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Admission prices & discounts for tickets to Royal Pavilion in Brighton

The following overview lists the admission prices and various discounts and discount codes for a visit to Royal Pavilion in Brighton . All prices are displayed per age group or reduced rate group. You can also directly book your discounted online ticket for the Royal Pavilion here, if available, or make a reservation to reserve a timeslot if applicable.

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Discounted tickets are available for Brighton & Hove residents: £10.

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You are here: Things to Do > Royal Pavilion & Garden

Royal Pavilion & Garden

Type: historic house / palace.

Call direct on:

Tel +44 (0)3000 290900

Book Tickets Online

The spectacular seaside palace of the Prince Regent (George IV) transformed by John Nash between 1815 and 1823 into one of the most dazzling and exotic buildings in the British Isles.

The Royal Pavilion & Garden mixes Regency grandeur with Indian architecture and Chinese inspired interiors.

Highlights include:

- Queen Victoria’s Bedroom - the original elegant 19th-century Chinese Export Wallpaper which hung in the bedroom has been reinstated.

- Beautifully restored Regency Garden

TICKETS: 

Our standard tickets are valid for one year from the date of purchase. 

Tickets purchased through TXGB (below) are valid for one-day entry only. If you would prefer an annual pass for the same price please book direct at brightonmuseums.org.uk

Book Tickets

Special offers.

** This offer is for business visitors only, you will need to display a conference pass to claim this discount ** 20% off full adult admission when you show your delegate pass. Advance booking not required, not valid with any other offer, discount or for groups.

Delegate Deals - redeem this special offer between 01/01/2024 and 31/01/2025

More offers like this - Delegate Deals

Guide Prices

Brighton & Hove Residents: - BN1, BN2, BN3 and BN41 postcodes and up 4 children: £13.50 - Students at University of Brighton, University of Sussex and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (Proof required) and up to 4 children: £13.50 * We welcome all unaccompanied children aged 14 and above to our site. Children under the age of 14 will need to be accompanied by a person aged over 16.

Visit the website for more information

• All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Ground Floor only
• Disabled persons toilet - Groud floor.
• Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
• Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
• Guide Dogs Permitted
• Information on Audio Tape on Request
• Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - On request
• Ramp/Level Access - Ground Floor only
• Toilets for Disabled Visitors
• Wheelchair user accessible - Ground Floor only.

Bookable Product

• TXGB Bookable Product
• Catering Provided
• On-Site cafe/restaurant
• Refreshments Available

Children & Infants

• Baby changing
• Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

• All weather attraction
• Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
• Audio Tours
• Beach / Coast within walking distance
• Beach/Coast 5 min walking distance
• Conference facilities
• Event Venue
• Garden / Grounds for visitors use
• Groups by arrangement
• Guided tours by arrangement
• LGBT Friendly
• Licensed for weddings & ceremonies
• Open all year round
• Open Christmas - except 25 & 26 December, closes at 2pm on 24 December.
• Open New Year
• Open on bank holidays

Parking & Transport

• On street parking only - + car parks off site - NCP.
• Railway station within walking distance

Payment Methods

• American Express accepted
• Approx length of visit - 1 hour
• Delta accepted
• Groups Accepted
• JCB accepted
• Maestro Accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Max group size - 53
• Min group size - 20
• Solo accepted
• Special group rates
• Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted - With passport
• Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

• In town/city centre
• Indoor Attraction
• No Smoking Attraction

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups - maximum group size - 53

Travel & Trade

• Group discounts available

Opening Times

* Last admission is 45 minutes before closing

• Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction

Access Information

Attraction entrance, ticket / information / gift shop [where applicable], access to public areas (displays, exhibits, rides etc).

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

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The Royal Pavilion

Brighton’s pride and joy is a dazzling, historical must-see for any visitor

Time Out says

What is it and what is it famous for.

The Royal Pavilion is unsurprisingly Brighton’s most popular tourist attraction – just look at it – and while the opulent domes and minarets stand boldly apart from its surrounding buildings, doesn’t it seem familiar?

The palace was built in three stages as a seaside getaway for the Prince Regent and John Nash, the architect who was in charge of the building’s final extension, was inspired by Indo-Islamic architecture, like that of the Taj Mahal. However, its unique features don’t end there – the interior, which has been restored and is still visible to this day, was influenced by features of Chinese and Indian fashion at the time. It’s a remarkable mish-mash of artistic and architectural inspiration. 

Is it worth visiting?

Without a doubt. Not only are the original palace rooms full of information about its beautiful decorations, but there’s plenty to learn about its history too. Think behind-the-scenes tours into private chambers, or adventures into the building’s basement tunnels. 

Tickets, accessibility and booking?

Tickets can be purchased in advance from this page , and the standard prices are £18 for adults and £11 for kids over 5 – little ones go free. Opening times April to September are 9.30 am to 5.45 pm, with last admission at 5 pm. From October to March, opening times are 10 am to 5.15pm with last admission at 4.30 pm. 

The Pavilion’s gardens are level, and the ground floor of the building can be accessible by wheelchair – there is also an accessible loo. Unfortunately the first floor rooms are only accessible via stairs. 

Where’s good to eat nearby?

Redroaster at the Dome is a solid option for pretty much any hour of the day. The breakfast menu kicks off at 9.30 am, but this stylish new venue serves brunch, lunch, pre-theatre menus and dinner as well. 

📍 Discover more of the best restaurants in Brighton

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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The Royal Pavilion

Brighton & hove, quick links.

Home » Royal Pavilion Museums and Libraries (RPML) » The Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton

Beyond the pebble-strewn beach and promenade, which attract millions of sun-soakers each year, and the treasure trove of colourful independent stores in the Lanes lies one of Brighton’s biggest tourist attractions , The Royal Pavilion.

The Royal Pavilion, sometimes referred to as the Brighton Pavilion, is one of the most iconic architectural and historical landmarks in the UK. The Grade I listed building was the former residence of Prince George (Prince of Wales) who was crowned Prince Regent in 1811 and later became the King of England in 1820 – and that was only the beginning of the building’s long and enthralling legacy before it was made open to the public. 

