Exterior view of the Royal Pavilion, a historical landmark in the Lanes area of Brighton, showing its unique architecture and dome features.

Royal Pavilion, The Lanes

Arts & Culture Museums & Galleries The Lanes

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

George IV's seafront palace, still Brighton's wildest building.

About Royal Pavilion

George IV first came to Brighton in 1783 for the sea air. He liked it so much he built a palace. What started as a modest villa became, under architect John Nash from 1815, the Indo-Saracenic fantasy you see today, all onion domes, minarets and dragon chandeliers. Inside it's even more dramatic: the Banqueting Room alone could stop you mid-sentence. The town bought it from Queen Victoria in 1850 for £53,000. The surrounding gardens are free and full of locals on their lunch break. The building itself costs a few quid to enter, and it's worth every penny.

Opening Hours

Monday Mon: 10:00-17:15
Tuesday Tue: 10:00-17:15
Wednesday Wed: 10:00-17:15
Thursday Thu: 10:00-17:15
Friday Fri: 10:00-17:15
Saturday Sat: 10:00-17:15
Sunday Sun: 10:00-17:15

Video

FAQ: Royal Pavilion

How much does it cost to visit the Royal Pavilion?

Adult admission is £19.50, children (5-18) £11.75, and a family ticket (1 adult + up to 4 children) is £31.25. Brighton and Hove residents pay £14.75 with proof of address. Under-5s are always free. An annual pass costs the same as a single ticket and gives unlimited entry for 12 months.

Are the Royal Pavilion Gardens free to visit?

Yes. The surrounding gardens are free to enter year-round and open from early morning until dusk. You only pay to go inside the building itself. The gardens are lovely for a wander or a sit-down even if you don't visit the interior.

Is the Royal Pavilion wheelchair accessible?

The ground floor is fully wheelchair accessible with level entry through the main doors. Wheelchairs are available to borrow on request. The first floor is only accessible by stairs, but an audio guide includes a video tour of the upper rooms. Accessible toilets are on the ground floor.

Can I take photos inside the Royal Pavilion?

Photography is permitted for personal use throughout the building, but tripods and flash photography are not allowed. Some temporary exhibitions may have additional restrictions.

Are there guided tours of the Royal Pavilion?

Expert-guided tours run every Saturday at 2pm. Behind Closed Doors tours on selected Wednesdays take you into parts of the building not normally open to the public, including secret staircases and service corridors. Tactile tours for visually impaired visitors can be booked for groups.