Brighton Palace Pier hits market as owner seeks to divest leisure assets

Brighton Palace Pier has been put up for sale, with its owner The Brighton Pier Group seeking a buyer for the landmark attraction as it looks to divest its leisure assets.The Grade II* listed pier, which extends about 1,722 feet into the English Channel, welcomed 3.9 million visitors in 2025, making it one of the UK’s most visited tourist attractions, according to the company.

Having opened in 1899, the pier is located on the seafront in Brighton, part of the city of Brighton and Hove. It generates income from a range of leisure and hospitality activities, including arcades, fairground rides, food and drink outlets, kiosks and event space, as well as a children’s soft play facility.

The site is used for private and corporate events and can host gatherings of up to 2,000 people. It has also featured in a number of film and television productions over the years.

Anne Ackord, chief executive of The Brighton Pier Group, said the proposed sale was part of a wider strategy to dispose of leisure assets and return capital to shareholders. 

She said: “The proposed sale of the pier forms part of our strategy to divest our leisure assets and return capital to shareholders.

“Brighton Palace Pier is a profitable, standalone business with significant potential to build on its already strong popularity. This is more than just the sale of an asset: it is an opportunity to become part of the next chapter in a remarkable story and shape the future of this national treasure.”

John Rushby, partner and head of specialist leisure at Knight Frank, who is handling the sale, added: “Positioned at the heart of the city, Brighton Palace Pier stands out as one of the country’s most significant heritage landmarks, offering a rare opportunity for a new owner to build on its strong foundations.”