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Southwold pier was first built in 1900, when it extended for a distance of 810 feet (250 metres) finishing with a T-shaped end. The pier end was practically destroyed by a gale in 1934, with the T-shaped end being swept away. Two breaches were blown in it during the Second World War and a further major storm in 1979 reduced the pier to approximately 100 feet (30 metres).

A major rebuilding and refurbishment program was begun in 1999 in order to rebuild the pier. This was completed in 2001 almost 100 years after it was first opened. In 2002 the T-Shaped end was replaced, bringing the pier to a total length of 623 feet (190 metres). This additional length now allows the pier to accommodate visits by Britain's only surviving sea-going steam passenger ship, the paddle steamer PS Waverley and its running mate the MV Balmoral (Link Wikipedia).