THE Palace Pier has been voted one of the best amusement parks in the UK.

Brighton’s famed attraction was ranked number eight in the country in TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Enthusiastic visitors praised the pier as “beautiful” and “stunning” and said it had “something for everyone”.

The top three on the list were Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World) in Romsey, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Alton Towers in Staffordshire.

Neil Blackmore, sales and marketing manager of the Palace Pier, said: “Brighton Palace Pier is delighted to be considered a top ten UK theme park by TripAdvisor.

“Brighton and Hove is a fantastic city for any business to thrive and it’s helped us to maintain our status as the most visited free attraction outside London.

“We’re always looking for new ways to keep our guests entertained though and this week we’ll launch the UK’s first ‘Paradrop Virtual Reality’ ride.”

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Councillor Daniel Yates said: “We welcome millions of tourists each year and it’s great to know how important the Palace Pier is for visitors.

“The pier creates jobs and economic benefits for our city.”

He said the council was pleased the pier had had the “Palace” put back in its name, thanks to a long- running campaign by The Argus.

Cllr Yates said of the top ten ranking: “This achievement is also down to the new manager who has been driving more visitors.

“The lovely weather has also helped bring more people to Brighton.

“I am very pleased to know people are enjoying what we have to offer.”

Labour and Co-operative Councillor Alan Robbins, chairman of the economic, development and culture committee, said: “This is a really fantastic result and it just proves how many people enjoy the Palace Pier.

“We are very popular.

“We are also a magnet for visitors from overseas.

“Thank you for visiting us and have a lovely time at the Palace Pier.”