Sandown Pier facts for kids
Sandown Pier from Isle of Wight Coastal Path
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| Carries | Pedestrians |
|---|---|
| Spans | Sandown |
| Total length | 870 feet (270 m) |
| Opening date | 29 May 1878 |
| Coordinates | 50°39′09.7″N 1°9′20″W / 50.652694°N 1.15556°W |
Sandown Pier is a fun place to visit on the Isle of Wight in England. It's a long structure that stretches out into the sea from the town of Sandown. People love coming here for games, rides, and beautiful views!
Contents
History of Sandown Pier
Building the First Section
Plans for building Sandown Pier started way back in the 1860s. A special law was even passed in Parliament in 1864 to allow it. However, construction didn't begin until 1876.
The first part of the pier was about 360 feet (110 m) long. It officially opened on May 29, 1878. Lady Oglander, who was the wife of Sir Henry Oglander, 7th Baronet, helped open it.
Extending the Pier
Work to make the pier even longer began in 1894. But a big storm hit on January 12, 1895. This storm caused a lot of damage to the new parts being built.
After repairs and changes, the pier reopened on September 17, 1895. It was made longer by another 545 feet (166 m). This meant the pier was now a total of 870 feet (270 m) long!
The pier's main deck was 24 feet (7.3 m) wide. At the very end, there was a large area measuring 107 feet (33 m) by 93 feet (28 m). This spot had a special landing area for boats.
A large building called a pavilion was also built at the end of the pier. It had a round roof and could hold 400 people. All these improvements cost about £10,800, which was a lot of money back then!
New Ownership and Buildings
In 1918, the Sandown Urban District Council took over the pier. This meant the local government became its owner.
A new pavilion was opened closer to the shore in 1934. John Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe officially opened this building. It cost around £26,000 to build.
Fire and Reopening
In August 1989, a fire started in the pier's arcade. The fire spread to the theatre, causing about £2,000,000 worth of damage. It was a very serious fire!
However, the pier was quickly repaired and rebuilt. It was ready to welcome visitors again for the summer season in 1990.
What to Do at Sandown Pier
Sandown Pier has lots of fun things for families and kids to enjoy. At the start of the pier, closer to the land, you'll find many indoor activities.
Further out, towards the sea, there's an outdoor funfair. There's also a special place where boats can dock.
Some of the cool things you can do at the pier include:
- Visiting cafes for snacks and drinks
- Playing in a children's play area
- Trying your luck at the amusement arcade
- Playing a game of bowling
- Enjoying an indoor crazy golf course
