Why visit the Royal Pavilion in Brighton?
The Royal Pavilion — one of Britain’s most extraordinary buildings — is a Grade I listed former royal residence located in the heart of Brighton. Beginning in 1787, it was built in three stages as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who became the Prince Regent in 1811 and King George IV in 1820. What started as a modest farmhouse was transformed into an oriental fantasy palace, making it one of the UK’s most bizarre architectural landmarks.
- To skip the explanation and just book Royal Pavilion tickets, head this way.
The Royal Pavilion’s Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring Mughal-inspired bulbous domes, chhatri-topped minarets, and cusped arches, is the work of architect John Nash, who extended the building starting in 1815 using pioneering laminated timber construction techniques. The exterior drew inspiration from Kubla Khan’s pleasure dome, whilst the interior — primarily designed by Frederick Crace and Robert Jones — reflects extraordinary Oriental opulence with Chinese influences throughout.
The Royal Pavilion served as George IV’s pleasure palace, where he could escape London‘s formality and indulge his favourite activities: music concerts, balls, and banquets. Queen Victoria disliked Brighton and the lack of privacy, selling the property to Brighton Corporation for £53,000 in 1850. Most original fixtures and fittings were removed to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, though Victoria and later Queen Mary returned many furnishings during the 20th century. Since World War II, Brighton has worked extensively to restore the Royal Pavilion to its state during George IV’s reign, with over 100 items from His Majesty The King on permanent loan.
The Royal Pavilion served as a hospital for Indian soldiers wounded during World War I — a fascinating chapter in its history. Today, the Royal Pavilion attracts over 400,000 visitors annually, making it one of Brighton’s premier attractions.
What to see at the Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion state rooms showcase Regency splendour at its most extravagant. The Great Hall features soaring ceilings and grand columns. The Banqueting Room’s extraordinary Chinese-inspired decoration includes a massive gasolier hanging from a dragon’s claws. The Music Room contains hand-painted wallpaper and gilded decorations creating an opulent setting for George IV’s concerts. The Saloon serves as the circular centrepiece linking the state rooms.
Queen Victoria’s Bedroom at the Royal Pavilion has been restored with the original elegant 19th-century Chinese Export Wallpaper reinstated. The King’s Apartments showcase where George IV actually lived within this pleasure palace. Walking through these rooms feels like stepping into a Regency fantasy — the colours, craftsmanship, and sheer exuberance are extraordinary.
The Royal Pavilion gardens surrounding the palace provide visitors and locals with a green haven in the heart of Brighton. Designed by John Nash as Royal pleasure grounds, the gardens weren’t opened to the public until 1850 after Brighton purchased the property. The gardens are maintained under strict organic guidelines promoting biodiversity, attracting butterflies, birds, and bees. Musicians and entertainers perform here during summer months.
Visiting the Royal Pavilion in Brighton: practical information
Royal Pavilion Brighton opening times and admission
The Royal Pavilion opening hours vary seasonally. From April to September, the Royal Pavilion is open daily from 9.30am to 5.45pm with last admission at 5.00pm. From October to March, opening times at the Royal Pavilion are 10.00am to 5.15pm daily with last admission at 4.30pm. The Royal Pavilion closes on 25th and 26th December, 1st January, and from 2.30pm on 24th December.
Admission prices to the Royal Pavilion are: adults £19.50, children (ages 5 to 18) £11.75, family passes (1 adult with up to 4 children) £31.25, family passes (2 adults with up to 4 children) £50.75. Brighton and Hove residents (BN1, BN2, BN3, and BN41 postcodes) pay £14.75 with up to 4 children. Resident young people (13 to 18) pay £8.00. Students at University of Brighton, University of Sussex, and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College pay £14.75 with proof. Carers accompanying disabled visitors receive free admission. Check the Royal Pavilion website for further information.
The tickets act as an Annual Pass (valid one year from purchase with free return visits)
Rail 2for1 at the Royal Pavilion: one admission ticket admits two people when dated rail tickets for both are presented. Exclusions apply — not valid for groups or with concessions/other discounts, one-time use only.
Booking Royal Pavilion tickets can be done on the door or online (bookings must be made at least one day before visiting). Most visitors spend approximately two hours exploring the Royal Pavilion.
