North Pier

North Pier was opened in 1863 and is 550 yards (500 m) long. It was aimed at the "genteel" classes rather than day-tripper hoi-polloi, and remains the quietest of Blackpool's three piers. Originally it had a landing wharf at the end. Several ships have bashed into the pier down the years, and a 1936 steamer bisected it to leave several people stranded. It suffered fires in 1921 and 1938, but the biggest threat has been financial viability versus the cost of upkeep of the Grade II listed structure. There's an arcade with shops then a breezy stroll (or pootling tram) out to the pub, sun lounge and Joe Longthorne Theatre at the far end, named for the singer (1955-2019) who did impressions of Shirley Bassey. An earlier showbiz career launched here was in 1948 when Harry Corbett (1918-1989) bought a glove-puppet bear to amuse his son, for 7s/6d (nowadays 37.5 p). The puppet boosted his stage act and he daubed its nose and ears black for a stronger image on TV, hence Sooty.

• free

Hours

24 hr

Price

Free

Website

blackpoolpiers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)