Southend Pier Museum and its collection

Southend Pier Museum
Source

Southend Pier Museum is the only Museum in the world dedicated to the history of a seaside Pier. You will find it in Southend-on-Sea, on the east coast of England. Southend Pier is the longest pleasure Pier in the world 1.33 miles (2.1 km), dating from 1829, and features exhibits related to its history, its railway and the social history of England's newest city. Following a major redesign in 2021, there are now on display refurbished railway carriages from 1890, 1949 and 1986, a 1986 train driver simulation ride, a complete interactive working pier signal box, historic pre decimal penny slot machines, and many displays of the Pier's history, fires and collisions, through nearly two centuries.

ENSouthend-on-Sea Pier Museum

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Science & Technology Science & Technology Film Industrial heritage Railway War Automotive Local Maritime Profession & Craft Miscellaneous Photography

Southend Pier Museum
Southend Pier(Under the pier- Shore End)Marine Parade
Western Esplande, Southend on Sea, Essex

Visitor information Southend Pier Museum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday
11:00 – 17:00
Sunday
11:00 – 17:00

Normally open from Easter to New Years Day, note: closed Christmas Day but open Boxing Day and New Years Day.
We are also open on Bank Holiday Mondays, and usually on Fridays during the Summer Holiday season. For more information see our website www.southendpiermuseum.co.uk.

Admission

Free AdmissionFree

Enquiries from parties who wish to visit the museum are welcome, and they can usually be accommodated outside the normal opening hours. Schools should email schoolvisits@southendpiermuseum.co.uk.

Facilities

Museum shop
Child-friendly

Location & Map

Southend Pier(Under the pier- Shore End)Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea

Discover all museums in Southend-on-Sea

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Southend Pier Museum have been found.

Southend Pier Museum Reviews

Southend Pier Museum has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Southend Pier Museum, located at the shore end of Southend Pier in Southend-on-Sea, England, offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the world's longest pleasure pier. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that showcase the pier's evolution since its opening in 1830. Visitors appreciate the informative displays that detail the pier's construction, its role during wartime, and its significance to the local community. The museum's modest size allows for a quick yet engaging visit, making it a good addition to a day out on the pier. Some visitors note that while the exhibits are interesting, they may not be extensive enough for those seeking a more in-depth experience. The museum's location at the pier entrance makes it convenient to visit before or after a trip down the pier itself. Overall, the Southend Pier Museum provides a nostalgic and educational experience for those interested in local maritime history, though it may not appeal to everyone equally.

    Read more…

  • G
    Garry • Feb 1, 2025

    Great place to visit, the museum appeals to all ages, interactive exhibits, vintage pre decimal penny arcarde machines can be played on, huge amount of details about the piers history including photos and write up. Well worth a visit and free entry.

    Visited on Dec 14, 2024

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

Write a review

Your review helps other people learn about great and less great museums. If you've visited Southend Pier Museum, you can write your review below! Please pay attention to our content guidelines before you post your review.