credit Marcin Jedrysiak.
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South Parade Pier

4.3
·5k reviews·Portsmouth, United Kingdom

A historic seaside pier offering stunning views, affordable funfair rides, arcade games, and classic fish & chips.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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credit Marcin Jedrysiak.

South Parade Pier

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic seaside pier offering stunning views, affordable funfair rides, arcade games, and classic fish & chips.

4.3
(5k reviews)

"Absolutely stunning views with a good amount of entertainment and the beach was amazing."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Festival Dates

Avoid Victorious Festival weekend for a quieter experience. Expect crowds and potential access changes.

Bring a Seat Cover

Benches can be dirty/wet. Consider a small towel for a more comfortable rest.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning Seaside Views

Stunning Seaside Views

Entire length of the pier

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the sea. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Family Funfair

Family Funfair

Rear of the pier

Exciting rides and amusements for all ages, including popular dodge-em cars. Affordable fun for kids.

Arcade Games

Arcade Games

Pier arcade

A large arcade filled with games for younger visitors, offering hours of entertainment and chances to win prizes.

Delicious Fish & Chips

Delicious Fish & Chips

Food establishments on the pier

Savor classic British fish and chips with a view. A must-try culinary experience by the sea.

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Planning Your Visit

Victorious Festival Impact

During Victorious Festival, expect significant crowd increases and potential access restrictions along the promenade. Check local advisories for any cordoned-off sections to ensure you can still enjoy seaside walks.

Pier Seating & Accessibility

While the pier offers great views and entertainment, be aware that some visitors note the white wooden benches can be dirty or wet, impacting the ability to rest and enjoy food. Consider bringing a small towel or wipes.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Pleasant atmosphere, sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

First time in the city during Victorious. I got a few questions to plan my parents’ visiting at a fairly inconvenient time

Check Festival Dates

Avoid Victorious Festival weekend for a quieter experience. Expect crowds and potential access changes. Reddit

Bring a Seat Cover

Benches can be dirty/wet. Consider a small towel for a more comfortable rest. Reddit

reddit.com

Is it safe to swim in the sea?

Affordable Family Fun

Great value rides and amusements for kids. Dodge-em cars are a hit! Reddit

Enjoy Coastal Views

The pier offers stunning views of the coastline. Perfect for photos and a relaxing walk. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Festival Dates

Avoid Victorious Festival weekend for a quieter experience. Expect crowds and potential access changes. Reddit

Bring a Seat Cover

Benches can be dirty/wet. Consider a small towel for a more comfortable rest. Reddit

Affordable Family Fun

Great value rides and amusements for kids. Dodge-em cars are a hit! Reddit

Enjoy Coastal Views

The pier offers stunning views of the coastline. Perfect for photos and a relaxing walk. Reddit

Parking Nearby

Convenient parking is available close to the pier, making access easier. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

South Parade Pier is praised for its stunning seaside views, affordable family funfair, and enjoyable arcade games. Visitors appreciate the classic pier experience and the availability of food options like fish and chips. However, some guests have noted issues with the cleanliness of the pier's seating, which can detract from the overall comfort.

"Absolutely stunning views with a good amount of entertainment, food places and the beach was amazing. Although a pebble beach to sand it took nothing away from the relaxing experience I had down there."

John O'Connor

"Took my kids on a family day out. An absolutely enjoyable afternoon, packed with great rides at an affordable price. My favourite ride was the dodge-em cars.

The staff were very friendly and answered questions politely."

Oluwaseyi Osagie

"My 94 year old mother visits this pier regularly in the summer along with many others. But you never see them sitting down on the white wooden benches. This is because they can’t. Forget having a rest and a sit down to enjoy an ice cream or a bag of chips, due to the seats always being dirty, grubby or wet. They should be wiped down every morning with notices saying to the idiots amongst us, Do Not Stand or Put Your Feet On The Seats. This will encourage more people to come sit and enjoy the pier and what it has to offer. This is not a moan it’s a genuine fact. And what with the amount of money that has been spent in order to restore this pier back to its near on original state. It doesn’t make any sense? Therefore it begs the question, is this due to neglect, money or just laziness? It’s all ways the small things that let these places and people down."