From being a pleasure palace for a hedonist Prince to serving as a hospital for soldiers wounded on the frontline during World War I, if the walls of the Royal Pavilion could talk, they would narrate a never-ending story.

Architecture

The Royal Pavilion, constructed in the 18th century , sparked architectural debates due to its extravagant design. Some argue it’s Indo-Saracenic, while others claim it’s Indo-Gothic. Nevertheless, it reflects the eclectic tastes of the Georgian era.

Architect John Nash transformed it into a palace with Chinese and Indian influences, known for its iconic domes and minarets. The exterior drew inspiration from Kubla Khan’s pleasure dome, while the interior reflects Oriental opulence.

Queen Victoria sold it to Brighton in 1850 , stripping its opulent decor. However, subsequent renovations preserved its exotic opulence as initially intended by Prince George.

The lush gardens surrounding it share the same opulent aesthetic. Heritage site preservation ensures visitors experience the tranquil surroundings enjoyed by George IV and his luxurious guests during extravagant soirees.

Cultural Significance

All royal residences in the UK (former and current) hold cultural significance, but few are quite as impactful on art, architecture, and British heritage due to the extraordinary and rebellious life of its royal benefactor, who has been revered throughout history as one of the greatest patrons of the arts since King Charles I. 

After the Pavilion fell out of favour with the royals as a place to reside, the public’s interest in the palace’s interior, which pays ode to King George IV’s obsession with the ‘mythical orient’, and the historic artefacts and artworks never waned.

The building and garden, now owned by the Brighton & Hove City Council are keen to keep it as an epicentre of cultural significance by keeping the Pavilion open all year and using it to host performances, exhibitions, and other cultural events.

History of the Royal Pavilion

In the 1780s, Prince George took up residence in Brighton, which was still developing from a dilapidated fishing town into a seaside retreat for the rich and famous looking to get away from the fray of London.

After residing in a modest house, George enlisted the help of the architect Henry Holland to transform his lodgings into a modest villa. In 1815, after being sworn in as Prince of Wales, John Nash started to construct the Royal Pavilion as we know it today.

15 years later, George died and was succeeded by his brother, William IV, who was far more introverted than his older brother. In 1837, William IV passed away and Queen Victoria was sworn in as Queen. She made her dim view of the Royal Pavilion well known and allowed the town to take over the building in 1850.

Visitor Experience

The Royal Pavilion is open every day of the week from 9:30 – 17:45 from April to September and 10 – 17:15 from October to March. The admission fee for adults is £18; £11 for children , and family passes can be purchased from £29 – £43.

In addition to the admission fee, visitors can pay for The Royal Pavilion Revealed Tour, a curator tour, or after-hours tours, respectively, which cost £6.50, £10, or £30 per person.

Plan Your Visit

The central location of the Royal Pavilion makes it easy to visit for tourists who are travelling on public transport. It is just a 15-minute walk from Brighton train station; the Pool Valley Coach Station is even closer; it is a five-minute stroll away.

If you are travelling to the Pavilion by car, note that there is no on-site parking, and you will need to  find the most convenient parking options.

As the Pavilion is a historical building, accessibility may be an issue for people with limited mobility; only the ground floor is accessible to wheelchair users and motorised mobility vehicles are strictly prohibited.

For enquiries and reservations, contact the information team from Monday – Friday (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) by phone or via email.

Membership and Support

To support the Royal Pavilion and its preservation, you can purchase an annual membership from as little as £40, which will give you unlimited access to all five sites in the Brighton & Hove Museums network, early access to tickets to special events, a 10% shop discount , and you will never pay any booking fees while making transactions with the Royal Pavilion , Hove Museum of Creativity , Preston Manor & Gardens , Brighton Museum & Art Gallery or the Booth Museum .

Online Resources

For people interested in the history and cultural significance of Brighton Pavilion who can’t visit in person, free online virtual tours are available, which are also suitable for visitors who want to plan their trip before they arrive. View the virtual tour here.

For more information, check out the Royal Pavilion official website, or keep up to date with the latest happenings via social media. The social media team is always active on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Head over to the official website for more information and to book tickets.

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You are here: Things To Do > Royal Pavilion

Royal Pavilion

Brighton and Hove

Type: Historic House / Palace

Tel: +44 (0)3000 290900

The  Royal Pavilion  is an exotic palace in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China.

Book Tickets

Guide prices.

Royal Pavilion Annual Pass This pass is ideal for those making a visit to just one of our museum *We welcome all unaccompanied children aged 14 and over to all our sites. Children under the age of 14 will need to be accompanied by a person aged over 16. Multi Attraction Annual Pass If you live in Brighton & Hove or are a regular visitor, this pass will provide you with unlimited access to our museums for a year. Entry to the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Museum and Preston Manor: Adult £27.00 Child £17.00 Family (2 Adults, 2 children) £71.00 Family (I Adult, 2 Children) £44.00 Group tickets and discount vouchers are day tickets only.

Accessibility

• All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Ground Floor only
• Disabled persons toilet - Groud floor.
• Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
• Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors
• Guide Dogs Permitted
• Information on Audio Tape on Request
• Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - On request
• Ramp/Level Access - Ground Floor only
• Toilets for Disabled Visitors
• Wheelchair user accessible - Ground Floor only.

