Which English seaside town is home to the world's longest pleasure pier?

Southend Pier is a major landmark in Southend-on-Sea. Extending 1.34 miles (2.16 km) into the Thames Estuary, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world.

In the early 19th century, Southend was growing as a seaside holiday resort. With it being close to the capital, many Londoners would come to Southend for a holiday. The coast at Southend consists of large mudflats, so the sea is never very deep even at full tide and recedes over a mile from the beach at low tide. Large boats were unable to stop at Southend near to the beach and no boats at all were able to stop at low tide. This meant that many potential visitors would go past Southend and on to Margate, or other resorts where docking facilities were better.

To counter this trend local dignitaries pushed for a pier to be built. This would allow boats to reach Southend at all tides. The campaign was led by former Lord Mayor of the City of London Sir William Heygate, 1st Baronet, a resident of Southend.