Forty-four horse stalls
Dome’s architectural history records 44 stalls, five coach houses and accommodation for stable staff.
Source: Brighton Dome: architecture and royal stables (opens in a new tab) ↗Royal horses, hidden connections & music history
Before the applause, there were horses.
Brighton Dome & the old royal stables
Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall and the neighbouring Corn Exchange began as part of the royal stable complex. Their later lives include some remarkable moments in music history.
Discover the facts ↓
LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER
Three things worth knowing.
ABBA won here
ABBA won Eurovision with Waterloo at the Dome Concert Hall on 6 April 1974.
Source: Brighton Dome: ABBA’s 1974 Eurovision win (opens in a new tab) ↗A connection below ground
The Pavilion tunnel linked the palace to this former stable complex; explore the Pavilion page for the documented route.
Source: Brighton & Hove Museums: the Pavilion tunnel (opens in a new tab) ↗Where the royal stables used to be
The old stable building is now the Dome Concert Hall, while the riding house became the Corn Exchange. The complex was built for the Prince of Wales between 1803 and 1808, to designs by William Porden. The royal horses have gone, but the buildings remain part of the Royal Pavilion Estate.
Brighton Dome: architecture and royal stables (opens in a new tab) ↗
Make it part of your Brighton.
Use the Dome’s programme to check which venue your event is in. The Concert Hall and Corn Exchange have different entrances and event arrangements; consult the venue’s directions and access information.
The former stables are today’s Dome Concert Hall, with its entrance on Church Street. The former riding house is the Corn Exchange, whose current entrance is on New Road. Check the venue’s current entrances and directions ↗.
Sources & further reading
- Brighton Dome: architecture and royal stables (opens in a new tab) ↗
- Brighton Dome: ABBA’s 1974 Eurovision win (opens in a new tab) ↗
- Brighton & Hove Museums: the Pavilion tunnel (opens in a new tab) ↗
Researched using venue, museum and local visitor information. Historical claims are linked to their sources. Visitor conditions and availability can change; check directly. Last checked 21 October 2026. Photographs retain their individual licences and show the stated capture dates.