Brighton Palace Pier put up for sale by Brighton Pier Group
Popular heritage landmark attracts global interest as part of divestment strategy
Last updated 2nd Jan 2026
Brighton Palace Pier, one of the UK’s four most visited tourist attractions, is being offered for sale.
The announcement comes as part of The Brighton Pier Group’s strategy to divest its leisure assets and return capital to shareholders.
Knight Frank has been appointed to oversee the sale of the Grade II*-listed landmark, which welcomed 3.9 million visitors in 2025 and remains a heritage site of national and international significance.
Dating back to 1899, the pier stretches approximately 1,722 feet into the English Channel and has become one of the most recognisable structures in the UK.
Situated in Brighton & Hove, consistently ranked among the country’s top three city destinations, the pier plays a central role in the coastal city’s appeal.
The site hosts numerous income-generating attractions, including two arcades, 19 funfair rides, kiosks, a restaurant, two bars, event spaces, and a children’s soft play facility.
It also benefits from year-round revenue streams across leisure, retail, hospitality, and entertainment.
The pier regularly accommodates private and corporate events with facilities for up to 2,000 guests and has appeared in films and television productions such as Brighton Rock, Cassandra’s Dream, and Stormzy's Big Man.
Anne Ackord, CEO of The Brighton Pier Group Limited, 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.
"We expect interest from buyers both within the UK and internationally and have therefore appointed Knight Frank to lead the sale and leverage their global network.”
John Rushby, Partner and Head of Specialist Leisure at Knight Frank, highlighted the pier’s cultural significance and commercial potential: “Brighton and Hove continues to grow in popularity as one of the UK’s leading destinations.
"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 and further enhance its position as a premier leisure attraction.”
The pier remains an iconic part of Britain’s tourism landscape and presents an exciting prospect for prospective buyers to shape its future.
Steve Bassam, the Rt Hon Lord Bassam of Brighton, chairs the seafront development board. He said: “The Palace Pier is a jewel in our crown, a much-loved part of Brighton’s heritage and a key attraction for visitors. Its future matters to us all.
“The sale presents an opportunity for new investment and innovation to protect our heritage and keep it accessible while also supporting a modern, thriving economy.
“We need to work together and look for the right investment to keep Brighton & Hove a world‑class destination for residents and visitors alike.”