Audio guides at the Royal Pavilion cost £4 for individuals (£3 for groups) on handsets, or £2 via smartphone. There’s also a family Saver Deal, costing £12 for two adults and up to four children. Guides available in English, Easy English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin, plus children’s tour and WWI hospital tour.
Getting to the Royal Pavilion, Brighton
The Royal Pavilion is located at Royal Pavilion Garden, Brighton BN1 1FN, in the heart of Brighton near The Lanes and North Laine shopping areas, five minutes’ walk from the sea.
Reaching the Royal Pavilion by train: Brighton Railway Station is a 15-minute walk. Services from London to Brighton take about an hour with regular trains from Victoria and London Bridge. Other services arrive from Gatwick airport, Ashford International Eurostar terminal, and destinations across Sussex and along the coast.
Getting to the Royal Pavilion by bus: local buses stop on Old Steine just outside the Royal Pavilion, and in North Street five minutes’ walk away. Visit Brighton & Hove Buses website for route information.
Reaching the Royal Pavilion by coach: Pool Valley Coach Station is a five-minute walk, with National Express coaches from London, Gatwick, and Heathrow airports.
Cycling to the Royal Pavilion: Brighton is part of the National Cycle Network on Cycle Route 2. Bike racks are located in nearby New Road, Church Street, and Pavilion Buildings. Brighton BikeShare scheme hubs operate nearby.
Parking near the Royal Pavilion: there are no onsite parking facilities. Designated parking bays for Blue Badge holders exist in several surrounding streets. Check Parkopedia for live information about car parks within walking distance. Park and Ride services operate for those realising that Brighton is a hellish nightmare, preferring instead to park outside the city centre.
Royal Pavilion accessibility and facilities
The Royal Pavilion is accessible on the ground floor to wheelchair users, though the first floor is accessible via staircase only. The entrance is level with main double doors (1220mm wide) kept open during opening hours. An accessible toilet is available on the ground floor, and wheelchairs can be loaned on request. Visitors using mobility scooters should leave them at the front entrance or Brighton Museum and transfer to manual wheelchairs. Companions/carers accompanying disabled visitors enter free. An audio-visual room on the ground floor shows video presentations including a tour of the first floor for those unable to use stairs.
Facilities at the Royal Pavilion include The Botanist Coffee Co. café serving coffee, local bakes, and light lunches with outdoor seating and Pavilion views. The gift shop stocks books, gifts, and souvenirs. Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available. Photography is welcome for personal, non-commercial use (no flash, tripods, or selfie sticks).
Tips for visiting the Royal Pavilion
- Book Royal Pavilion tickets online at least one day in advance to guarantee entry, especially during peak periods and Christmas season.
- Visit weekday mornings for quieter experiences.
- Allow 2 hours minimum — there’s more to see than expected.
- Download the smartphone audio guide before arriving using your phone’s data or free Wi-Fi at entrance – it works out a couple of quid cheaper.
- Don’t miss the Banqueting Room and Music Room — the decorative opulence is staggering.
- Explore the gardens even if not visiting inside — they’re always open and free.
- Consider the Rail 2for1 offer if travelling by train — dated tickets required for both people.
- Combine with nearby Brighton attractions: The Lanes shopping quarter, Brighton Pier, and seafront are minutes away.
- Book Behind Closed Doors or Basement & Tunnel tours for access to areas not normally open to visitors.
Nearby attractions to the Royal Pavilion
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery sits next door with eclectic collections including fashion, 20th-century art and design, and fine art. The Lanes offer narrow winding streets with independent shops, jewellers, and antique dealers. North Laine provides bohemian shopping with vintage stores, cafés, and street art. Brighton Pier extends into the English Channel with amusement arcades, rides, and fish and chips. The Brighton Seafront stretches along the pebble beach with promenade, bars, and restaurants. The Brighton i360 observation tower offers 360-degree views from 138 metres high
More Sussex travel
Other Sussex travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What to see at the Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve.
- How to find the Pooh Sticks Bridge in Ashdown Forest.
- How to find Winnie the Pooh’s Heffalump Trap in Ashdown Forest.
- What to expect at Camber Sands.
- Guide to parking at Battle Abbey.
