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Royal Pavilion
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Royal Pavilion

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Royal Pavilion
4.5
#3 of 147 things to do in Brighton
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
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About
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. A Prince's Treasure - A spectacular loan from Her Majesty The Queen is currently on display at the Royal Pavilion until Autumn 2021. The culmination of a collaborative venture between Royal Collection Trust and the Royal Pavilion & Museums, over 120 remarkable decorative works of art that were originally commissioned by the Prince Regent, have been relocated from Buckingham Palace and re-united in their previous setting of the Royal Pavilion.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
  • Mo B
    Hampshire, United Kingdom168 contributions
    Awesome!
    A real feast for the eyes. Totally unique! Great value for money as you can use ticket to return as many times as you like within a year. Combine a trip here with a day out in Brighton…fantastic! Very pleasant staff too. 👍🏼
    Visited November 2022
    Written 4 December 2022
  • RonLawrence
    Poole, United Kingdom195 contributions
    Wow what colours
    Went on a timed ticket but the dawdled as there so much to see. Really enjoyed the wide variety of bright colours and themes, but also the amount of details that was available to read. The only problem, parking!!!
    Visited November 2022
    Written 10 December 2022
  • Christine W
    8 contributions
    WONDERFUL VISIT AS USUAL
    Visited on Sunday and enjoyed looking at the beautifully laid dining table and all the Christmas trees that are placed throughout the building. The little mice scenes were a delight - they need perhaps to be placed a little higher up. All rooms are absolutely spectacular. Our joint membership with 2 guests is well worth investing in.
    Brighton & Hove Museums
    Thank you for sharing your experience of your visit! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beautifully laid dining table and the Christmas trees that adorn the building. The little mice scenes must have added a charming touch to the ambiance, and we appreciate your suggestion to place them higher up next year. We're thrilled that you found all the rooms to be absolutely spectacular. It sounds like you had a truly immersive and visually stunning experience. Thank you once again for your feedback and support. We hope to continue exceeding your expectations and providing you with many more delightful visits in the future. Best regards, The Royal Pavilion Team
    Written 20 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 15 December 2022
  • Val Roberts Cardiff
    5 contributions
    Sumptuous Splendour
    We visited one very hot afternoon during a 4 night trip to Brighton , staying at the Old Ship Hotel., having booked online before leaving Wales. It was a delihtful experience and all the guides were so informative and friendly, their knowledge really impressed us. There was an extra small fashion exhibition on, and the models added to the atmosphere.
    Visited August 2022
    Written 18 December 2022
  • John T
    Lymington, United Kingdom169 contributions
    Super over-the-top Anglo-oriental palace
    We had an excellent couple of hours wandering the rooms of this Georgian palace. It would have been 5 star but for the gardens being like a bomb-site undergoing redesign (?) and the King's bedroom being temporarily shut for refurb. There's a lot to see and it's probably unique for all the Chinoise.
    Brighton & Hove Museums
    Dear John, Many thanks for taking the time to review your experience of the Royal Pavilion & Garden. We really value all feedback and will act upon it accordingly. We are currently undertaking restoration of the Royal Pavilion and as such we do have scaffolding up. We are also taking down the ice rink which causes some disruption. We apologise for the inconvenience during this period. If you are local to the area please do visit us again as the gardens are free of charge. If you paid for a standard ticket this entitles you to come back to the Pavilion as many times as you like during the year. You are therefore welcome to come back at a time when the King's bedroom is open at no additional cost. Many thanks again for leaving a review.
    Written 24 January 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 21 January 2023
  • Pauline A
    London, United Kingdom14 contributions
    Fascinating building, beautifully maintained. Interesting commentary which describes in detail the history of each space
    Very interesting building with a fascinating history. Learnt a lot about the Regency period and particularly about how the Royal succession played out. Beautiful spaces lovingly restored and a very interesting look into the kitchens and below stairs.
    Brighton & Hove Museums
    Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you found the building fascinating and beautifully maintained. It's great to know that you learned a lot about the Regency period and the intriguing dynamics of the Royal succession. The beautifully restored spaces, including the kitchens and below stairs, offered a unique and engaging glimpse into the past. We appreciate your visit and hope to provide more enriching experiences in the future.
