Arnside Pier Live Cam

Arnside Pier is a Victorian-era pier located in the town of Arnside, Cumbria, England, on the banks of the River Kent, where it meets Morecambe Bay. The pier was built in 1869 by the Ulverston and Lancaster Railway Company, which sought to capitalize on the popularity of seaside resorts during the Victorian era.

The pier was originally built to accommodate steamers and other pleasure boats, which would ferry tourists up and down the coast, and also to serve as a loading point for local industries. The pier was made of timber and extended 470 feet out into the bay. It was designed by J.M. Rendel, a prominent engineer of the time, and was constructed at a cost of £2,500.

Over the years, the pier has undergone a number of changes and renovations. In 1883, a small pavilion was added to the pier, which provided shelter for visitors in bad weather. In 1893, the pier was extended by an additional 150 feet, and a new landing stage was constructed at the end of the pier. This allowed larger boats to dock at the pier, and it became a popular destination for day-trippers.

In the early 20th century, the popularity of the pier declined as the railway network expanded and more people began to travel further afield for their holidays. During World War II, the pier was used by the military as a lookout post, and it suffered some damage as a result of enemy action.

In the post-war years, the pier was refurbished and reopened to the public. However, by the 1960s, it was clear that the pier was in need of major repairs, and it was eventually closed to the public in 1970. In 1976, the pier was listed as a Grade II* building by English Heritage, which recognized its architectural and historical significance.

Today, the pier remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. While it is no longer used as a docking point for boats, it provides visitors with a unique vantage point from which to enjoy the stunning views of Morecambe Bay and the surrounding countryside. The pier has also been the subject of numerous artistic works, including paintings, photographs, and poems, which reflect its enduring cultural significance.

In the early 20th century, the pier continued to be a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. However, the outbreak of World War I brought an end to the golden age of seaside tourism. During the war, the pier was used as a lookout post, and it suffered some damage as a result of enemy action. In the post-war years, the pier was refurbished and reopened to the public.

During World War II, the pier was once again used for military purposes. It was fitted with anti-aircraft guns and searchlights, and soldiers were stationed on the pier to keep watch for enemy aircraft and submarines. The pier suffered some damage during the war, but it was repaired and reopened to the public in the years that followed.

In the post-war years, the popularity of the pier declined as more people began to travel further afield for their holidays. By the 1960s, it was clear that the pier was in need of major repairs, and it was eventually closed to the public in 1970.

In 1976, the pier was listed as a Grade II* building by English Heritage, which recognized its architectural and historical significance. Since then, efforts have been made to restore the pier and make it safe for visitors. In 2006, the Friends of Arnside Pier was established, a group of volunteers who work to maintain and promote the pier.

Today, Arnside Pier remains an important part of the town's heritage and a popular destination for visitors. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a great spot for fishing and bird watching. The pier has also been used as a location for film and television productions, including the BBC drama series "The Bay".

Geography

Arnside Pier is located in the town of Arnside, which is situated on the southern edge of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. The pier itself is located at the end of The Promenade, a street that runs along the seafront of Arnside. The pier extends out into Morecambe Bay, where it offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Morecambe Bay is a large estuary that spans the coastline of Lancashire and Cumbria. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including wading birds, seals, and otters. The bay is also famous for its dangerous tidal currents and quicksand, which have claimed the lives of many people over the years.

The town of Arnside is located on the eastern shore of Morecambe Bay, where the River Kent flows into the bay. The town has a population of around 2,500 people and is known for its picturesque setting and thriving arts community. The town is also popular with walkers and hikers, who come to explore the nearby hills and fells.