Children & Infants

• Baby changing
• Family Friendly, Children Welcome

Establishment Features

• All weather attraction
• Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages
• Audio Tours
• Beach / Coast within walking distance
• Beach/Coast 5 min walking distance
• Conference facilities
• Event Venue
• Garden / Grounds for visitors use
• Groups by arrangement
• Guided tours by arrangement
• LGBT Friendly
• Licensed for weddings & ceremonies
• Open all year round
• Open Christmas - except 25 & 26 December, closes at 2pm on 24 December.
• Open New Year
• Open on bank holidays

Parking & Transport

• On street parking only - + car parks off site - NCP.
• Railway station within walking distance

Payment Methods

• American Express accepted
• Approx length of visit - 1 hour
• Delta accepted
• Groups Accepted
• JCB accepted
• Maestro Accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Max group size - 53
• Min group size - 20
• Solo accepted
• Special group rates
• Sterling Travellers Cheques accepted - With passport
• TIC Staff Admitted Free - With trade pass
• Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

• In town/city centre
• Indoor Attraction
• No Smoking Attraction

Specialist Features

• Marketed Towards Families
• Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
• Marketed towards student/youth

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups - maximum group size - 53

Travel & Trade

• Group discounts available

TripAdvisor

Map & directions.

Click here to view the map.

Road Directions

From Brighton Pier travel northbound up A23, Royal Pavilion on the left

Public Transport Directions

Nearest railway station: Brighton is 1 mileLocal buses stop nearby.

Opening Times

* Summer hours 9.30am -5.45pm (last admission 5.00pm) Admission tickets must be booked in advance

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The Royal Pavilion

Marlena Jagoda

Updated: November 24, 2023

The Royal Pavilion has been a sightseeing destination in Brighton for over two centuries. Created by architect John Nash, this extraordinary oriental fantasy has become an iconic architectural symbol in the city. The Royal Pavilion has woven an intricate tapestry of history and modern allure, making it an unparalleled gem in the heart of Brighton.

The Pavilion’s lush gardens, meticulously designed to complement the pavilion’s grandeur, provide an oasis of tranquillity amidst the bustling cityscape. Among this beautiful garden and desirable busking destination, you can also find the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery which uncovers the Pavilion’s history and beyond.

The Royal Pavilion takes its unique character from the man for whom it was built, George IV and its magnificent interior is a reflection of his personality and Regency reign. It was conceived as a monument to style, finesse, technological excellence and above all pleasure. Throughout the years, the Royal Pavilion’s significance has only grown. It continues to draw visitors and aficionados from around the world, who are captivated by its fusion of architectural marvel and historical narrative.

Exploring the gardens and admiring the outside of the Pavilion is free however if you’d like to catch a glimpse of the dazzling saloon, Banqueting room, music room and many other fascinating and beautifully decorated rooms, tickets can be purchased to gain access. Visitors can admire the interior of this beautiful building in all its glory either on their own or as part of a guided tour which delves into the Pavilion’s history, architecture, and anecdotes. Expert guides bring the stories of the Pavilion to life which offers enrichment to your visit.

Adult tickets are £15 (with concession tickets available for seniors, students, and disabled visitors at £12.50) and kid’s tickets are £9 unless they’re under 5, then they can enter for free. If you’re a family of four consisting of 2 adults and 2 children a family ticket can be purchased for £42. And if you’d like entry for free, look into becoming a member .

Address:  4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1EE

Website: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/visit/royal-pavilion-garden/

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Visiting the stunning Royal Pavilion, Brighton

• Post date January 21, 2024
• Post categories In Brighton , Cultural Travel , England
• Tags Architecture , Culture , Historic Houses , History

What’s it like to visit the Royal Pavilion in Brighton , England?

Table of contents

It’s very easy to visit Brighton on a day trip from London. The Pavilion is one of the city’s highlights.

It’s a remarkable building on the outside, but the exterior only hints at what you’ll see inside.

I’ve been to Brighton many times, but only last summer I got to see the Royal Pavilion interior, and it was truly stunning.

This historical gem was the creation of King George IV, who enjoyed extravagant entertainment. The palace was designed to impress the guests.

You can see the interior on a self-guided tour included in your entry ticket.

Tickets to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton

Book a ticket to visit the Brighton Royal Pavilion in advance.

Check availability here:

Inside the Royal Pavilion

There’s so much to see inside the Royal Pavilion. Each room has its own style and decorations, and each room has an interesting story.

When I entered I was told to just walk from one room to the next – it’s a one-way route, making this huge palace quite easy to navigate.

There are members of staff in every room who are there to tell you more and answer questions.

The most beautiful rooms in the Royal Pavilion

My favourite rooms at the Brighton Royal Pavilion were the most lavish ones.

The Long Gallery

You enter the Pavilion through the entrance hall, which looks a bit modest, but that was intentional. Guests were in for a surprise…

As they moved on to the next room – The Long Gallery – the decorations became more elaborate and luxurious.

I noticed the small sculptures of Chinese figures and soon learnt that Chinese-influenced decor is a recurrent theme throughout the palace.

You’ll spot dragons, sunflowers, lotus leaves, birds, and other motifs around the building.

The Long Gallery was certainly designed to impress, with the elegant wallpaper, mirrors, glass ceiling, and beautiful lights.

However, all of these were just preparation for the dramatic effect of the next room.

The Banqueting Room

It is excessively stunning.

Everywhere you look around this room, there’s something beautiful to see, but the first thing you’ll notice is the chandelier.

It’s a massive glass chandelier hanging above the long dining table. Look closer to spot the dragons!

There are also some smaller chandeliers in this room, hanging from bird sculptures that seem to fly out of the ceiling.

The stunning decor of the Banqueting Room served as the ideal backdrop for extravagant dinners and parties.

The table is set as it would be in for a luxury dinner for guests of the Pavilion.

As in other rooms in the palace, you can easily notice the Chinese motifs: dragons, birds, and pictures of Chinese people on the walls.

You get to see this room twice during the tour of the palace. After you visit the kitchen, you’ll come back through to the Banqueting Room and see it from the other side of the long dining table.

One of the most beautiful rooms in the Pavilion, though it looks almost modest compared to the Banqueting Room

I loved the bold colours in this room: red, yellow, blue, combined with gold. I also loved the vivid, graphic carpet.

This room was where guests would be welcomed, before moving on to the Banqueting Room for their meals and parties.

This spectacular room has a pipe organ and great acoustics. It was used for music concerts and dancing.

