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Brighton And The Royal Pavilion The Royal Pavilion Brighton grew out of an eighteenth century fashion for sea bathing. Bathing in the sea had long been an improper practice. Since Roman times it had become associated with wild behaviour, and was frowned upon. But in the eighteenth century medical practitioners began an enthusiasm for cold salt water bathing. Sir John Floyer was perhaps the earliest of these influences. He wrote in his History of Cold Bathing of 1722: "since we live on an island, and have the sea about us, we cannot want an excellent cold bath" (quoted by Pimlott, The Englishman's Holiday P 56). The earliest sea bathing resort was Scarborough where sea bathing began in the 1730s. At about the same time a regular bathing session was started at Brightlingstone, as Brighton was then known. In 1752 Dr Richard Russell published an influential work on the supposed benefits of sea bathing, and favoured Brighton. This recommendation, combined with Brighton's closeness to London meant that Brighton developed as Britain's premier sea bathing resort. Brighton was favoured by the Prince Regent, later George IV. The Royal Pavilion, designed by John Nash, was built for George IV between 1815 and 1823. It was an escapist fantasy for the king, and also an expression of escapism for people taking one of the earliest forms of holidays. At the Royal Pavilion visitors could leave the ordinary world they usually inhabited and go somewhere more exotic, without travelling too far. Today Disney parks perform a similar function. The Royal Pavilion Brighton is perhaps the original escapist holiday fantasy.
Read more on our History of Holidays page
The Palace has been maintained in its original opulent style. The interior is as spectacular as its Indian inspired exterior.
Opening Times: October to March 10am to 5.15pm, last admission 4.30pm.
April to September 9.30am to 5.45pm, last admission 5pm.
Closed from 2.30pm December 24th and closed 25th - 26th December. Also closed from 17th to 21st January for essential maintenance.
Please telephone to book a group visit.
Address: The Royal Pavilion, Brighton BN1 1EE
Directions: The Royal Pavilion is in the centre of Brighton just off the A259. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on the Royal Pavilion.
Access: The ground floor is fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, but the first floor can only be reached via stairs. Tactile tours can be booked. Sign language tours are also available.
Contact:
telephone: 03000 290900
fax: 03000 290908
e-mail: visitor.services@brighton-hove.gov.uk