Herne Bay Pier
Herne Bay Pier
Herne Bay Pier is a bright, colourful, bustling place where fun can be found for all the family; where you can choose from a wide range of delicious meals & snacks, have a drink, ride an old fashioned fairground horses, have a go on the helter-skelter, browse the numerous, interesting retail huts or just pass the time enjoying the sea air and all that this traditional seaside town has to offer.
Herne Bay Pier is run by Herne Bay Pier Trust, a registered charity.
Opening hours
- Weather Permitting the Pier will be open daily from 8.00 am with the retail outlets opening at 11.00 am. During the winter months the we will close at 3.30 pm
- Attractions are open at weekends, on public holidays and during school holidays.
- The Retail Village and Food Court are open daily but, some may have varying opening hours.
Dates for your diary
What our visitors say on Google ...
Small but perfectly formed. The little retail village was a pleasant surprise. There's a stage at the end of the pier with a program of artists advertised
The pier was very nice, with different stalls to look at, and the coffee was good at a very good pruce
Quaint little pier with lots of beach hut type stalls lining the stretch before you find a pavilion of food and drink stalls. There is also a few rides for smaller children. Fabulous views.
Went to the bagel shack and had a salt beef bagel and it was delicious. Herne bay needs this. It was so good I went back for a Nutella 1. I will definitely be back the tea and hot chocolate was even good!
Try the fish and chips on the pier, always good and a little cheaper than others in the area
Had a quick stop on our way to Broadstairs lots of great little shops to look at
The beach is truly stunning, featuring clean, well-maintained gravel sand, and the water is quite clear with a sandy bottom. It's definitely a must-visit during the summer months. Conveniently, there is nearby parking available at no charge for up to four hours currently. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking. The only downside was that the pier was disappointing as it was closed and not available for children's activities, despite visiting on three different occasions. However, I would still suggest families visit this beach for its beauty and the wonderful walking experience it offers.
Beautiful day spent in the sun lovely place too visit
Ein wunderschöner Ort um im Januar die Seele baumeln zu lassen. Es war zwar kaum was auf, aber dafür Ruhe und Sonnenschein 😉
Freezing cold when we went in the Winter, but still some nice shops set up, friendly people and a lovely crepe with a nice view!
Прекрасно и приятно място за разходка, има къде да поседнеш или пък да хапнеш, ако огладнееш. Има прекрасни магазинчета по крайбрежната алея и уникален английски чай!
Had a really nice time visiting the pier for the first time, so much variety with the venders and the food selection was amazing
First Pier (1832): The story begins in 1830 when two London businessmen constructed a landing stage to connect to the shore. This pier extended far enough that even during low tide, passenger trips could dock at all times, making it convenient for visitors to this popular bathing resort. Designed by Thomas Telford, the first wooden pier was an impressive 3,613 feet (1,101 meters) long12. It cost £50,000 (equivalent to £4.6 million in 2023) and was completed in 1832. The pier featured a sail-powered car called Neptune’s Car, which ran the entire length, carrying passengers and baggage. When the wind was insufficient, pier employees physically pushed the trolley. Unfortunately, the first pier faced challenges due to damage caused by the toredo worm and winter storms. London steamers ceased operating in 1862, leading to its eventual closure. In 1871, the pier was sold for scrap. Second Pier (1899): The second pier, known as the Herne Bay Pavilion Pier, was constructed in 1899. It was a remarkable 3,787 feet (1,154 meters) long and served as a landing stage for passenger steamers. Notably, this pier appeared in the opening sequence of Ken Russell’s first feature film, French Dressing. Tragically, the second pier met its end during a storm in 1978 and was dismantled in 1980. Today, only a stub with a sports center remains at the landward end, while part of the landing stage remains isolated at sea! Third Pier (Current Stub): The remnants of the third pier stand as a testament to its storied past. Although no longer the grand structure it once was, it continues to evoke memories of Herne Bay’s maritime heritage. The modern structure has also had a chequered past including a time when someone broke in to the newly created stalls and vandalised them and stole stock and cash! Herne bay Pier is a must-see for any visitor in the area. There are some rides that are fun to take in and drinking and food huts that offer many options, it's difficult to pick one because they're all delicious! The atmosphere is really fun. There are huts filled with unique products for sale as well as seaside souvenirs. In the summer time, there are occasions when there is live music that is available to attend. A charming Herne bay pier with everything for every person. A great place to go Crab Catching with your children! Plenty of reasonable restaurants that have something for everyone , and even amusement stand-ups. A charming traditional seaside town , with vibrant beach huts that line the shoreline, and some have distinctive designs. One of the best things about Herne Bay Pier is its retail village. This village has an area for 30 small businesses that are operating their business at this beautiful pier. In this retail village, there are many stalls where you will find clothes, craftworks, paintings, household stuff, and jewellery. Also, the prices for the stuff at these stalls are pocket-friendly. When I first visited in the 1980's there was a rollerskating rink on the pier!
Although the pier has never been rebuilt to its full glory following the storm in the 70's. They have done a good job of placing children's activities, micro pub, hot food outlets, quant shops, toilets on what's left of it.
Despite the cold weather Interesting little beach hut shops well worth a visit.
Great place to eat and drink throughout the winter months and nik nacks to buy.
This made a good morning out, there were Christmas market stalls which made it a pleasant stroll.
Nice food outlets. And lovely shops with very different gifts.
This quaint short pier has all the things you want on a pier, amusements, fishing/crabbing from the end, huts for the local vendors to sell their wares, tea/coffee huts, ice cream parlour and information boards. A really enjoyable hour or so spent here.
Plent of small eateries and a bar , also some cabins selling craft and art products .
Can't be beaten as a place to sit down with a cold drink and watch people on a warm sunny day!
Great public space. Good food choices. Sea views. Seating areas. Toilets. Fun fair too. Worth a family visit. Also holds open air concerts.
Parking is free from October to March so its much easier to pop here for an afternoon for fish and chips and a dog walk along the prom. The pier is a short walk but lovely on a sunny day.
Nice pier. Some stalls selling craft nits and places to eat and drink.