The rich decorations in this room also borrow from Chinese culture, with dragons, snakes, and lotus-shaped chandeliers.

Again the carpet gives the room much of its atmosphere.

More wonderful rooms in the Royal Pavilion

Beyond the highlights, there are many other rooms to see around the palace.

The kitchen is large, with iron columns decorated with palm leaves. It lets you imagine what the work in the authentic kitchen might have looked like.

The bedrooms are beautiful but not designed to be stunning, probably because the guests wouldn’t normally visit them. Still, each has some fascinating decorations to see, lovely furnishings, wallpapers, and carpets.

Some rooms in the palace have displays about the history of the building, its architecture, and its restorations over the years.

The exterior of the Brighton Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion stands out in Brighton thanks to its exterior. It’s certainly not something you’d expect to see on the English seaside.

It’s a striking example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style . That is a blend of Indian and Islamic architectural elements.

The most obvious things you’ll notice about the exterior of the Royal Pavilion are the onion-shaped domes. They may remind you of the Taj Mahal. These are typical of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Alongside the domes, you’ll see minarets, small balconies, and decorated arched windows.

These days it may look like an over-the-top, almost whimsical, Disneyland-style fantasy palace. At the time when it was designed, it reflected a fascination with the unfamiliar.

History of the Brighton Pavilion

King George IV built the Royal Pavilion as a pleasure palace in the mid-1780s.

Brighton was rising in popularity at the time as a destination for a seaside retreat.

George IV had a passion for art and architecture, and he was interested in Eastern cultures.

Over several decades, he hired top architects to expand his seaside home, gradually turning it into an extraordinary design gem.

Part of the historical significance of the Pavilion was in helping Brighton grow and prosper. That was by providing work to locals involved in the building and decorating of the palace.

It was also thanks to his luxurious entertaining of his guests, which attracted the rich and famous to the town, helping out local businesses.

George IV’s successor, William IV, also stayed at the Pavilion, as did Queen Victoria, but the latter didn’t find it comfortable enough and decided to sell it in 1850.

During the sale, many of the decorations and furnishings were moved to other royal homes, but some were later returned to the Pavilion.

The town of Brighton bought the palace, redecorated it to some extent, and opened it to the public as a tourist attraction.

It’s hard to imagine it when you see the Pavilion today, but during the First World War, the same building was converted into a military hospital. It served Indian Army soldiers who fought for the British.

Naturally, all of these transformations left the palace damaged. After the war, a lot of meticulous work was put into restoring it to its former glory.

Other things to do in Brighton

Brighton is a great day trip from London . While you’re there to see the Pavilion, make sure you see the rest of what Brighton has to offer. The city isn’t big and it’s easy to get around on foot, so you can see a lot in one day.

• Take a Brighton self-guided tour to see all the highlights with an audio guide.
• Take a design themed tour , including the Pavilion, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, and lovely indie design shops in the Lanes.
• Vist the Brighton i360 viewing tower is a place to visit for panoramic views.

Save this guide to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton on Pinterest

More beautiful historic buildings

• Eltham Palace
• The opera house in Paris
• The Budapest opera house

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Brighton Pavilion

Located on the south coast of England, Brighton is a popular seaside resort town known for its vibrant culture and eclectic architecture. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Royal Pavilion, also known as Brighton Pavilion.

A Brief History

The history of Brighton Pavilion dates back to 1787 when it was built as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. The structure started out as a simple farmhouse but underwent numerous transformations over time under the guidance of architect John Nash between 1815-1823.

Nash transformed this humble abode into an extravagant palace with Indian-style exteriors and Chinese-inspired interiors – a visual representation of Britain’s imperial presence in Asia at that time. After King George IV’s death in 1830, his successor King William IV continued to use the palace occasionally but Queen Victoria felt less enthusiastic about it due to lack of privacy from local residents and eventually sold it to the city in 1850.

Architectural Marvel

Brighton Pavilion stands today as one of Europe’s most eccentric palaces due to its unique blend of architectural styles. Its exterior boasts Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture featuring onion domes, minarets, pinnacles while its interior showcases opulent Chinoiserie design elements like hand-painted wallpapers and lacquered furniture.

The Music Room is considered one of the highlights within pavilion showcasing magnificent lotus-shaped chandeliers hanging from a dragon-adorned ceiling while Banqueting Room impresses visitors with its massive dining table able to seat up-to sixty guests at once underneath an awe-inspiring dome supported by palm tree columns.

Museum & Cultural Hub

Today, Brighton Pavilion functions both as museum offering guided tours through lavishly decorated rooms filled with original furniture and art from 19th century, and as a cultural hub hosting various events including music performances, talks, and workshops. It also houses collections of the Royal Pavilion & Museums Brighton & Hove.

Visitors can explore King George IV’s private apartments where he entertained guests or see Queen Victoria’s modestly furnished bedroom. The palace kitchens have been restored to their former glory complete with copper pots and pans giving an insight into royal culinary practices of that era.

The Gardens

Surrounding the pavilion are beautifully manicured gardens designed by John Nash in early 19th century which were later redesigned by Sir Robert Richardson following Victorian landscaping trends. These gardens offer a tranquil oasis amidst bustling city life featuring exotic plants, winding paths, peaceful ponds making it perfect spot for picnics or leisurely strolls.

A Must-Visit Attraction

No trip to Brighton is complete without visiting this historic marvel reflecting grandeur of British monarchy during its imperial zenith. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast intrigued by its unique fusion design or history buff interested in royal lifestyle narratives – Brighton Pavilion offers something captivating for everyone!

Practical Information

Brighton Pavilion is open daily except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Audio guides are available in multiple languages offering rich insights into palace’s fascinating history while guided tours provide more detailed exploration experience for visitors looking to delve deeper into its past.

If you plan on visiting other attractions like Brighton Museum & Art Gallery located nearby then consider purchasing joint tickets at discounted rates. There’s also a lovely café within pavilion grounds serving light refreshments overlooking lush greenery – perfect way to end your visit!

