Sticky ice cream, colourful arcades and the sound of waves crashing in the background - all the essential parts of a great day out enjoying the British seaside. 

And it's exactly what Great Yarmouth's Britannia Pier, which dates back to 1901, offers.

Britannia Pier has been crowned the Pier of the Year 2026 by the National Piers Society, a national organisation that represents the interests of seaside piers at local and governmental levels.

Put up against 62 other seaside piers from across the UK, Britannia stood out. 

Triangle Amusements acquired the historic structure in 2022 and has passionately restored it to its former glory. 

Judges were particularly impressed with the investment the new owners have put into the pier in such a short amount of time - including a redeveloped Art Moderne entrance building and upgrades to the Pier Theatre, which is one of only five working pier theatres in the country. 

They also praised the warm welcome and family friendly experience the pier offers. 

Co-owner Joseph Abbott described the award as a 'huge honour' that 'fills the whole team with pride'. 

He added: 'Especially when recognised alongside so many other wonderful piers and previous winners like Llandudno and Cromer piers. 

'We feel this is a huge testament to us as new owners for the work, time and investment we have put in since our takeover in December 2022. It's certainly something we're personally very proud of!'

The seaside businessman explained how they envisioned a 'one stage at a time' redevelopment of the pier when his company acquired it. 

'We had a plan and we quickly set to work to implement the upgrades,' he continued. 

'We wanted to increase the footfall, length of our trading season and make it an all-year-round venue offering the local community out of season entertainment including theatre shows and events.

'We aim to offer a wide range of high-quality attractions, amusements, eateries, entertainment and bars to give the public a year-round entertainment venue whilst always trying to uphold the piers iconic history and nostalgia.'

Abbott added: 'This coveted award has re-assured us here at 'Team Britannia' that we are heading in the right direction, and that all our hard work has now been recognised by others!

'It's given us all a huge boost and we would like to say a massive thank you to the National Piers Society members for voting for our pier. It means so much! This pier has a huge history behind it, and this award has just added another chapter to its ongoing story! Long may it continue.'

Great Yarmouth's Britannia Pier beat runner up Herne Bay Pier, and third placed Swanage Pier. 

It now takes the crown from Llandudno Pier, which was awarded Pier of the Year 2025. 

National Piers Society chairman, Tim Wardley congratulated Britannia Pier on the respected national accolade. 

He said: 'Huge congratulations to the worthiest of winners who have shown that in challenging economic times investment is still the way forward to success. 

'Our members were hugely impressed with the new developments and attractions when they visited last year, which has now been acknowledged with the coveted National Piers Society 'Pier of the Year' 2026 award. 

'We look forward to returning in the summer to present the award and to see the new attractions in full swing.'

Meanwhile, National Piers Society patron, Gyles Brandreth, gushed: 'Three cheers for Britannia Pier! Well done and huge congratulations.'