The Royal Pavilion

Historic Houses & Building

One of the most exotically beautiful buildings in the British Isles

Universally acclaimed as one of the most exotically beautiful buildings in the British Isles, the Royal Pavilion was the famous seaside residence of King George IV. Originally a simple farmhouse, in 1787 architect Henry Holland created a neo-classical villa on the site. It was later transformed into its current Indian style by John Nash between 1815 and 1822. With interiors decorated in the Chinese style and an astonishingly exotic exterior, this Regency Palace is quite breathtaking. Magnificent decorations and fantastic furnishings have been re-created in the recent extensive restoration programme. From the opulence of the main state rooms to the charm of the first floor bedroom suites, the Royal Pavilion is filled with astonishing colours and superb craftsmanship. Witness the magnificence of the Music Room with its domed ceiling of gilded scallop-shaped shells and hand-knotted carpet, and promenade through the Chinese bamboo grove of the Long Gallery. Lavish menus were created in the Great Kitchen, with its cast iron palm trees and dazzling collection of copperware, and then served in the dramatic setting of the Banqueting Room, lit by a huge crystal chandelier held by a silvered dragon. Set in restored Regency gardens replanted to John Nash's elegant 1820s design, the Royal Pavilion is an unforgettable experience. During 1999 the Banqueting Room ceiling will be undergoing major restoration, with the room remaining fully open throughout the year so that visitors will be able to see work in progress. Don't miss the newly opened North Gallery, restored to match the South Galleries with the original Regency decorative scheme of vivid blue walls and bamboo trompe l'oeil decoration. OPENING TIMES Summer: June - September Daily: 10am - 6pm Last admission at 6pm. Winter: October - May Daily: 10am - 5pm Last admission at 5pm. Closed 25/26 December