A 19th-century pier has been described as "lame" and "disappointing" by a handful of visitors.

Eastbourne Pier, which has an average four-star rating on Tripadvisor, has received mixed reviews among visitors.

Although many have shown appreciation for the landmark in the seaside town, some visitors have felt let down by their visit.

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One reviewer said: "We had been looking forward to visiting Eastbourne pier as it looks lovely from a distance.

"However, close up it is really awful.

"Everything is in need of maintenance and repair."

Another visitor said the pier was "lame".

They wrote: "They really do not make the most of this facility. Most of the kiosks were shut. A nice little glass animal kiosk open with nice people serving and making stuff inside. That was about it."

The pier was also described as "disappointing" with "nothing on it".

Despite these criticisms, many visitors still seemed to be impressed with the pier.

One reviewer called the pier an "amazing place".

They said: "On holiday in the area, we made a visit to this beautiful old pier. Excellent views on a sunny day, plenty of places to sit and relax and watch the sea.

"Some nice gift shops, pleasant people. The large pavilion at the end seemed to be being renovated, but we enjoyed walking around, plus coffee in the Victorian tea room."

Another visitor said: "Free entry onto the pier, great for a stroll, tea room, restaurants, gift shops, pub. Plenty of seating to just sit and enjoy the surroundings. Well worth a visit if in Eastbourne."

One person also argued that the pier is "better than Brighton".

They wrote: "It’s a great place to wander, to photograph, to sit awhile, to enjoy the bracing sea air, to take in the views, to enjoy some food and drink, or to try your luck in the amusement hall at the seaward end

"It’s been beautifully restored, and is visually pleasing to the eye. In my opinion is is much nicer than the Brighton Pier further along the coast.

"It’s a great attraction which adds to the life of Eastbourne, and it is certainly worth a visit."

The 300-metre-long pier, which opened in 1872, welcomes thousands of visitors every year and has undergone various restoration work including being repainted.