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours and ticket prices for brighton pavilion.

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:15 PM, with last admission at 4:30 PM. However, these timings may vary during public holidays or special events. It’s always best to check their official website before planning your visit. As for tickets, adults pay £15.50 while students with ID and seniors (over 60) pay £14.00. Children aged between 5-18 years old can enter for £9.

What is the historical significance of Brighton Pavilion?

The Royal Pavilion has a rich history that dates back to more than two centuries ago when it was built as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales who later became King George IV. The building’s unique architecture blends Indian exteriors with Chinese-inspired interiors – a testament to the prince’s extravagant tastes and love for oriental artistry which was quite unusual in Regency England at the time.

Are there guided tours available at Brighton Pavilion?

Yes, guided tours are available at Brighton Pavilion which provide an excellent opportunity to learn about its fascinating history and architectural design elements in detail from knowledgeable guides. These tours usually last around an hour but must be booked in advance via their official website or by calling them directly.

Can I host private events or weddings at Brighton Pavilion?

Absolutely! The Royal Pavilion offers a stunning setting for hosting private events such as corporate functions, parties or even weddings thanks to its opulent banquet room and beautiful gardens that make it one of the most sought-after venues in Sussex County.

Is there any parking facility near Brighton Pavilion?

Parking near the Royal pavilion can be challenging due to its central location. However, there are several public car parks nearby such as the NCP Theatre Car Park on Church Street or The Lanes Car Park on Black Lion Street. Visitors are also encouraged to use public transportation where possible as Brighton has excellent bus and train links.

Brighton Pavilion is part of our sightseeing tour!

Discover this sight and many more in our unique blend of a sightseeing tours and a scavenger hunt.

Brighton Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

"Best Walking Tour in Brighton"

Discover Brighton in our unique blend of a sightseeing tours and a scavenger hunt.

More sights in Brighton

Saint Paul’s Parish Church

Jubilee Clock Tower

Pavilion Garden’s Cafe

Banksy’s Kissing Coppers

Brighton Palace Pier

Ye Olde King & Queen

More from our magazine.

Discounted admission to the Royal Pavilion for Brighton & Hove residents

Residents of Brighton & Hove enjoy greatly discounted admission to the Royal Pavilion all year round, with up to four accompanying children free of charge.

To qualify for the discount, your postcode must begin with BN1, BN2, BN3 or BN41.

If your postcode begins with BN1, BN2, BN3 or BN41 simply along proof of your home address (eg a Council Tax or utility bill) to claim your discount. 

We will need one proof of address for for each adult.

Get more details from the Royal Pavilion website

Royal Pavilion annual free day

To celebrate the purchase of the Royal Pavilion by the town of Brighton in 1850, admission charges are waived one day a year. 

How To Spend An Awesome Day In Brighton: One Day Itinerary

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Wondering how to spend an awesome day in Brighton ? This one-day itinerary will help you make the most of it!

Oh Brighton, you beautiful little seaside city. Less than an hour from London by train, Brighton is one of the most popular day trips in the UK. And that’s no surprise! It’s a quirky, creative town with a beach, making it the perfect getaway from the hectic life in the capital city. 

While you could easily spend a week in Brighton and enjoy some relaxing time on the beach, going on a day trip is just as perfect. You’ll be able to visit some of the main highlights and still have enough time to eat some fresh fish and chips near the beach. I’ve put this itinerary together for my own day in Brighton, so you don’t have to worry about what to do.

Let’s take a look!

How To Spend A Day In Brighton

Since taking a day trip to Brighton is such a great idea (especially if you’re in London), I’ve put together this one day Brighton itinerary to help. It includes all the main highlights in an efficient way so you can make the most of your time in this lovely seaside city.

Visit The Brighton Royal Pavilion

Our first stop when spending the day in Brighton is one of the city’s crown jewels: the Royal Pavilion. This Indian-styled palace seems completely out of place in Britain, something I definitely didn’t expect to find here! But it’s beautiful, and a must-see when in Brighton.

The Royal Pavilion was built over 200 years ago , as ordered by King George IV (then the Prince of Wales). Even though he never visited India, he was intrigued by the style. That’s why his beach residence turned out to look like this. 

It’s not all Indian-styled though. The interior has more Chinese influence. 

In the first World War, the building served as a hospital for Indian soldiers. And today, it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions of Brighton.

While the interior is very impressive, the Royal Gardens are equally as nice. In the 80s/90s, they were put back into the original design. Make sure to free up around two hours for your visit.

Walk Across The Brighton Pier

If you’ve ever come across photos of Brighton, chances are you are already familiar with the famous Pier. The Victorian pier has been part of the city since 1899 and is filled with shops, arcades, and eateries (fresh fish and chips anybody?). It’s probably the best place to enjoy a view of the beach too!

See Brighton From Above In The British Airways i360

You can find this iconic viewing tower a little further down the beach from the pier. The British Airways i360 stands 138 meters tall and gives you stunning panoramic views of the beach and Brighton. There’s even a bar onboard 😉 You can pre-book tickets to ensure you’ve got a spot – but you may want to make sure it’s a bright day when you visit. It’s much better when the weather works in your favour.

Walk Down The Beachfront Promenade & See Brighton’s Beach

Brighton’s beach is not made out of sand, but pebbles. Coming from the Netherlands, where all beaches are sandy, it was quite a surprise! However, it still makes for a good spot to sunbathe if the weather allows it. 

But since we’re only spending one day in Brighton, you may want to skip the sunbathing and walk the beachfront promenade instead. Swirling through the pebbles, the four-mile-long promenade gives you the perfect opportunity for a lovely walk along the beach, with tons of little shops on the side. 

What stood out to me most about Brighton is how close the beach is to the city centre. I think that’s one of the things people love about this city so much.

Photograph The Colourful Hove Beach Huts

Ever seen pictures of the colourful beach houses in Brighton?

