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In Hampshire and looking to blow away the cobwebs? You’re in luck: after being closed for six months, Hythe Pier is due to reopen.
The Grade II-listed walkway (the seventh largest in the UK, having opened in 1881) was closed for essential electrical works but is due to make its grand return on April 2. It’ll cost just £1 for a stroll along the pier, with children under five doing so for free.
A Hythe Pier, Train and Ferry Group spokesperson said: ‘Every £1 you spend goes back into the pier, supporting its future as we begin our transition into a charity. Come and walk the full length of the pier (700 yards / 640 meters), take in the views and be part of this next chapter.’
Until August 2024, Hythe Ferry used the pier to connect Southampton and Hythe, though this service was suspended after its pontoon and supporting structure were found to be damaged. Hythe Pier Company bought the walkway to protect its future, with the aforementioned maintenance part of its restoration plan.
Hythe Pier Company director and local parish councillor Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan announced the news of its reopening in a Facebook post. ‘Reopening the pier has been a priority, and I’m proud to now deliver that for Hythe,’ she said. ‘Whilst the ferry and pier train are not yet operating, it was clear how important it was to reopen the pier itself and restore public access. This is hoped to be the first step towards restoring the full service.’
She added: ‘All income generated will go back into the pier, supporting its ongoing future, including plans to transition towards a Community Interest Company (CIC). This marks an important step in bringing the pier back into active use, and I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders as we move into this next phase.’
Hythe Pier’s opening times are as follows:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm
There will be walkway access only and the pier train, which opened in 1922 and is listed as the world’s oldest ferry train by the Guinness World Records, will not be running.
The ferry itself was acquired by the ferry company Red Funnel. Local councillor Malcolm said: “We’re waiting for Red Funnel to decide what they’re going to do, because they’ve already written to us to say they’re not interested in running the ferry anymore and we want our ferry back.”
Only time will tell if Red Funnel gives in to the pier pressure.
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