Royal Pavilion & Garden

If you’re looking for a local day out that offers a real break from the usual, the Royal Pavilion & Garden is always a solid choice. It’s easy to forget just how unique this building is, sitting right in the middle of the city. Originally conceived as the seaside retreat for the Prince Regent (later George IV), the palace was transformed between 1815 and 1823 into the architectural marvel we know today. Its exterior is a striking blend of Regency grandeur and Indo-Saracenic style, drawing inspiration from Mogul architecture with its distinctive bulbous domes and minarets. Inside, the design leans heavily into Chinese and Indian influences, making it a fascinating example of Regency-era exoticism. Beyond its royal history, it’s worth remembering its role as a hospital for Indian soldiers during the First World War, adding another layer of historical context to the site before Queen Victoria sold it to the city in 1850.

For those planning a visit soon, note that the operating hours are about to shift. Currently, during the winter schedule (which runs until March 31st), the Pavilion is open daily from 10:00 to 17:15. However, the summer schedule kicks in on April 1, 2026, extending the day slightly, with opening hours running from 09:30 to 17:45 (remembering that the last admission is 45 minutes before closing). While the main attraction is the palace itself—including the recently restored Queen Victoria’s Room with its original 19th-century Chinese wallpaper—the surrounding Royal Pavilion Garden is also a highlight, having been restored to its original Regency vision. If you want a deeper dive, they offer special experiences like the Basement and Tunnel Tours, or the 'Behind Closed Doors' tours on selected Wednesdays, which explore hidden spaces and the lives of the servants.

It is a paid attraction, but if you live locally, there are specific discounts worth utilizing. Standard adult entry is £19.50, but residents of Brighton & Hove (BN1, BN2, BN3, and BN41 postcodes) can get in for £14.75, and this resident ticket also covers up to four children. Young residents (13-18) pay £8.00. If you plan on returning often, they also offer an Annual Pass. The venue is centrally located, about five minutes from the seafront, and is classified as an all-weather attraction. It’s also set up to be accessible, offering facilities for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair availability and adapted bathrooms, though access is limited to the ground floor of the palace.