S Benham

What People Like

Stunning seaside views
Affordable family funfair
Great arcade games

What People Dislike

Dirty/wet benches

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

South Parade Pier is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options like buses also serve the area. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.

Yes, there is parking situated close by, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

During Victorious Festival, parts of the promenade might be cordoned off. It's advisable to check local advisories for the most up-to-date information on access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the pier itself is generally free, allowing you to enjoy the views and atmosphere. However, individual rides and arcade games will require payment.

The pier is typically open daily, but specific attraction hours may vary. It's best to check the official website or social media for the most current operating times, especially for the funfair and arcade.

Visitors often find the rides at the funfair to be affordably priced, offering good value for a family day out. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

South Parade Pier offers a variety of entertainment, including a funfair with rides, a large arcade with games, and food establishments. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for families, with plenty of rides and arcade games to keep children entertained. Reddit

The beach adjacent to the pier is a pebble beach that transitions to sand. It's described as a relaxing experience. Reddit

While there are white wooden benches, some visitors report they can be dirty or wet, making it difficult to sit and enjoy food. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You can find a lovely fish and chips spot on the pier, along with other food establishments offering various treats. Reddit

Yes, there are food options available, including fish and chips. However, seating on the benches might be an issue due to cleanliness. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The pier offers stunning views of the coastline and the sea, making it ideal for scenic photography. The funfair rides and arcade also provide vibrant subjects.

Yes, the pier's structure, the sea views, and the lively atmosphere of the funfair and arcade make it a very photogenic location.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

South Parade Pier is an excellent choice for families looking for an affordable and fun day out. The funfair rides, especially the dodge-em cars, are a huge hit with children, and the large arcade offers plenty of games to keep them entertained. Reddit The pier's seaside location also provides a great backdrop for family photos and a chance to enjoy the coastal air.

While the pier offers a lot of fun, be mindful of the seating. Some visitors have noted that the benches can be dirty or wet, so bringing a small towel or wipes might be a good idea if you plan to sit and enjoy snacks. Reddit With nearby parking and a generally welcoming atmosphere, it's a solid option for creating lasting family memories.

Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, South Parade Pier offers a lot of value. Entry to the pier is generally free, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the stunning seaside views without spending a penny. Reddit You can choose to spend money on specific attractions like the affordable funfair rides or try your luck at the arcade games, controlling your spending as you go.

Even if you decide not to partake in paid activities, a leisurely stroll along the pier, enjoying the coastal scenery and perhaps grabbing a reasonably priced fish and chips, makes for a fulfilling and inexpensive outing. Reddit The availability of nearby parking also helps keep transportation costs down.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Historic Seaside Gem

South Parade Pier is a testament to seaside entertainment, having been restored to near its original state. As one of the less than 50 piers remaining in the UK, it holds significant historical value and offers a glimpse into traditional British seaside attractions. The pier aims to provide a comprehensive experience, from food to amusements, making it a cherished local landmark. Reddit

Its restoration signifies a commitment to preserving these iconic structures. Visitors can appreciate the blend of historical architecture with modern entertainment, creating a unique atmosphere. The pier's accessibility and nearby parking further enhance its appeal as a destination for both locals and tourists seeking a classic pier experience. Reddit

Family Fun and Affordability

South Parade Pier is a hit with families, offering a packed afternoon of enjoyment at affordable prices. The funfair is a major draw, with rides like the dodge-em cars being a particular favorite among younger visitors. Reddit The large arcade also provides ample entertainment, catering to a range of ages and interests.

Beyond the rides, the pier’s seaside location adds to the family appeal. While the beach is pebbly, it transitions to sand, offering a pleasant environment for a family day out. The friendly staff also contribute to a positive experience, answering questions politely and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all. Reddit

Navigating Visitor Comfort

While South Parade Pier boasts stunning views and a good amount of entertainment, some visitors have noted issues with the cleanliness of the white wooden benches. These seats, intended for rest and enjoying food like ice cream or chips, are sometimes reported as dirty or wet, detracting from the overall experience. Reddit

This concern highlights the importance of small details in maintaining visitor satisfaction. The suggestion to implement regular cleaning and signage to discourage misuse could significantly improve the comfort and enjoyment for all guests, especially the elderly who may rely on these resting spots. Reddit Addressing these minor issues would further enhance the pier's appeal as a well-maintained and welcoming attraction.

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