Major boost for UK seaside town as 145-year-old attraction reopens | UK | News

A UK seaside town has been given a major boost as an iconic attraction is set to reopen before the summer months. It has been confirmed that the 145-year-old attraction will reopen to the public for the first time since its closure in 2024.

Hythe Pier in Hampshire is to reopen following a refurbishment that includes major electrical upgrades. The pier, which was built in 1881 and is the seventh longest pier in England, also has the world’s oldest continuously operating pier railway. The railway opened in 1922 and allows visitors to travel along 700 meters of wooden pier.

It will cost visitors £1 to walk along the reopened pier. Meanwhile, children under five will be allowed access for free.

As reported by Irish SunA spokesperson for Hythe Pier, Rail and Ferry Group said: “Every £1 you spend goes back to the pier to support the future of the pier as we begin our transition to charity. Come and walk the full length of the pier (700 yards / 640 metres), take in the views and be part of the next chapter.”

The pier offers stunning coastal views and is a popular vantage point to watch cruise ships heading into Southampton harbour. Recently, efforts have been made to preserve it as a heritage site.

Hythe Ferry previously operated services to Southampton from the pier. The journey only takes 15 minutes and was deemed essential for the local community.

Although the pier will reopen to the public and boost local tourism, there are concerns that ferry and train services connecting Hythe to Southampton are not yet back on track.

Local councilor Malcolm Wade explained: “We’re waiting for Red Funnel to decide what to do because they’ve already written to us saying they’re no longer interested in running the ferry and we want our ferry back.”

Hythe Pier, Rail and Ferry Group said: “We have seen how important it is to bring our much-loved pier back to the community. We hope this is the first step towards restoring the service.”