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Top 10 Sensational Facts about Grand Pier, Weston-Super-Mare

The Grand Pier is a pleasure pier in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, situated on the Bristol Channel, approximately 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Bristol.

Work began on building the pier on 7 November 1903, with P. Munroe acting as engineer, and it opened on 11 June 1904. At the pier’s end was a 2,000-seat theatre which was used as a music hall and for opera, stage plays, and ballet.

On 16 May 1907, an extension of the pier measuring 500 yards (1,500 ft) was opened, with the intention that the pier would be used as a docking point for boats to Cardiff.

The dangerous currents in the bay made it difficult. However, the extension was demolished.

The new, modern replacement pavilion opened on October 23rd, 2010, and Weston-Super-Mare Grand Pier once again resumed its place as one of the UK’s premier attractions.

The owner, Kerry Michael, was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award On November 12th, 2010 by the National Piers Society.

However, two unfortunate incidents happened. The pier’s pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1930 and 2008 consecutively.

Despite the fires, it is still among the two major piers in the town, along with Birnbeck Pier, which closed in 1994.

The theatre at the pier’s end was destroyed by fire on 13 January 1930. The building was underinsured hence, the pier was put up for sale and bought by Leonard Guy, who opened a £60,000 new pavilion three years later.

This second pavilion housed a large undercover funfair rather than a theatre. The pier was sold in 1946 to Mr. A. Brenner, went on to improve the pier’s facilities, adding new shops and an amusement arcade to the pavilion in the early 1970s.

As a result of the extra investment, the pier became a Grade II listed building in 1974.

1. The pier with its second pavilion, prior to the 2008 fire

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The theatre at the pier’s end was destroyed by fire on 13 January 1930. As the building was underinsured the pier was put up for sale and bought by Leonard Guy, who opened a £60,000 new pavilion three years later.

This second pavilion housed a large undercover funfair rather than a theatre. The pier was sold in 1946 to Mr. A. Brenner, went on to improve the pier’s facilities, adding new shops and an amusement arcade to the pavilion in the early 1970s.

As a result of the extra investment, the pier became a Grade II listed building in 1974.

2. A New Management and Magnificent Revamp

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Brenner continued his ownership of the pier until 6 February 2008, when it was sold to brother and sister partnership Kerry and Michelle Michael.

The pier immediately underwent a multi-million-pound revamp, which included a new branding scheme. Â£1,000,000 was spent installing a new go-kart track, a fully licensed bar, and a climbing wall in the pavilion.

3. One Stop Recording Site for TV Shows and Movies

Lights, camera, action! The Grand Pier has been the setting for many TV shows and even movies over the years.

With its picturesque Boardwalk and stunning views out to sea, the Pier provides the perfect backdrop for classic British seaside scenes. Star-studded Sky Atlantic comedy Bliss with Steven Mangan and Heather Graham has filmed at the Pier earlier this year and 1993 movie.

The Remains of the Day saw stars Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thomson in a scene together on the Pier. Several reality TV shows have also been filmed at the venue including Come Dine With Me, Don’t Tell the Bride, and Flog It.

BBC Breakfast and Saturday Kitchen have also used the Pier as a location for filming.

4. The Cost of the Pier

Photo by Roy Hughes –  

The original Grand Pier cost just £120,000 to build back in 1903. Compare this with the bill to re-build the new Pier in 2010, which cost owners Kerry and Michelle Michael an eye-watering £39,000,000 and you could say that’s a bargain!

5. The Beautiful Theatre on the Pier

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Nowadays The Grand Pier runs many entertainment nights for people to enjoy but did you know when the Pier first opened in 1904, it was home to a fine Edwardian Theatre that people would travel for miles to visit.

With a capacity of 2000 people, the theatre came complete with an orchestra pit and dressing rooms. Entertainment at the theatre included opera, musical comedy, Shakespeare plays, ballet, and boxing.

6. Intended Passenger Services from Weston to Cardiff

It was originally intended to run regular passenger services from the Pier to Cardiff but the tide and strong currents made the tide mooring of ships too dangerous so the plan was abandoned.

7. The Unshakeable Foundations

Photo by Rob Newman –  

The Grand Pier is supported by 360 original cast iron piles from 1904 with 71 new steel piles added in 2010.

The entire structure was refurbished in 2010 to give a minimum of 25 years until the first maintenance of any structural element will be needed.

8. Popular for Various Movies Filming

One scene from the film The Remains of the Day was filmed on the pier in 1992. The comedy television series Bliss filmed scenes on the pier in 2017. The reality television series Come Dine With Me, Don’t Tell the Bride and Flog It.

The news program BBC Breakfast and the cookery television series Saturday Kitchen have also been filmed at the pier.

9. The Accolades

The pier won the National Piers Society Pier of the Year award in 2001, and again in 2011, becoming the first pier to win the award twice.

10. The Most Beautiful Destination for Tourists

The Pier has the most beautiful attraction for anyone visiting Scottland. The location creates a beautiful for an indoor them park. It has hundreds of amusements on offer. 

There is a range of thrilling rides and attractions. With the best indoor play, restaurants, and cafés serving delicious food, and a whole host of events to suit all ages, there’s something for everyone at the Pier. 

Any time of the year is a good time to visit and enjoy the indoor activities. The pier offers all-inclusive activities for friends, making it the best destination for tourists.