Worthing’s iconic pier has officially been named one of the best in Britain, after a new national ranking placed it fifth overall among the country’s seaside piers.

The study, published by The Telegraph, compared 60 piers across the UK, awarding points based on performance in a range of categories.

Worthing Pier scored 407 points, making it the highest-ranked pier in West Sussex, and one of only a handful to break into the national top ten.

The recognition comes as investment continues across the pier, including the official launch of new restaurant Ebb above Perch on the Pier, with owner Alex Coombes describing the landmark as a 'massive focal point' for the town.

Worthing’s iconic pier has officially been named one of the best in Britain, after a new national ranking placed it fifth overall among the country’s seaside piers. Photo: Hollie Robards / SR26021101 / Iconic Media Group

placeholder image — Worthing’s iconic pier has officially been named one of the best in Britain, after a new national ranking placed it fifth overall among the country’s seaside piers. Photo: Hollie Robards / SR26021101 / Iconic Media Group

“Really excited,” he said of the ranking.

“Loads of friends sent it to me from outside of Worthing.

“Obviously we know we’re involved with the pier and are interested in things like that, so it was really nice to get national recognition for something that’s important to people in Worthing and the surrounding area.

“It’s a massive focal point, and we know it’s a big deal. It was really cool.”

The recognition comes as investment continues across the pier, including the official launch of new restaurant Ebb above Perch on the Pier, with owner Alex Coombes describing the landmark as a 'massive focal point' for the town. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

The recognition puts Worthing ahead of several famous seaside attractions, including Brighton Palace Pier, which ranked eighth, and Hastings Pier, which came 13th.

Elsewhere on the south coast, Eastbourne Pier placed seventh and was praised by the newspaper as a 'splendid sliver of seaside infrastructure'.

Alex said Worthing Pier’s mix of traditional seaside attractions and independent hospitality venues has helped set it apart from many others around the country.

“I think it’s fairly unique in the way it’s set out,” he said.

Worthing Pier in the sun. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

“A lot of other English piers are either too small to be productive or don’t have much on them that people want to visit.

“Worthing still has the traditional element with amusements, and then us at the very end of it as well.

“It’s a good offer for the town and hopefully we’re a good representation of that. We’re working hard to be a figurehead for the investment that’s gone in.”

First opened in 1862, Worthing Pier remains one of the town’s best-known landmarks and is home to cafés, restaurants, entertainment venues and regular community events. Its Victorian architecture and sea views continue to attract both visitors and residents year-round.

The pier has also become increasingly associated with Worthing’s growing independent food and hospitality scene, something Alex believes is helping reshape perceptions of the town.

“Worthing has tons of amazing hospitality,” he said. “One of the things about the town is its independents, which we still think is really cool.

“Worthing is stronger as a scene than as individual businesses.

“There isn’t so much competition between restaurants; it actually adds to the balance and helps position Worthing as a hub of independent operators rather than chains.”

The Telegraph’s ranking assessed piers from across Britain, from major tourist destinations to smaller traditional seaside structures.

The full list saw piers from across England, Wales and Scotland judged on their overall appeal, facilities and visitor experience.