They’re technically not in Brighton but in Hove. But luckily, the promenade stretches all the way to Hove. From Brighton Pier, it’s just over a mile. Especially if the weather is nice, it makes for a lovely walk. If you decide to also add the i360 to your itinerary, from there it’s only a 15-minute walk.

Shop Until You Drop In The Lanes

Back to Brighton to explore the famous Lanes. This network of streets is located in the historic quarter of the city, and it’s the perfect place to shop. Filled with independent boutiques and shops, it’s an absolute must-visit when spending time in Brighton.

You can find the coolest items here. From antiques and vintage clothing to record stores and eateries. The perfect spot for a quick coffee for your afternoon caffeine fix 😉

Spot The Coolest Street Art

While this isn’t really a location or a specific spot in the city, it still deserves a mention in this post. Brighton is a very creative city, and that’s seen back in its street art. The city is filled with the most beautiful murals and colourful graffiti. Especially near the North Laine (not the Lanes, this is a different area), you can find a ton of cool graffiti artwork.

Eat Fresh Fish & Chips Near The Beach

What’s a visit to one of the UK’s best seaside towns without having some fresh fish and chips, am I right? As mentioned earlier, you can get some delicious fish and chips on Brighton Pier – I can’t think of a better place to enjoy such a traditional dish, near the sea! Beware of the seagulls though 😉 They also love some of that fish!

Best Times To Visit Brighton

Being a seaside town, Brighton is best enjoyed with the sun out. But since it’s still England, you can never be 100% sure you’re avoiding the rain 😉 Still, the best months to visit Brighton are between May and September . The temperature is better and there is less chance of rain. Keep in mind that July and August are peak tourist months in Brighton, so it can get very busy.

How To Get To Brighton

Brighton is the perfect day trip from London because it takes under an hour to get there by train. It’s no surprise that Brighton welcomes 9.5 million day trip visitors every year (!!!). 

By plane: The easiest way to reach Brighton by plane is to fly to London and take the train from there. 

By train: As mentioned previously, taking the train to Brighton is the easiest way to go for a day trip. It’s fast and you can reach it from London in under an hour. 

If you’re coming from other cities in the UK, you can also take the train. But make sure to check how long it takes, because it may be worth booking a weekend in Brighton rather than a day. For example, it takes over four hours!

By bus: Another, more budget-friendly option, is taking the bus. From London, you can get a coach ticket for as little as £9 and it will roughly take an hour and a half. Once again, from other cities in the UK, the trip could be a little too long to only spend a day in Brighton, so you may want to extend your stay.

Add More Cities To Your UK Itinerary

Spending a day in Brighton is fantastic, but why not add some more cities to your itinerary? There are so many great UK city breaks available, so why not spend a weekend in Bath or two days in Bristol ?

If you want to come up north, I highly recommend visiting Manchester for the weekend or explore York in two days .

Conclusion – How To Spend A Lovely Day In Brighton

Taking a day trip to Brighton from London is never a bad idea! But even if you decide to stay for a weekend because you’re coming from further away, this gorgeous city won’t disappoint. 

I hope this Brighton itinerary has helped you plan your own trip or at least given you some ideas on what to do in Brighton. I definitely cannot wait to return!

What can you do in Brighton for free?

Visiting Brighton doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a lot of free things to do , including the Brighton Pier, relaxing on the beach, Brighton’s fishing museum, and the Brighton Marina.

How many days do you need in Brighton?

While spending a day in Brighton gives you enough time to see all the highlights, I recommend going for two or three days. This way, you can visit all the sights but also have some time to enjoy the beach.

How do I spend the day in Brighton?

In the morning, visit the Brighton Royal Pavilion and Brighton Pier. After that, enjoy a panoramic view of the city in the BA i360, walk the promenade towards the Hove beach huts. End your afternoon by shopping in the Lanes, and finish the day with some fresh fish and chips near the water. For more information, you can check out my Brighton day trip itinerary in the article above.

Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

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Photos and articles about Brighton and Hove in the time of coronavirus. See our collection and add your own!

• City insights
• Local history Q&A

A virtual tour

Click on the photographs to open a large version in a new window. Click to follow through the gallery.

Extraordinary pleasure palace

Many of our website visitors have never had the opportunity to visit the Royal Pavilion because they either live abroad, or a long way away. Of course photographs of the exterior of this unique building are to be seen everywhere, in fact the Royal Pavilion is one of the most identifiable images around. But the sumptuous interior of this extraordinary and extravagant pleasure palace has to be seen to be believed. So for all of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting this treasure, this is a taster for you.

Have you visited the Royal Pavilion?

I am also aware that although the Royal Pavilion is visited every year by hundreds of thousands of people, from all over the world, there are so many people who live here in the city who have never been inside! If you are one of those people, maybe when you see these wonderful photographs, you will realise what you are missing. Even if you think that George IV’s exotic taste leaves a little to be desired, this is an important slice of Brighton history which is up for grabs. And for those of you who are not aware of it, there are generous concessions for Brighton and Hove residents. If you want to find out more about the Royal Pavilion, visit the website .

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Comments about this page.

I first visited The Pavilion with the school St. Bartholomews juniors in the 50s. We were shown a secret door in a bedroom where the Prince Regent could go to his girlfriends bedroom. Does anybody else know about it? I don’t think I dreamed it! I’ve been a couple of times since but, no one has ever mentioned it again.

I went to the Pavilion in the 60s, but it seemed even more exotic than these photos, probably due to the sheer size of some of the rooms, and you can’t beat being in a place for atmosphere. I presume it’s been updated since? Personally I found Brighton Museum more interesting as an attraction due to its variety. ‘Prinny’s’ pad is to be taken in small doses!

Thank you for posting these pictures of the Royal Pavilion. So nice to see them and remember the many times I visited the Pavilion. I remember walking through the back way into Castle Square during the filming of “On a Clear Day” and seeing Yves Montand and Barbara Streisand walking out of the door in costume. That was around 1970 I think when I worked for Ray Horney at Pavilion Finance, Rayfords.

