Almost 11,000 people visited the Royal Pavilion and neighbouring museum as part of a free entry weekend.

Some 10,883 visitors flocked to the seaside retreat for King George IV and to the Brighton and Hove Museum and Art Gallery as part of the scheme, which for the first time was extended over two days to allow more people to enjoy art and culture despite the cost -of-living crisis.

Thousands were seen queueing to enter the former royal residence over the weekend, despite the wet and windy conditions, keen to explore the palace, as well as exhibitions in the museum.

Hedley Swain, chief executive of Brighton and Hove Museums, said: “We were so pleased that over 10,000 visitors took advantage of our free weekend at the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

“I am very grateful to all of our staff for managing the day so well.

“We hope everyone had a great time and did not mind queueing, and it was a reminder to them of the amazing buildings and collections we have in the city.

“It remains a very difficult time financially for all museums and we hope all of those who visited will come again, recommend us to friends and family and consider becoming members.”

The Royal Pavilion was built from 1787 to 1823, taking inspiration from Indian architecture in the 19th century and featuring domes and minarets.

The interior, primarily designed by Frederick Crace, was heavily influenced by both Indian and Chinese fashion.

While George IV and William IV both stayed in the Pavilion, Queen Victoria disliked the lack of privacy at the palace and opted to spend time at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

Many original fixtures and fittings were removed from the Royal Pavilion by Victoria and transferred to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, although some were later brought back to Brighton.

During the First World War, the Pavilion served as a military hospital for sick and wounded soldiers, particularly those from the Indian Army.