A small seaside town in Somerset is home to the shortest pier in the UK. Burnham-on-Sea, which is a popular spot for family holidays during the summer months, also has one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in Europe.

Burnham Pier measures 37 metres in length and, due to the high tidal range of Bristol Channel, finishes up to 1.5 miles from the sea at low tide. It was built in 1914 and was reportedly inspired by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It is raised over the water and supported by concrete piles. The pier is also home to an amusement arcade, a cafe, a bingo hall, and a courtyard which sells burgers, pizza, and ice cream.

It was purchased by the Parkin family in 1968 before English Heritage refused to classify the pier as a listed building in 2013. The Parkin family proposed a £100,000 refurbishment of the structure, which included a new seating area, in 2014.

Despite the local planning officer initially recommending that the plans be rejected, local councillors eventually gave permission, and the updates were completed. A new roof, measuring 14 by 10 metres, was constructed over the seating area.

The pier, which was known as The Pavilion at the time, was then sold to J. Holland and Sons in 2017 before being renamed Burnham Pier two years later. Further repair work then took place in 2020.

The following summer, a fire broke out at the seaward end of the pier. It left severe damage to around half of the structure, and the cause of the blaze is still unknown.

As well as the pier, Burnham-on-Sea boasts a number of family-friendly attractions. It has an amusement arcade, a cinema and a park with a play area and skate park.

A number of visitors have taken to TripAdvisor to leave feedback on Burnham Pier. A total of 154 visitors have given the attraction a perfect rating.

79sgrif said: "What a fab arcade. The arcade is super clean, rather than the usual food ground into the carpet and sticky floors you get. The staff were cleaning the high touch points on the machines constantly.

"All machines in great working order, no problems with jammed coins and bits not working. The 2p machines were generous with their prizes. All the staff were smiling and friendly."

Maddiecjh wrote: "Always enjoy coming to the Pier at Burnham. Staff are friendly and helpful. We met the manager as we had an issue with a card machine not distributing money and she was very polite/helpful with the whole situation.

"Great selection of arcade machines. Nice food served here. Great selection of ice cream!"

Psychosian added: "We loved Burnham pier! We spent far too long and far too much money (as you're meant to!) but the staff in there were the best from all the amusements along this stretch of coast.

"They were really friendly, chatty and helpful. The machines were fun and the prizes were great too!"

Jackie H put: "The staff were friendly and helpful. The whole place was really clean. Staff were continually cleaning. It may be small but they day the best things come in small packages. Highly recommended!"