Early in the second world war the old wine cellars of the Pavilion were used as air raid shelters, we used to go to them in the early evening and then left at about 5.30am in the morning. The first time my family and I used them was actually on the day war broke out. You went down the steps at the north end of the building to get access.

I visited the Royal Pavilion in the early 60s. I had a sort of nothing-important-to-do day. I usually visited the museum on days like this, but I decided to have a look into the Pavilion. The most fascinating part of my tour were the kitchens with all the beautiful copperware on display. I spent some time perusing the many pots and pans, jelly moulds and all the other bits and bobs that made up the royal cookhouse. The fireplace must have been sweltering hot in the summer. I can imagine some of the sumptuous joints of meat that were roasted on that fire, and I thought of the poor people of that time having probably just some meagre meal for all the family. I also remember the rat on the floor of the kitchen, my Jack Russells would have loved to play chase with him, not fair really as he would not have gotten very far.

Great to read these comments, especially as I work for the Royal Pavilion and Museums. Anne – there are a few hidden jib doors in the Pavilion. One is in the King’s Apartments, which led up to the apartment of George’s last mistress, Lady Conyngham. Ken – we have a photo of one of the Pavilion air raid shelters online, dating from September 1939: http://bit.ly/V1g5QI

Kevin, thanks for link to photo. When we used the shelters they had put bunk beds against the walls, two each side the length of the room. They were simply made from wood with chicken wire on which to put your bedding.

Thanks Kevin and Ken. I also work for the Pavilion and I remember my nan talking about the bunk beds in the air raid shelter beneath the Pavilion. I’m sure she has a photo somewhere that was taken of her and her sister sitting on top of one of the beds which was taken for a local paper at the time. It would be good to root it out, if she still has it I’ll let Kevin know he may want to add it to the digital archive.

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General Election 2024: Meet the Conservative candidate for Brighton Pavilion - Sarah Webster

T he eight candidates are Steve AI (Independent), Siân Berry (Green), Carl Buckfield (SDP), Tom Gray (Labour), Mark Mulvihill (Reform UK), Ashley Ridley (Liberal Democrat), Citizen Skwith (Official Monster Raving Loony) and Sarah Webster (Conservative).

Each candidate answered questions submitted by voters. Here are the answers from the Conservative candidate Sarah Webster, 51, a small business owner. Her Facebook page is Sarah Webster Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion .

Why do you want to be an MP and how are you qualified for the role?

My mantra in life is echoed by the words of one of my favourite songs: “If you give more than you take, life would be so great.”

I have always strived to contribute, to help, to be involved. I am the one with her hand up! I am resilient and determined that if a project needs to be done, I see it through to the end.

Society needs a voice and most importantly people need to be heard. I have been a parish councillor for 10 years and worked on neighbourhood planning, infrastructure renewals and setting up a youth council.

If elected, how would you deal with performance and pricing problems in privatised utilities such as the water companies, railways, energy companies and the Royal Mail?

I will hold these vital public services to account so they deliver for Brighton Pavilion.

I will support banning executive bonuses for water company bosses that commit a serious criminal breach, improve accessibility at 100 train stations and support measures to ensure Royal Mail continues to deliver a universal service for all people in the constituency.

What would you do to help people who are struggling to rent or buy a home? Should second homes or Airbnb-style holiday lets be banned?

Buying my first home in Patcham, I know how fantastic it feels to have the opportunity to live in Brighton Pavilion.

I will support making permanent the increase in threshold for paying stamp duty, launching a new “help to buy” scheme.

I would advise and monitor Brighton and Hove City Council and keep a check that they are using  their powers to manage the growth of holiday lets.

What steps would you take to improve hospital performance, community care and access to GPs for patients in Brighton and Hove?

I will support increased spending above inflation every year, recruiting 92,000 more nurses and 28,000 more doctors.

The introduction of pharmacy first enables people with minor complaints such as ear and throat infections to access care and medication without the need for a GP appointment.

The new community diagnostic centre at the Amex stadium will free up hospital appointments and give access to diagnostic care much sooner.

Events in Israel and Gaza have affected many members of the community here. What can people in your constituency expect you to say and do as an MP?

The horrific attack by Hamas on October 7 was without doubt a heinous event and Israel has every right to defend itself and seek the return of its innocent hostages.

However, the loss of civilian lives in Gaza in this conflict is also deeply regrettable.

I would join fellow MPS in the call for an immediate cease fire to enable diplomatic negotiations to return innocent hostages and end the hostility and further loss of civilian life.

Do you support the Royal Mail plans for Patcham Court Farm despite the threat posed to the aquifer there that provides much of the drinking water for Brighton and Hove?

I am strongly opposed to this development. Not only will it cause flooding and risk polluting Brighton’s drinking water, but it will also bring increased air and noise pollution, as well as increased HGV traffic, scarring historic Patcham village forever.

Royal Mail have simply not listened to residents’ anxieties. I would do all I can to cancel this development.

Polling stations are due to be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 4 July. Photo ID is required for those voting in person.

• Explore our museums

Take a virtual tour of the Royal Pavilion — wherever you are.

The tour features twelve rooms of the Royal Pavilion presented as linked 360 degree panoramas. Each room features an audio commentary from one of the curators of the Royal Pavilion, information hotspots, and zoomable historic images of the rooms.

Scroll down for the tour — it may take a few moments to load in your browser.

Instructions on how to use the virtual tour can be found further down this page.

Instructions

Full screen mode.

Following the tour in full screen mode will make for a more immersive experience. Click the icon with two arrows on the bottom right to switch to full screen.

Each room features an audio commentary from our Royal Pavilion curators, David Beevers and Alexandra Loske. Audio player controls can be found on the top left.

Each room also includes a transcript of the audio. Look down to where your feet would be and click on the hotspot featuring a double quotation mark.

Looking around

Depending on your device there are various methods you can use to look around the rooms.

