West Pier
A Victorian pier opened in 1866 that, after fire and storms, survives only as rusted iron skeletons in the sea. Its silhouette at dusk and the starling murmurations are spectacular.
The West Pier was designed by pier engineer Eugenius Birch and opened in 1866. It was once a seafront promenade for high society. After it closed in 1975 it fell into disrepair, and in 2003 two fires and a storm left only rusting iron skeletons in the sea. Today it is Brighton's most photographed silhouette, especially at sunset. On autumn and winter evenings, thousands of starlings swirl above the ruins in shifting 'murmurations', one of Britain's celebrated natural spectacles. It can only be viewed from the shore. Viewing is free, and the i360 stands right beside it.
Opening hours
Open all day (viewing from the shore)
Nearby sights
- Brighton i360
- The Lanes
- Brighton Dome
- North Laine
- Brighton Beach & Seafront
- Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
- Royal Pavilion
- Brighton Palace Pier