Southend Pier

Reaching out into the Thames Estuary off Essex, this giant millipede stretches for over 1.34 miles making it the longest free-standing pier in the world.

Finished and opened in 1830, during its life Southend Pier has suffered from several fires and ships ramming it. Maybe they couldn't see it! If you don't fancy the walk, there is an electric railway to whisk you to eateries (Jamie Oliver has filmed here) on the pier head.