Royal Pavilion

The Royal Pavilion is an early 19th-century former royal residence in Brighton on England’s south coast, constructed for the Prince Regent, later King George IV. It is notable for its flamboyant Indo-Saracenic exterior and lavish Regency interiors.

The exterior is dominated by domes, minarets and an orientalising silhouette that stands out against Brighton’s seafront. Inside, major rooms include richly finished reception spaces such as the Music Room and Banqueting Room with ornate plasterwork and decorative schemes from the Regency era.

The building is also set within a formal garden area at the rear, which links the palace to the central Brighton seafront and public promenades.

Originally built as a seaside retreat for the Prince of Wales, the structure evolved from an 18th-century Marine Pavilion into the present palace during major remodelling and extension by architect John Nash in the early 19th century. It served as a royal residence and entertainment venue during the Regency period and later passed to municipal ownership.

The Royal Pavilion stands in central Brighton, East Sussex, directly north of the seafront and a short walk from Brighton railway station.

• Style and interiors: The pavilion's exotic Indo-Saracenic exterior is matched by lavish interior rooms designed to imitate Indian and Chinese styles, most visible in the Music Room and Banqueting Room.
• Central location: Located in central Brighton, the complex sits immediately north of the seafront and is walkable from Brighton station and the city centre.

What to See #

• Music Room: A large ceremonial room in the interior used for music and court functions, notable for its richly decorated ceiling and fittings dating from the early 19th century.
• Banqueting Room: A grand dining and receiving room originally used for state banquets and court entertainments, featuring lavish interior decoration from the George IV period.