    Written 20 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 February 2023
  • Bigted S
    24 contributions
    Be careful visiting if you have asthma
    It is a superb place to go to. It was a bit spoiled for me by having to view the upstairs bedrooms which felt to me dusty and musty, resulting in my having an asthma attack. Next time I would ask if I could avoid upstairs
    Brighton & Hove Museums
    Dear bigteds2021, Thank you for sharing your feedback, and we apologise for the delayed response. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience you experienced during your visit to the Royal Pavilion. Please know that the building is constantly monitored by our dedicated conservation team who maintain a weekly, monthly and yearly cleaning and collections care schedule to ensure the preservation of the museum's collection. However, we regret that the upstairs bedrooms felt dusty and musty during your visit, which resulted in an asthma attack. We understand the importance of providing a comfortable environment for all our visitors. Our team is here to assist and accommodate your needs to ensure an enjoyable experience. Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your valuable feedback. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back and provide a more pleasant visit in the future. Best regards, The Royal Pavilion Team
    Written 20 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 February 2023
  • hunky-dory55
    2 contributions
    A unique experience
    The Pavilion is an incredible building and a unique experience inside.Even my one year old grandson was filled with awe and wonder at the dragon ornate ceilings worthy of a place in a fairy tale book! We couldn't have had a warmer welcome from Callum on the reception desk who patiently helped our family group with our entry tickets with a cheery smile. Such a wonderful journey of the beautifully presented rooms and a real departure from the average historic house.We will definitely be returning soon.
    Brighton & Hove Museums
    Dear reviewer, Thank you for sharing your experience at The Royal Pavilion! It sounds like you had a truly unique and memorable visit. We're delighted to hear that the building itself left you in awe and wonder. The dragon ornate ceilings must have created a magical atmosphere, even captivating your one-year-old grandson. We're glad to know that Callum at the reception desk provided you with a warm and friendly welcome. It makes a significant difference when the staff members are attentive and patient, especially when assisting a family group. We'll make sure to pass along your compliments to Callum and acknowledge their excellent service. We appreciate your intention to return soon. We look forward to welcoming you back and providing you with another exceptional visit. Thank you once again for sharing your feedback, and we hope you continue to make cherished memories at The Royal Pavilion. Warm regards, The Royal Pavilion Team
    Written 20 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 February 2023
  • Alex P
    4 contributions
    Interesting tour of the royal residence
    The price is £17 for full ticket (can be reused for a year) and £10 for Brighton and Hove residents (non-reusable). The tour can be listened to /read on your phone as you walk around the rooms + upstairs. Recommend to go early in the morning to beat the crowds so you can get nice pictures of the halls. Interesting to read about the life of King George. However, some exhibits were missing during my visit.
    Brighton & Hove Museums
    Thank you for sharing your feedback! We're glad you found reading about King George's life interesting. We apologize for any missing exhibits during your visit. Your input is valued, and we strive to improve. We hope to provide an even better experience on your next visit.
    Written 20 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 4 March 2023
  • GrimsbyMariner15
    Grimsby, United Kingdom239 contributions
    Well worth a visit
    An amazing visit with wonderful opulent interior to explore. Great vision for George IV considering he had never visited China or India. Great workmanship from craftsmen designing metal to resemble bamboo. Interesting information and artefacts from George IV coronation too.
    Brighton & Hove Museums
    Thank you for your review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing visit to the Royal Pavilion. The opulent interior provides a captivating experience, and it's remarkable to think that George IV envisioned such grandeur despite never having visited China or India. We're glad that you found the information and artifacts from George IV's coronation to be interesting as well. Thank you for your kind words, and we highly appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another wonderful exploration in the future.
    Written 19 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 March 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
8,427 reviews
Excellent
5,451
Very good
2,344
Average
451
Poor
113
Terrible
68
Rozanna K
Dublin, Ireland13 contributions
Lovely afternoon!
Nov 2023 • Friends
Friendly staff. Amazing building and commentary interesting and succinct. We went midweek so was nice a quiet too. Would recommend.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vickiebypass
Stamford, CT236 contributions
The Royal Experience
Nov 2023 • Solo
Definitely worth visiting - a window into a historic period. The audio guide is worth getting since there's not a lot of signage in the rooms; museum staff in each room can answer questions. The influences from abroad that directed the decor were very interesting; very well restored and maintained; each room has so much to see, with little details.

