Cleethorpes Pier
East Coast
Cleethorpes

Cleethorpes Pier is one of the most photographed landmarks in Cleethorpes, embodying over a century of history and transformation.

Originally opened in 1873 by Mr. Grant Thorold of Weelsby, the pier stretched 370 metres out to sea, supported by cast-iron cylindrical columns. Its pitch-pine deck led to an 800-capacity concert hall at the far end. In 1903, the pier head’s concert hall was tragically destroyed by fire. A new pavilion was built near the shore in 1905, alongside a café and shops on the site of the original building.

During World War II, the decking was strategically breached to prevent access by enemy forces arriving by sea. Years later, the remains of the damaged section were removed and sold by the Council, with some of the material even making its way to Filbert Street, the former home of Leicester City Football Club.

The pier saw a significant modernization in 1968, with the addition of a 600-seat concert hall, café, and bar. It underwent further transformations over the years, including a stint as the nightclub "Pier 39" in 1985.

In 2013, a £4.7 million renovation gave the pier new life, transforming it into a high-quality restaurant, tea room, and ballroom. A stunning stained-glass window became the centerpiece of the pier’s façade, and the pier was named Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society in 2016.

That same year, Cleethorpes Pier was sold to Papas Fish & Chips, becoming the world’s largest fish and chip restaurant—a fitting tribute to its enduring coastal charm and legacy.