No, we're not in 'Arabian Nights'—but the Royal Pavilion in Brighton makes you wonder whether someone accidentally dropped a palace from a far-off fairy tale onto the Sussex shoreline. The Prince of Wales (later George IV) came to Brighton for sea air, but he didn't just want a quiet retreat—he wanted a statement. With architect John Nash, he turned a modest villa into a grand palace full of domes and minarets. Step inside, and you'll find dragons curling across ceilings, chandeliers blooming like lotus flowers and the wallpaper leaning heavily into the decorative style of Chinoiserie. The Banqueting Room feels like it's always ready for a performance.

During the First World War, the Pavilion was repurposed as a hospital for Indian soldiers. Grand dining halls became wards, and the palace's role shifted from royal indulgence to quiet care. There's also a subtle cultural echo between the Pavilion and a local tradition: Burning the Clocks. This is Brighton's annual winter solstice parade of handmade lanterns, usually held on December 21. However, this year, the event is taking a fallow year and is set to return in 2026 under the theme 'Magicada.'