Royal Pavilion
4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, England
Domes, minarets, and regency splendor beckon at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton’s premier historic attraction. Built for King George IV when he was a party-loving prince, the site flaunts some of Britain’s most extravagant royal interiors and Eastern-style architecture. A dragon-bedecked banqueting hall, a gold-crested music room, and bedrooms with hand-painted wallpaper are among the wonders.
The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s most popular historical building and a frequent quick stop on sightseeing tours. You’ll likely hear the history of the former royal residence, focusing on the flamboyant King George IV. You can go inside throughout the year, either buying tickets in advance or at the door. Families can benefit from free admission for under-5s, and group discounts are available for bigger parties. The gardens are free to visit year-round.
Plan for a visit of around one to three hours to cover the Royal Pavilion and time lingering in the gardens.
There is an on-site café that sells local food on pretty vintage crockery. Cream teas are available to take away, making a quintessential English picnic to enjoy in the gardens.
The Royal Pavilion is a historic building, so wheelchair users should note that some corridors and entranceways are narrow. Call in advance for specific access information.
The on-site gift shop stocks souvenirs, books inspired by the Royal Pavilion, and Brighton-themed gifts.
The Royal Pavilion is in the center of Brighton, near the seafront. There’s no on-site parking, but the Brighton Theatre car park is nearby. If you plan to visit on a weekend in the busy summer, it’s worth prebooking your parking online. Otherwise, Brighton train station is around a 10-minute walk, cutting through the North Laine area.
The site is open year-round, from mid-morning to early evening, with slightly extended opening hours in the busier peak months between April and September. It’s closed in the afternoon of December 24 through the 26, and there are occasional closures for private events; it’s a good idea to check the hours before you go. The gardens are always open and are often used by musicians and entertainers on sunny days.
Families with older kids can add an unusual twist to a Royal Pavilion visit by taking a tour of the site’s basement and tunnels. These exclusive guided tours show off different underground sites, including a basement air-raid shelter (used during the Second World War), historic staff quarters for Royal Pavilion servants, and a secret tunnel to the former royal stables and riding school.
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