Llandudno Pier has won the prestigious ‘ Pier of the Year’ award for 2025. The hotly contested annual award is voted for by the members of the National Piers Society, the official campaign and lobby organisation representing the interests of Britain’s seaside piers.
Society Chairman, Tim Wardley expressed his delight at the result.
“When I learned of this year’s winner I was thrilled. Llandudno Pier has suffered a torrid time with the storm damage inflicted over the winter and our members were highly impressed with the way the pier owners, staff and public all pulled together to ensure repairs were carried out in record time to get the pier re- opened . It really shows what a valuable and much loved asset the pier is to the community and visitors with messages of support and donations from all over the world. Well done Llandudno – a most worthy winner!”
NPS Patron Gyles Brandreth added his delight at the result.
“Three cheers for Llandudno! Cheer! Drink Beer! Enjoy this fantastic North Wales pier as it basks in the glory of ‘Pier of the Year’!”
Paul Williams, General Manager for Llandudno Pier added his delight at the news.
“We are overjoyed with the announcement that Llandudno Pier has won the prestigious Pier of the Year award for 2025. The last time we were awarded this great accolade was back in 2005. In the past 18 months, a huge investment has been made by our parent company, Tir Prince Leisure Group, in the replacement and repair of several steel piles, bracing and decking.
We also announced the commencement of work for the reopening of the Happy Valley entrance which is still under construction. Late last year we faced
the full brunt of storm Darragh which caused significant damage to the Pier and prolonged the repair schedule. Again, a lot of hard work was put into getting the Pier back up and running and open to the General Public.
A lot of effort goes into the day to day running and upkeep of the Pier, which is enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. So many people are involved in the successful operations of the business from our dedicated Maintenance team, to our unit staff, management, arcade team and concessionaires who rely on the Pier for their livelihoods. The Pier is often referred to as a close knitted community, a town within a town. A special mention must also go to our amazing and supportive local community and businesses to whom we have created fantastic relationships with
including Llandudno Rugby Club and Llandudno Football Club.
Finally, I would be remissive for not acknowledging the continued support and investment of the Williams family, Adam & Alison who purchased the Pier back in 2015. Since then, the Pier has grown from strength to strength every year, employing hundreds of locals and supporting the local communities and charities. Through their guidance and vison, the Pier has become one of the foremost Tourist attractions in North Wales.
A heart felt thank you to The National Piers Society and it’s members for the great accolade. Llandudno Pier – National Pier of the Year 2025!”
SECOND PLACE – SWANAGE PIER
Second place Swanage Pier was restored to its present state in 1998 and is a highly ornamental promenading pier in the glistening Swanage Bay. Of timber construction, it is always a battle for the Swanage Pier Trust to keep the structure protected from erosion and annual maintenance costs are very high. The trust have so far preserved the pier admirably and have always found new ways of raising funds. Events, of course, are very important and the pier offers a number of very attractive seasonal events through the year. Swanage Pier has won Pier of the Year once before in 2012.
THIRD PLACE – HERNE BAY PIER
Herne Bay Pier has been a lively and buzzing focus to the town since the opening of the Beach Hut Village in 2013, following the work of Herne Bay Pier Trust. Even though it is still without its other 1000 metres (having been severed by the 1978 storm), this short stub still makes very good use of what it still has. The pier maintains a very busy events schedule throughout the year and the individual retail outlets are numerous.