Central Pier in Blackpool
Image credit: Dave Green http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Central Pier Blackpool is one of the seaside resort’s most popular attractions. It was the second of the three piers built in Blackpool. While North Pier, the original pier, was built for leisure, the purpose of Central Pier was for residents and visitors to the town to have fun. Here is an overview of Central Pier Blackpool’s history, some key information if you want to visit, and also some fun facts to read.

Key Information About Blackpool’s Central Pier

Where Is Central Pier Blackpool?

Blackpool’s Central Pier lies approximately midway along the resort’s promenade. It is opposite some of Blackpool’s most popular attractions, such as the Sea Life Centre and Madame Tussauds. Central Pier is also close to many excellent places to eat in Blackpool.

When Was Central Pier Built?

Central Pier was built in 1868, meaning it was the second of the three piers built in the seaside resort. Due to the success of Blackpool’s North Pier, which was built in 1863, the Blackpool South Jetty Company was formed.  

Who Designed the Pier?

Although the same contractor, Richard Laidlaw and Son of Glasgow, built both the North Pier and Central Pier Blackpool, different architects designed the two piers. While Eugenius Birch designed the North Pier, it was Lieutenant-Colonel John Isaac Mawson who designed Central Pier.

What Are the Characteristics?

  • The pier’s main construction is cast iron, although it has wooden decking.
  • Central Pier Blackpool sits on screw-tipped cast iron piles that engineers screw into the sand until they hit bedrock. Eugenius Birch pioneered the method at North Pier.
  • Central Pier has a more delicate appearance than North Pier, despite using similar materials and building techniques.
  • The pier was originally 503 yards long and 131 yards wide, but a section was removed because it was obsolete, shortening the pier.

What Are the Pier’s Opening Times?

The pier is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the pier’s various attractions have different opening times, and some depend on the season or the weather. Therefore, you should check out the times of the attractions before your visit.

Things to Do at Blackpool’s Central Pier

Central Pier Blackpool is the liveliest of the three piers because it has many activities for all the family to enjoy. Some of the things to do at Blackpool’s Central Pier include:

  • Peter Sedgewick’s Funfair
  • Central Pier Family Entertainment Centre
  • Blackpool Big Wheel
  • Old Tyme Portrait Studio
  • Pirate’s Bay Family Bar

Timeline of Blackpool Central Pier’s History

YEAREVENT
1864Blackpool South Jetty Company was formed.
1868Blackpool’s Central Pier was built.
1964The pier suffered its first fire.
1973The pier suffered its second fire.
1975131 yards of the low tide jetty was demolished due to it being obsolete.
1986The theatre was modernised, and it then became known as Peggy Sue’s Showboat.
1990A Ferris wheel was added to the pier.
2020A third fire at the pier damaged the Ferris wheel and an engineering shed.

Fun Facts About Central Pier Blackpool

  • It was the second of the three piers built in Blackpool.
  • Robert Bickerstaffe was the first manager of the pier, and he was also the coxswain of Blackpool’s first lifeboat.
  • The lifeboat station is next to Central Pier Blackpool.
  • There have been three fires at the pier in 1964, 1973, and then 2020.
  • The Ferris wheel is 108 feet (33 metres) high.
  • You might also like to read about South Pier in Blackpool.