Piers were originally built for the purpose of getting people and cargo from the boat to the shore without getting their feet wet, before they developed into pleasure devices. Some of the first pleasure piers were built in Britain during the early 19th century. At that time, the railways were expanding and tourists from all over the country were flocking to coastal resorts. But at many resorts the sea was not visible from land when the tide was out, prompting resort owners to build long piers so that holidaymakers could promenade over and alongside the sea at all times. Now fitted with shops, restaurants, carnival rides and dance floors, they have become an integral part of every beach town culture.

Since the early Victorian period, piers have been popular attraction in Britain as well as in North America. They are places where people gather, have fun or a leisurely walk above the ocean waters. Many piers are now historic treasures featuring some of the area’s oldest architecture and vestiges of the past. Modern ones feature unusual architecture and artistic design.