South Pier in Blackpool: HIstory, Information, and Fun Facts

South Pier is a popular tourist attraction in Blackpool, Lancashire, and it is also a favourite place to spend time with many locals. The historic pier is one of the seaside resort’s three piers. If you are thinking of visiting Blackpool’s South Pier, you might want to know what there is to do, the history of South Pier in Blackpool, and important details about where to find it and its opening hours. Here is everything you need to know about Blackpool’s South Pier. 

Useful Information About the South Pier in Blackpool

• Address: South Pier, South Shore, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1BB
• Telephone number: 01253 343097
• Website: http://blackpoolpiers.co.uk/piers/south-pier 
• Opening hours: The pier is open from 10 am until late throughout the year. You can enter the arcade at the pier’s entrance from 9 am, and some of the food and drink venues on the pier do not open until 11 pm. 

What Is There to Do at South Pier in Blackpool?

If you are thinking of visiting South Pier in Blackpool during your stay, you may wonder how you will spend your time during your visit and if it is an attraction worth including in your itinerary. There are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy when you visit the Blackpool landmark. These include:

• Take a stroll along the pier to admire the views of Blackpool’s coastline and the Irish Sea.
• Sit in one of the pavilions to enjoy a picnic or take a break from sightseeing around Blackpool. 
• Watch live entertainment in The Laughing Donkey Family Bar.
• Take the kids to enjoy the children’s rides and amusements in the Kiddies Ride Arena, or enjoy some family fun at the amusement arcade.
• Give yourself an adrenaline rush at the Adrenaline Zone, which has attractions such as Skycoaster, Skyrider, Maxibounce, and Spider Mountain.
• Have fun on rides such as the Crazy Mouse rollercoaster, the dodgems, and a Waltzer. 
• Enjoy food and drink at one of the pier’s many outlets (see below). 

Eating and Drinking

Although there are many amazing restaurants in Blackpool to try, including themed restaurants, Italian restaurants, and Indian restaurants, you do not need to leave the pier unless you wish to do so. There are plenty of refreshments and dining options along the pier to enjoy. Some of these include:

• Player Sports Bar
• Mr Churro
• The Gin House
• Lorna’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Betty’s Fish & Chips
• Mr Whippy
• Kelly’s Hot Food
• South Pier Burgers
• German Sausage
• Tom’s Donuts
• Rock & Fudge Shop

The Pier’s History: The 19th Century

If you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about the attractions and landmarks in Blackpool, you might want to learn about the history of South Pier in Blackpool.

South Pier is the newest of the three piers in Blackpool. The oldest pier is North Pier, which was built in 1863. North Pier was originally called Blackpool Pier, as the other three piers did not exist then. Central Pier was next, as it opened to the public in 18888.

In 1890, the Blackpool South Pier & Pavilion Co. Ltd. Was registered, and T.P. Worthington began designing the pier. However, construction of the pier did not begin until 1892, and it did not open to the public until 1893.  Originally, the pier was called Victoria Pier and was not renamed South Pier until 1930.

The purpose of South Pier was to offer a more upscale attraction than the two existing piers. The design was shorter and wider than the North Pier and Central Pier, as the intention was to erect pavilions where the upper classes could sit and enjoy the coastal scenery.

South Pier’s main attraction was the Grand Pavilion, which had a 3,000-seating capacity. It was the venue for the pier’s opening ceremony, which featured an orchestra, two brass bands, and a choir. The pier also had a bandstand, a photography stall, an ice cream vendor, and 36 shops. The popularity of South Pier increased in 1896 when South Shore in Blackpool became a popular tourist destination due to the addition of a carousel on the dunes.

History of South Pier in Blackpool: 1902-Today

The pier’s entrance was widened in 1902 during the construction of the current promenade. It was then widened for a second time in 1938.

A fire in 1958 caused significant damage to the Grand Pavilion. Six years later, a second fire led to the complete destruction of the pavilion. It was replaced with a theatre, and the pier’s original theatre at the entrance became an amusement arcade.

Sadly, there is no longer a theatre on the pier, as the new theatre was demolished in 1998. The Crazy Mouse rollercoaster now sits in its place. Over the last three decades, multiple additions to the pier’s attractions have been made. Now, South Pier is one of the most popular things to do in Blackpool.

Interesting Facts About South Pier: FAQs

When was the pier built?

Construction of the pier began in 1892, and it opened a year later. 

How Much Did It Cost to Build the South Pier?

It cost £50,000 to build, a significant sum of money at the end of the 19th century. 

How long is the pier?

The pier is 163 yards (149 metres) long. 

Who Owns South Pier Blackpool?

The current owner of the South Pier in Blackpool is Peter Sedgwick.