At first glance the unsuspecting visitor could be forgiven for missing this unusual pier, thinking it to be just a part of the harbour wall. Closer inspection of the stonework will reveal a myriad of lattice girders supporting a pleasantly proportioned timber promenade deck.

Designed initially in 1890 as a simple concrete groyne, the lattice steelwork and timber decking were added to the structure in 1894, together with the wooden landing stage on the seaward side of the head in 1906. The pier neck is simplicity itself, having nicely worked wrought iron and timber seats running the full length on both sides, with ornate lamps at regularly spaced intervals. At the head, step's lead down to a concrete walkway, set at an angle of some 60 degrees from the neck, which continues to the harbour entrance.

One of the few buildings to have been constructed on Torquay Princess Pier was the 'Islander' entertainment complex at the pier-head. This no longer survives, as it was severely damaged by fire in 1974 and subsequently demolished.

Major reconstruction work on the substructure was carried out in the late 1950s when half of the pier-head was replaced, but this work was eclipsed in 1978 when these same repairs were required for the remainder of the pier-head and neck. Such was the complexity of the restoration project, it was entered for the 'Business and Industry' panel for the environment awards, 1979.

Today this lovely town retains much of its Victorian charm. Torquay Princess Pier and harbour area are complimented by the beautiful Victorian pavilion, now subtly transformed into a small shopping complex, and the landscaped gardens, set with a stunning Victorian fountain at its centre, do much to ensure that Torquay remains a firm favourite with the British public. In season a selection of boat trips run regularly from the pier-head.