The seaside piers around the coast of Britain stand as a powerful reminder of the achievements of Victorian engineers and entrepreneurs. At the turn of the last century, almost a hundred piers existed: now only half remain and several face an uncertain future.

The National Piers Society was founded in 1979 under Sir John Betjeman, at a time when some of the finest piers were threatened with demolition. Over the years the Society has grown steadily and has become well established as the leading authority on piers. Through its efforts, several piers that would otherwise have vanished, remain for the enjoyment of everyone.

The Society's aims are to promote and sustain interest in the preservation and continued enjoyment of seaside piers. It publishes a Guide to British Piers and a quarterly magazine, and advises heritage bodies, lottery boards, local authorities and the media on pier matters. It maintains links with the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (representing pier owners) and the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, whose ships operate excursions from pier landing stages. The Society has instituted an award scheme for engineering achievement in pier restoration. It organises visits and talks and holds its Annual General Meeting in a different resort each year. In the longer term, the Society wishes to establish a network of regional branches and a National Piers Museum.