About Birnbeck Pier

Birnbeck Pier is a nationally important heritage site in Weston-super-Mare. Here is its story.

A Victorian landmark

Birnbeck Pier opened in 1867. It was designed by Eugenius Birch and is the only pier in the country to link to an island. It is an outstanding example of Victorian engineering and is Grade II* listed.

It used to be a very popular visitor attraction with funfairs, rides and steamer ferries.

Wartime history

During the Second World War it was taken over by the Admiralty and used as a secret base for weapons testing.

Decline and closure

After the war, the site never fully regained its popularity. It began a slow decline, passing through a series of private owners. The lack of maintenance caused the pier to become unsafe and in 1994 it was closed to the public.

The RNLI had operated a lifeboat station on the island since the pier opened, but they were forced to leave in 2014 after the pier was deemed too dangerous. The RNLI is currently operating from a temporary base at Marine Lake.

Historic England were so concerned about the deterioration that it has been on their National Heritage at Risk Register since 1998.

A sustainable future

North Somerset Council has been working in partnership with Historic England for many years to create a sustainable future for the site. In 2019, the council started a compulsory purchase order (CPO) process, and on 13 July 2023 the owner agreed to sell Birnbeck Pier and Island to the council.

Birnbeck Pier Volunteers work in partnership with North Somerset Council to promote their restoration and conservation works on the Pier, Landside and Island.