• Hold the left button on your mouse and move it in any direction
• Use the cursor keys on your keyboard
• Swipe a touchscreen with your finger

Moving between rooms

This virtual tour follows the route visitors take to the Pavilion today. Find a doorway with a hotspot in the centre and it will take you to the next room on the route.

You can also use a menu at the bottom to flip between rooms. Select the icon made up of four squares on the bottom right to enable this.

Information hotspots

Each room features four hotspots with further information about objects or stories relating to the room. Click on the circle to reveal the information.

Historic images

Many of the rooms also feature historic images. Click on a picture hotspot to reveal the image.

Most of these images have been digitised from Views of the Royal Pavilion , an illustrated book made soon after the Royal Pavilion was completed in 1823. These allow you to compare the room you see today with the best visual record of how it looked during George IV’s reign.

You can zoom into these images using your mouse wheel or the +  and  – minus controls beneath the image. If using a smartphone, you can also pinch and zoom with your fingers.

(These images may not display on some older devices running Chrome.)

Enjoying our virtual tour?

We've supplied this online experience free of charge, but our museums rely on money from admission tickets and donations to keep running.

if you've enjoyed this virtual tour, please consider making a donation to support our work.

The secret’s out on ‘hidden’ speakeasy under Dodger Stadium pavilion

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In an age of bat flips, pitch clocks and instant replay, a lot of the traditions of baseball are going, going, gone.

Tucked away in the corner of Dodger Stadium , however, a blast from the distant past.

An hour before first pitch of a Thursday evening game against the Texas Rangers, the Vivid Seats Speakeasy is bustling. Under the right-field pavilion, behind a door guarded by ushers, is a cozy bar with capacity for 99 people and a wall of windows with an up-close, ground-level view of the visitors’ bullpen.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

“I like to come in here when I get to the game early, get a few drinks, eat and then just walk around the stadium,” said Jose Barragan, a high school math teacher and longtime Dodgers season-ticket holder. “It’s got good ambiance.”

It doesn’t take a G-man to sniff out this speakeasy. The door is right next to a prominent display, a row of locker stalls behind glass that are filled with Tommy Lasorda artifacts . The family donated the contents of his office after his death in 2021.

“When you’re out there as a fan and you see those lockers, we wanted it to be, `Oh cool, locker, locker, locker, locker…’ and then, `Oh, there’s a blank one,’ ” said Dodgers executive Janet Marie Smith, the nation’s foremost ballpark designer. “And you walk through the blank one and you’re in this little surprise speakeasy.”

It was all part of the center-field plaza built before the 2020 season. In part because of the pandemic, fans are still stumbling upon the speakeasy for the first time.

Back in the 1920s, it took a special knock or secret password to gain entry into a speakeasy. It’s more straightforward now. This one requires an online reservation secured by a season-ticket holder using points acquired by spending money on food and merchandise.

Typically, people don’t stay in the speakeasy all game because beyond seeing pitchers warm up in the bullpen, there’s no live view of the game. It’s on the TVs over the bar, though.

“They only allow a certain number of people in here, so even if you have a reservation you can wait in line for a long time during the game waiting for it to clear out a little bit so you can get in,” said season-ticket holder Todd Renfro of Lakewood, who brought a group of friends.

“This is nice and cool and dark a little bit, so on hot summer days we’ll stay in here in the air conditioning the whole game.”

There’s a nostalgic charm to it all, from the poster-sized, black-and-white photos of legendary manager Lasorda on the walls — the original idea was to call the bar “Tommy’s” — to the Midcentury Modern furniture that looks straight out of “Mad Men.”

From the ceiling hang ball-shaped gold chandeliers that look like exploding fireworks or maybe a Kirk Gibson moon shot blasted into the bleachers.

The menu is a little fancier than in other parts of the stadium, with blackberry bruschetta, cheese fondue and shrimp cocktail among the items. The premium spirits include bourbons ranging from $15 to $48 per glass.

Virtually everyone in the place is wearing a Dodgers T-shirt, sweatshirt or jersey, and most are clutching boxed Yoshinobu Yamamoto bobbleheads, the stadium giveaway of the night.

The Dodgers used to pipe in old-time music, and there was a 1970s TV that showed replays of classic games. Those elements are gone now.

1. Dodger fans listen to the National Anthem at the speakeasy under the Right Field Pavilion at Dodger Stadium. 2. Dodger fans can be seen through a door window at the speakeasy under the Right Field Pavilion at Dodgers Stadium. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

“I’ve learned over the years that not everything works the way you hope it would,” Smith said. “As long as we had our sort of geeky techie friend in there to fix the TV every time it stopped working, life was good. But I guess he couldn’t sit in the bar forever.”

It’s not uncommon for visiting players in the bullpen to peer through the windows at the TVs to check other games, or even slip through the fence and step inside the speakeasy for a quick look. Some have asked if their wives can watch from there the next day.

Even in an age of new traditions, Dodgers fans can still raise a glass to a bit of hidden history.

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Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his “long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football,” Sam Farmer has covered the NFL for 25 seasons. A graduate of Occidental College, he’s a two-time winner of California Sportswriter of the Year and first place for beat writing by Associated Press Sports Editors.

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Restoring the Royal Pavilion

A talk by Jackie Marsh-Hobbs

Date and time

Brighton West Pier Centre

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About this event.

Restoring the Royal Pavilion Queen Mary was the patron of the first Regency Exhibition in the Summer of 1946. This was an important moment in the Royal Pavilion's history when the public could see its rooms furnished for the first time. The success of the exhibition sparked the idea of returning the Royal Palace to its former glory. In 1950 Brighton Council celebrated one hundred years of ownership of the Royal Pavilion with a much larger Regency Exhibition - four thousand visitors a day paid half a crown to see the rooms furnished with items loaned from private and public collections. There were also royal loans, exotic items that had originally been part of magnificent interiors. This talk tells the amazing story of how Brighton’s grandest building was beautifully restored and furnished, returning George IV's lavish seaside Palace to its original splendour. Ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine.

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