The current pier dates from 1880, the second iron pier on the site after an earlier wooden structure was wrecked by a storm. It was extended in 1894, partially demolished during the Second World War (to prevent its use as an enemy landing point), rebuilt in the 1950s, and steadily modernised since. The classic ironwork remains, with a wide promenade deck and benches looking back at the cliffs.
These days the pier is more theme park than promenade: an indoor zip line runs the length of the building, with a faster outdoor wire that drops surfers from the top of the cliff over the pier to the beach. There is also ten-pin bowling, an amusement arcade, and a couple of cafes. Even so, the walk to the seaward end at sunset still earns its place.