Royal Pavilion

LondonEscapes

Ensuite bathrooms 1st August 2009

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Prince Regent must have been an early innovator, as apparently there were something like 30 ensuite 'washrooms' at The Royal Pavilion, his lavish outre palace in Brighton. He had two different types of bath: one with piped fresh water, and one with piped sea water!!

This palace is absolutely stunning and beautifully restored. You can look round the whole place in about an hour (for a palace it is petite) and it's a lot of fun. Audio guides with fascinating facts and figures (as above!) are included in the entry price.

Shame you can't take photos though, although one of my group managed to sneak a quicky on her mobile.

Highlight has to be the marvellous domed ballroom. I think it looks like something from a set of an early Flash Gordon film (think of Ming the Merciless). There are gold leafed dragons twining around every cornice and feature with giant red lanterns as the centrepiece.

Frankie

www.meetup.com/LondonEscapes

the friendly walking club with an arty touch

see photos of the Brighton trip here http://www.meetup.com/LondonEscapes/photos/665684/#9788385

sailorboy

ok 2nd October 2008

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I went with friends to see brightons Royal Pavilion and was kind of shocked to find that it is expensive to get in to what will be an interesting hour or two at best. If you are living within brighton itself you can pay a some what reduced rate to get in but as we were from slightly out side the area it was full price or nothing.
Part of the Royal Pavilion is being done up and when I spoke to guides there it seems that it will go on for some time to come. It was like that years ago when they were redoing the music room and it does mean you will have to go back and pay again in the future if you want to see the restored part in all its glory.
It is a cool place, but it did not hold our attention for as long as we had hoped.

blobby

splendid 22nd September 2008

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We visit brighton often as its very near to us and we have been to see the royal pavilion several times now. It is so naff its great. When I say that I do not mean to be rude, we love it. It is so over the top, lots of dragons, hand painted wall paper, fake bamboo railings on the stair case. I wish we lived there, its great. The great hall has the most over the top and fantastical lighting, with a huge centre piece of a dragon holidng other smaller dragons with lights in their teeth. It is a wonderous sight. The kitchen area is massive and even has fake palm trees rising up to the roof. All the staff we have spoken to have been friendly and talkative, giving out information about the pavilion freely when asked. The little cafe was nice too. We love it and will go again very soon.

raviolli1

Five star 17th September 2008

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What a gem. This is the most incredible place to visit, it is a must see for locals and visitors alike. THe entrance fee can be reduced for locals with a proof of residence either as a bill or council tax form with your name and address on it. The interior is amazing full of chines style and has a real wow factor. It is such a huge bit of brightons past and it should be preserved for all to enjoy. The restoration is just going on and on but it will be worth it. The gardens have been restored to look similar to how they would have been and have been re planted with suitable plants that were the same species as those that were there when it was first built. You really will love a visit here and even the kids will enjoy all those lovely dragons and snakes.

vegegrow

15th September 2008

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Visiting the Royal Pavillion Brighton was one of the main highlights of our trip to the town, centrally postioned close to the seafront it is easy to spot as it looks like a indian temple but its the inside which takes your breath away. It is just amazing its interiors are decorated in both indian and chinese style with the basic premise that you can't have to much gold. There are dragons, and palm trees, shells and lotus flower chandeliers The Banqueting room is set out for a formal dinner and the kichen full of copper saucepans. We were the first visitors on a sunday and enjoyed having the chance to see everything with ease. Would definitely recommend a visit

jollyroger

Fit for a king 3rd September 2008

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We have been to brighton so many times and each time failed to visit the royal pavilion. This visit we finally went to see what all the fuss was about and we were delighted by what we saw. The exterior is amazing but you do take it for granted a bit when driving past it on brightons busy roads. The interior has some truly stunning rooms. Much of the pavilion has been restored to its former glory but lots of the original features remain. The main dining hall is staggeringly beautiful and over the top, the chandeliers are breath taking. It is all in an approximation of oriental style, dragons, snakes, bamboo, etc are every where. But the former owner was the prince regent and laterly the king, so it is to be expected. Queen Victoria did not like it, but we did. It is really worth a visit, honest.