no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

Built by the future King George IV between 1787 and 1823, the Royal Pavilion is an eccentric confection of British Raj-style architecture and oriental kitsch – and an essential part of Brighton’s Regency heritage.

Its exotic minarets are still a striking novelty against the English sky, while the interior, which has been carefully restored in the Far-East-inspired chinoiserie style favoured by its original owner, offers visitors a glimpse of the Prince Regent’s decadent lifestyle.

Visitors can explore the interiors, including a banqueting room, kitchens, and a music room where Rossini performed.

Price from: £6
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Pavilion is close to the city centre and seafront, with the railway station a 10-minute walk away. Inside the grounds, follow signs for the Pavilion entrance, where you can buy tickets and pick up multimedia tour handsets.

The audio guide is informative and allows for greater flexibility than a formal guided tour, although these can be booked in advance. Food and drink are available at the first-floor Tea Room; in warm weather, sit on the balcony for a view over the palace gardens.

From mid-November to mid-January, a temporary ice rink, restaurant and bar is installed in the grounds; go after dark, when the Pavilion is floodlit in neon colours.

When to do it

The palace is open Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday. To avoid the crowds, go in the afternoon when the school parties have left, and if you can, avoid peak summer (July-August), especially weekends.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

My Brighton Hotel

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

lively, high-concept design hotel conveniently located in the heart of the North Laine area, a stone’s throw from the city’s shops and main attractions. 

Official star rating:

Drakes Brighton

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

A deliciously decadent boutique hotel right on Brighton seafront, set in a renovated Georgian townhouse. 

Official star rating:

Blanch House

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]

A chic boutique hotel in buzzing Kempton, with one of the city’s coolest cocktail bars.

Official star rating:

The Grand Brighton

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]

Brighton’s iconic ‘grand dame’ hotel oozes effortless glamour from its prime, seafront location. 

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Brighton

East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)

An iconic seaside resort, Brighton oozes a unique mix of bohemian style and beachy chic, all wrapped up in an irrepressible sense of fun.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Brighton Pier

Brighton, West Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

An icon of British seaside history, Brighton’s Victorian pier offers the white-knuckle fairground rides, old-fashioned arcade games and fish and chips. The quintessential beach experience from a by-gone era.

Best for ages: Any | Free

Sussex Wine Region

Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[9.4 miles]

This emerging wine region has similar topography to France’s Champagne area, with vineyards producing award-winning bottles and laying on tastings and tours.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The facade of Brighton Museum and Art Gallery within the Royal Pavillion. Taken on a sunny day.
Experience

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

Set in Brighton’s Royal Pavilion complex, this eclectic collection is a hotchpotch of contemporary paintings, textiles, puppets, masks and eccentric furniture.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
A vibrant shopping street full of people on a clear day. Colourful bunting hangs from building to building.
Experience

Shopping in The Lanes

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

The tangle of narrow pedestrian lanes unfolding south of North Street is Brighton’s historic heart; old fisherman’s cottages now chock full of independent boutiques, jewellers, cafés and restaurants.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1+ hours

Website >
Overview >
An image of the entrance to SEA LIFE
Experience

SEA LIFE Brighton

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

The world’s oldest aquarium, Brighton’s Sea Life Centre is best for little kids, with its walk-through aquarium tunnels and touch pools of starfish and anemones. 

Best for ages: Any | £18

Website >
Overview >
Woman with two kids cycling on the promenade
Experience

Cycle Brighton’s Promenade

Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

Pick up a BTNbike (register on the website and then pay 3p per minute) and wheel along the seafront from buzzing Brighton beach to the more genteel Hove lawns.

Best for ages: 4+ | £3 | 1-2 hours

Website >
Overview >