The Royal Pavilion is a historic royal palace located by the seaside in Brighton, East Sussex. The Pavilion was at one time the seaside home of King George IV, it is well known for its great design and the range of decorations inside the palace. The location in Brighton offers visitors an added attraction to the popular seaside city of Brighton. The building offers an interesting design and has been described as exotic by observers. The building was formerly a farmhouse, but was changed in to a neo-classical villa back in 1787 by the architect Henry Holland.
The building was subject to further change in 1820 by John Nash who changed it to incorporate an Indian Palace theme. Queen Victoria used the palace and sold it in 1850 to the town of Brighton. The palace is a historical and heritage attraction filled with character and interesting decorations for visitors to see.
Attractions
The Royal Pavilion is well known for the lavish interiors that offer decorations Chinese in style with ornate furniture and furnishings. The palace displays Oriental touches such as the gilded dragons and imitation bamboo staircases, the Palace offers a unique mix of styles using Oriental and combining it with plenty of home-grown eccentricity.
The Pavilion contains a number of wonderful works of art and furniture; these include a number of pieces that have been lent by the Queen. The Palace has undergone a restoration programme that has resulted in bringing it back to past glories and there are splendid gardens that have been restored for visitors to enjoy.
Among the rooms in the palace is the Music Room, among the most memorable rooms at the Pavilion, the interior is eye catching with a number of lotus-shaped chandeliers, here the King's band would entertain guests with various selections including Italian opera. Unfortunately the room was damaged by fire back in 1975, after which much painstaking work was done to restore the room and the works contained within it.
The Banqueting Room is a showpiece room within the palace and offers visitors the chance to see wonderful interiors. The design is bold and innovative and offers a great spectacle. The interior contains canopies in the north and south. Whilst on the walls there are a range of large canvases. There is also the dining table for visitors to see, with the table laid out, visitors can imagine what a sumptuous royal banquet would have been like.
The Royal Bedrooms include the King's Apartments; here visitors will find the bedroom, bathroom library and antechamber. The apartments are noted for being more conservative and noticeably less eccentric than the rest of the Pavilion.
The Yellow Bow Rooms were once the bedrooms of George IV's brothers, namely the Duke of Clarence and the Duke of York. The rooms were designed by Robert Jones and the rooms have the background colour of chrome yellow that represents an unusual colour and combination. The rooms have been restored to resemble the way they once were in the Palace's heyday.
Queen Victoria's apartments offer visitors the chance to see her apartments, she first visited the Pavilion back in 1837 and visited again a few times subsequently. After the Pavilion was sold in 1850 Queen Victoria's apartments were changed to become a function area. The rooms have been changed again to now show them as they were when she used them. There is a mahogany four-poster bed along with hand painted wallpapers to resemble the rooms as they were.
The Long Gallery links the Entrance Hall to the Banqueting Room and Music Room. The area was formally used for playing cards among other things, The original design on the walls were recreated in the 1950s with trees, birds and rocks shown up on a pink background. In the evenings and at night the gallery is lit with both a large chandelier and painted lanterns.
The Great Kitchen was made in 1816 in John Nash's redevelopment of the Pavilion. The kitchen was used to provide the catering for the wonderful banquets that King George IV hosted. The King was said to have been very pleased with both the equipment in the kitchen and the design.
Visitors can enjoy a trip to the Pavilion offers a unique mix of styles and designs, the palace offers a fascinating insight in to the history of the Royal Family in England and the location by the sea makes for a great location to visit, especially in the summer months.
How to Get There
The Palace is accessible by both car and public transport.
By Car:
Brighton is approx 55 miles from London, from the M25 at junction 7 take the M23, drive on the M23 until the end of the M23 at junction 11. The M23 then becomes the A23, follow the A23 that takes you to Brighton. The Pavilion is located in the town centre.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode to use is BN1 1EE.
>b>By Train:
The closest train station to the Pavilion is Brighton Station, there are regular train services from a number of stations in London, including London Victoria, London Bridge and Clapham Junction. The journey time is approx one hour.
By Bus/Coach:
There are regular buses available from London Victoria Coach station to Brighton, the journey time is approx 2 hours 10 minutes.
Contact Details
The Royal Pavilion
Brighton
BN1 1EE
Telephone: +44 (0)3000 290901
Fax: +44 (0)3000 290908
email: visitor.services@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Website: Royal Pavilion
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
October to March:
Mon to Sun: 10.00 to 17.15 (last tickets available at 16.30)
April to September:
Mon to Sun: 09.30 to 17.45 (last tickets available at 17.00)
The guided tour lasts for approx 90 minutes and an average visit would take approx 2 hours.
The house may have times when it is closed or closes early or operates alternative opening hours at short notice. It is recommended visitors check all opening and closing times and specific days visits are open when booking to get the latest information & avoid disappointment, as changes can occur.
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
Adult: £8.80 approx, Children: £5 approx, Concessions: £7 approx, Family Ticket: £22 approx.
Audio guides are included with the admission price and are available in English and a range of other languages.
Specialist guided tour fees are payable in addition to the admission charges.
Facilities:
There is disabled access for wheelchair users on the ground floor.
The Pavilion Tearoom offers visitors a range of teas, drinks, refreshments and lunches.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: The Royal Pavilion Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and the attraction you wish to see. It is wise to double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Follow travel advice and remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Brighton ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey planner for door to door directions. Check traffic updates before you travel.
If you are looking for car parking close to the Pavilion, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex & confusing if you are unclear, it is wise not to park there.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, trams, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
