Royal Pavilion
Price guide: Mid-range
Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EE
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expert-rated things to do in Brighton- Recommended for:
- Backpackers / Students, Culture vultures, Families with younger children, First-time travellers, Mature travellers, Art, Design and architecture, History, Romance, Sightseeing
Best for Culture - Expert review of Royal Pavilion
Feast your eyes on chandeliers and chinoiserie in this sumptuous Regency palace.
Brighton is a city which likes its pleasures undiluted, so it seems fitting that its most prominent historical landmark should be a temple to hedonism and extravagance.
Originally a simple farmhouse, John Nash upgraded it to a splendid multi-domed palace in the 1810s, at the request of George, the Prince Regent. On completion, the Pavilion was daringly modern, with state-of-the-art lighting, heating and kitchen equipment. Above all, it was flamboyant - while the architecture took its cues from India, the interior was stuffed with rich fabrics and chic Chinese-style furniture.
Several magnificent rooms are open to the public, including the splendid Banqueting Hall where George and his guests used to dine in outrageously lavish fashion.
Price advice:
Adults cost £9.80 (Brighton and Hove residents cost £4.90).
Expert tips:
Audio guides are included in the entrance fee; there are versions for adults and kids.
Events held here from time to time include concerts in the Music Room, particularly during the Brighton Festival, and gastronomic evenings in the Banqueting Hall.
The upstairs tearoom serves Regency dishes and classic English teas.
The Royal Pavilion is licensed for weddings.
More information on Royal Pavilion:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Castle / palace, Landmark / monument, Museum
- Address:
- Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EE
- Telephone:
- 03000 290290
- Website:
- http://www.royalpavilion.org.uk
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- Oct-Mar: daily 10am-5.15pm. Apr-Sep: daily 9.30am-5.45pm.
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Indoor
