Brighton Information

The Royal Pavilion, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, is a Grade I listed former royal residence in Brighton, England. Built in stages from 1787, it was originally a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, later King George IV. Architect John Nash redesigned it between 1815 and 1822 in the Indo-Saracenic style, giving it its distinctive domes and minarets.  After Queen Victoria found the Pavilion unsuitable, it was sold to Brighton in 1850. During World War I, it served as a hospital for wounded Indian and British soldiers. Since then, Brighton has worked to restore its original grandeur, with many furnishings returned by the royal family.  Now a major tourist attraction, the Pavilion hosts around 400,000 visitors annually and serves as a wedding venue. Its Regency-style gardens, Grade II listed, have faced challenges such as vandalism and crime, prompting discussions about preservation efforts.  The garden is often used by street entertainers, especially in summer. There is also a café in the garden. 

After the Pavilion, you could…

Walk up North Street towards Churchill Square, window shopping on the way.

Take a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour from Stop F, outside the Pavilion, 28 and 58 minutes past each hour, £11 for seniors.

Walk to the seafront and turn right along The Promenade. Either linger here and soak up the cosmopolitan vibe.  It’s not just about the water, as the beachfront promenade is a destination in its own right. The arches along the beachfront are home to a variety of businesses. By Brighton Palace Pier, you’ll find great galleries in the Artists’ Quarter.  As you stroll along, you see more bars and restaurants serving everything from ice-cream to high-end seafood. The arches by the West Pier are home to independent traders selling fashion, furniture and photography.

OR continue walking along the Promenade (20 minutes or a little more than 05 miles) to view or even take a trip on the….

i360  - Brighton i360 is a 162m observation tower on Brighton’s seafront, designed by the team behind the London Eye. Opened in 2016, it offered 360-degree views but struggled financially. Originally funded by a £46M investment, including a £36M public loan, visitor numbers were lower than expected, leading to mounting debts. The attraction went into administration in December 2024 but was purchased by Nightcap Ltd and reopened in March 2025. Despite early technical issues and criticism over its design and funding, it remains a landmark on Brighton's coast.  There are two options for drinking and dining at Brighton i360. Enjoy a drink on board the pod during your ride or visit the i360 Café Bar with its spectacular sea view terrace.   

£16.50 in advance online, £18.50 on the day   

25-minute experience 

The Lanes are a collection of narrow alleyways known for their unique shops and vibrant atmosphere. They are typically bounded by North Street to the north, Ship Street to the west, and Prince Albert Street and Bartholomew Square to the south, with the eastern boundary being less clearly defined.  Meeting House Lane is one of the wider lanes that connects to North Street and leads to Market Street. Historically, the Lanes were part of the original settlement of Brighthelmstone and were developed in the late 18th century, fully established by 1792, coinciding with the rise of Brighton as a fashionable seaside destination.  Dukes Lane, a newer addition created in 1979, is a "reproduction street" that reflects the area's historical charm. Overall, The Lanes are celebrated for their character and shopping experience.

Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton Palace Pier is a 1,722-foot Victorian pier located in Brighton, featuring a variety of attractions, including a renowned fish and chip restaurant, food concessions, fairground rides, and two arcades. 

Walk from the Pavilion to the Seafront, turn left (0.5 miles, 11 minutes walk)   OR   Take a bus (North Street Stop C, No 7 or No 1X) to…

Brighton Marina is the largest marina in the UK.  With a 24-hour bus service (number 7), come along and enjoy Brighton’s exciting waterfront destination, where you can shop, eat, drink and play

Or why not take the…. 

Volks Electric Railway   Senior single (65+): £3.80;  Senior return (65+): £5.20

Trains run from both ends of the line every 15 minutes at 00, 15, 30 and 45 past the hour. No need to book. 

The Volk’s Electric Railway, opened on August 4, 1883, by Magnus Volk, is a landmark in electric transport history, recognised as the UK's first electric railway and the oldest operating electric railway in the world. Celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2023, it was inspired by successful electric trams and initially spanned a quarter-mile along Brighton’s seafront, utilising an innovative electrified third rail.

The railway quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists, expanding to its current length of one mile despite facing challenges like storm damage and a closure during World War II from 1940 to 1948. Today, it is a testament to Volk's pioneering vision and has received accolades, including the Heritage Railway Association's Railway of the Year award in 2024, making it the first non-steam railway to achieve this honour. The railway continues to be a cherished part of Brighton's seaside heritage, supported by dedicated staff and volunteers.

Rolling stock

•   Car 4, built in 1892, is the oldest surviving car in the fleet and retains many original features, making it popular for film productions. Restored in 2016 with a Heritage Lottery Grant, it originally had three older counterparts that no longer exist.

•   Car 6, built in 1901, had its electric motor installed in 1917 and was also restored in 2016. It can operate alone but is often paired with Car 10 for increased capacity.

•   Cars 7 and 8, both from 1901, were the first in the fleet with side entrance doors and are now permanently coupled. They feature a unique Rolls-Royce traction control system.

•   Car 9, built in 1910, had a new electric motor installed in 1923 and was numbered Car 2 from 1948 to 2000 before reverting to its original number. It is the fastest car and a driver’s favourite.

•   Car 10, built in 1926, is the newest in the fleet. Restored in 2016, it can run independently but is often coupled with Car 6 to handle busy periods.