Let’s do an experiment. Close your eyes….wait, open them back up – you’re not
going to know what to do unless you read what comes next. How about we say,
“Imagine;” yes that’s better.

Imagine the toy castel Uncle Drosselmeyer crafted for Clara in the Russian ballet-fairytale,
The Nutcracker. It is a castle of dreams where tall columns are capped off with onion spires blooming into the skies; where delicately crafted stained glass fills each room with a never-ending rainbow of light; where silvered dragons adorn a lavishly glowing chandelier and 18 carat gold plated cockleshells fill the dome of a Music Room. Truly, a castle of magic and a
figment of our imagination; or is it?

The Royal Pavilion in Brighton, England, could be the closest embodiment we have of
Drosselmeyer’s castle. Initially built as a humble seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, changes were soon put into place after the Prince Regent succeeded the throne in the early 19th c to become king. Sticking out like a sore thumb in the British countryside, the bold exterior was heavily influenced by Indo-Islamic architecture, a style greatly contradicting the boxy characteristics typical of the colonial era. Inside, where photography is not allowed, the chinoiserie the greatest these eyes have seen throughout Europe, with rooms filled to the brim with a balance of gaudy extravagance and ornate décor.

At a price of £10.00, your ticket offers you a free audio guide detailing in-depth explanations of the history of the Pavilion along with its many inhabitants throughout the years. One thing I appreciated about the experience was the fact that I wasn’t rushed from room to room; I was allowed the time to soak in the truly awe-inspiring grandeur of each
room. In addition to touring throughout the Pavilion, restrooms, a gift shop and the Royal Pavilion Tea Room are open to the public at any point during opening hours.

As Brighton is situated along southern coast in East Sussex, it can easily be visited within an hour’s train ride of the country’s capital and therefore makes the perfect day trip. The Royal Pavilion isn’t next to the train station, but it is in decent walking distance and is an absolute must if visiting this charming coast side city.


For more information on The Royal Pavilion, their website.

On this site you'll find more information on the history and celebrations of May Day along with other videos depicting the traditional dances that can be found across England.

Lonely Planet offers travelers insight into some of the lesser knows but equally remarkable landmarks scattered throughout the city. Have a look at their list…have you been to these places?

Just as Ireland has St. Patrick, England has St. George. As the patron saint of England, St. George has religious roots that have grown into somewhat mythical stories. Mainly known for the romanticized account of slaying the dragon, St. George is also considered one of the most renowned military saints as English Crusaders wore his sign (a red cross on a white background) into battle.

In lieu of heavy drinking and parading about in red and white, this holiday is much quieter as celebrants wear a red rose in the hole of their lapel, though its popularity is on the rise as Englishmen are trying to get this holiday into a nationally recognized holiday.

St. George is also the patron saint of scouting. Woo scouting!

Click here to learn more about St. George and this holiday!