18 online (save 20%)
- Kiddies (under 1.2m): £18 on-the-day / £15 online (save 20%)
- Big Day Out (NEW!): Kids £40 / Adults £60 (includes food, treats & arcade tickets)
- Pre-booked wristbands include FREE admission
- Based on height, not age
- Individual Rides
- £3.50 - £6 per ride
- Tokens available for purchase
Key Features
- Historic Pier: Grade II* listed, opened 1899
- Crazy Mouse: Spinning wild mouse with G-forces and tight turns
- Added in 2025: Sky Surge spinning thrill ride
- Wild River: Log flume with water splash
- Air Race: UK's first Air Race ride (2013), 360-degree acrobatic thrills
- Horror Hotel: Haunted walk-through attraction
- Helter Skelter: Traditional Victorian fairground slide
- Palace Play: Brighton's biggest indoor soft play (4 stories)
- Arcades: Over 300 gaming machines
Opening Times
Open every day except Christmas Day. Hours vary by day:
- Weekdays: typically 11am - 6pm
- Fridays: 10am - 8pm
- Saturdays: 10am - 7pm
- School holidays/peak: 10am - 9pm
Note: Times vary seasonally. Check website calendar for specific dates. Individual attractions have varying hours.
Getting There
Located in Brighton city centre opposite the Old Steine:
- Address: Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TW
- Easily accessible from Brighton seafront
- Short walk from Brighton city centre
- Close to Brighton railway station
Planning Your Visit
- Best for: All ages - from toddlers to thrill seekers
- Visitor numbers: 6.2 million annually (one of UK's busiest piers)
- Height requirements: Many rides accessible from 100cm+ (with adult)
- Peak season: Summer holidays and weekends
- Weather: Some rides may close in adverse weather
- Facilities: Restaurants, cafes, arcades, toilets
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, though some rides have transfer requirements