Extremely helpful staff at the ticket desk who took a fair amount of time to answer my questions about buying used books, buses and more. Very kind of them, and always fun to connect with locals!
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shop local
13 contributions
Very interesting
Nov 2023 • Family
Very interesting visit should use audio guide as get lots of good information
Beautiful building at interior good way to spend an afternoon
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Izzo
71 contributions
Beautiful exterior but a little underwhelming inside
Nov 2023 • Couples
I’d say this is a decent way to pass the time on a rainy day in Brighton but it does feel rather overpriced. The £18 ticket doesn’t include an audio guide and if you opt not to get one there isn’t massive amounts of written information as you walk round. The dining room and ballroom are impressive and the staff were all very nice, but unless you are majorly into your history, the inside isn’t a must see.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gra
Peak District National Park, UK109 contributions
Mid week visit
Nov 2023 • Couples
Thoroughly enjoyed the visit and would recommend the audio guide.
Thought it was very interesting and was totally unaware that queen Victoria sold it off in 1850! Gonna google George IV and his womanising antics!
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnE & Chas
Northampton, UK293 contributions
What a fantastic experience!
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a fantastic experience. The Royal Pavilion was so exotic and full of splendour. It must have been stunning when it was first built as it took our breath away - it has aged very elegantly due to the hard work of all the staff concerned. Definitely worth visiting.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brighton & Hove Museums
We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Royal Pavilion and appreciated its splendour and history. Thank you for your kind words about the efforts of our staff. It's wonderful to know that our dedication to the Pavilion's preservation has enhanced your experience. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Middletonlass
Banbury, UK254 contributions
Disappointing, underwealming, over priced
Oct 2023 • Friends
Specifically visited the Pavillion while on holiday in the area. Half of the outside is under scaffolding. The entrance price was £18 with no concessions. Two of the rooms I believe have been recently restored, The Saloon and the Music Room. Both very lovely along with the Banqueting Hall and the Kitchen. Unfortunately the entire building, even the recently restored ones, stank of old coal/wood fires/stale cigar/cigarette smoke. By the end of the visit we were glad to escape to fresh air. I have visited so many old houses but none of them smelt like that. The Prince Regents bedroom/quarters were distinctly underwealming. Seeing as he was a serious womaniser I should think all his mistresses would have been very disappointed in the far from decadent furnishings! The bedrooms upstairs were better. At the end we visited the shop, very expensive. Also the cafe which served the worst coffe I have had and in a glass. The piece de resistance was the astro turf in the garden entrance, I thought Brighton was a green council, nothing green about that!
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brighton & Hove Museums
Thank you for your visit to the Royal Pavilion and for taking the time to write to us. We're sorry to hear some aspects of your experience didn't meet expectations. We appreciate your patience with the ongoing restoration work and understand your concerns regarding the smells and café service. Rest assured, we're looking into these issues. We hope to welcome you back again for a better experience in the future.
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne W
King's Lynn, UK110 contributions
Well worth a visit
Oct 2023 • Couples
A wonderful building with exquisitely decorated and presented rooms that are kept in a superb state.
The app was easy to use and provided a lot of information. Guides we’re available for questions in every room. The exhibits were very interesting.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
Keighley, UK3 contributions
Great!
Aug 2023 • Couples
Great experience! Amazing to see the different architecture/design of each room. The free audio tour was a great bonus as you could find out a lot more information.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pan D
2 contributions
Thai Kids in Brighton
Oct 2023 • Business
A shout out to Penny, one of the employees at the Pavilion who gave our group of 38 Thai students an interesting talk, pitched correctly, on the history of the Pavilion. She clearly understands her audience. 😊
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brighton & Hove Museums
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted that Penny could make your group's visit memorable with her engaging talk on the Pavilion's history. It's fantastic to hear that her approach resonated well with your Thai students. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to Penny. We hope to welcome you and your group back for another enlightening experience in the future!
Written 16 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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ROYAL PAVILION: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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