Eastbourne Pier, first completed in 1872, has been through several iterations in its interesting lifetime. The 1,000 feet-long structure is built on stilts that rest in cups on the sea-bed allowing it to move during rough weather.

During World War II part of the decking was removed and machine guns were installed in the theatre providing a useful point to repel any attempted enemy landings. In December 1942, an exploding mine caused considerable damage to the pier and nearby hotels; it had been tied to the stanchions by the local police, who were under the mistaken impression that it was fitted with a safety device!

Fire swept through the theatre in 1970 and a nightclub was built in its place. The nightclub remains today alongside a fish and chip kiosk, shops, an ice-cream parlour and typical English seaside amusements.

Eastbourne Pier, now privately owned by a Sheikh.

Victorian architecture dominates the style of hotels overlooking the sea.