
A Dragon's Tale
Created by: Fiona Blair
Sponsored by: Amaze
Location: Pavilion Gardens
Fiona is a Brighton-based artist and illustrator who took her inspiration for ‘A Dragon’s Tale’ from Sussex folklore; the legendary water dragon known as the Sussex Knucker. ‘Knucker’ is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word for nicor, (meaning “water monster”), and this particular Knucker is said to have inhabited a deep pond known as a ‘knuckerhole’ in Lyminster, near Arundel. Folklore has it that the King of Sussex offered his Daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone that could slay the dragon. A local lad named Jim Puttock is said to have done just that, by feeding it an enormous poisoned pie!
Accessibility Guide
Accessing the sculpture
The sculpture will be located in the Pavilion Gardens in the Royal Pavilion grounds. There are a few entrances available to use. These are all fully accessible.
- It can be accessed via the step-free paths off New Road. There is one opposite Wahaca restaurant, where you can make a left and find the sculpture there. Likewise, there is a path further up the road opposite the Theatre Royal.
- There is also an entrance off Princes Place.
- There is another entrance to the gardens via the road by Al Duomo and the India Gate.
- Marlborough Place also has an entrance which will take you past Brighton Museum.
By Bus- The nearest routes that stop by this sculpture will be the 1, 1x, 2, 5, 5A, 5B, 7, 12, 12x, 13x, 14, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 29a, 37, 37b, 46, 47, 48, 52, 77, 270 and 700 at the ‘North Street’ stop.
By Train- If you’re arriving via train, the nearest station will be Brighton. This is around an 850-metre distance from the sculpture and around an 11-minute journey. There is a step-free accessible route via Queen’s Road:
- Turn left onto Church Street, which is a bit further down Queens Road (be mindful of a downward slope on both of these when heading towards the sculpture).
- From here you can either turn right onto New Road or carry on and use the Marlborough Place entrance.
Public transport
Buses: At Brighton & Hove Buses, we are committed to making bus travel accessible, welcoming and easier for everyone.
Accessible features across our fleet include audio and visual next-stop announcements, dementia-friendly flooring, priority seating, a dedicated wheelchair bay and separate buggy space. Newer buses also include two dedicated wheelchair bays, onboard hearing loops and dementia-friendly seating, all designed to make journeys more comfortable and easier to navigate.
If a wheelchair user is unable to board, we provide a free accessible taxi as part of our Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Guarantee.
Our award-winning Helping Hand Assistance Cards allow customers to discreetly let the driver know about any support they may need.
Drivers receive accessibility training co-developed with disabled people and local and national organisations.
For accessible travel information or journey support, contact Customer Services on 01273 886200, available 06:00–22:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00–22:00 at weekends and on Bank Holidays.
Further accessibility information is available at buses.co.uk
Trains: Local and national trains are available from Brighton station. All platforms and trains are accessible with ramps and extra support available at request. There are also accessible ticket barriers.
Bikes: The nearest Beryl Bays will be on Church Street (by the Dome) or Pavilion Buildings (by Al Duomo restaurant).
There are several Sheffield racks on New Road for you to lock up your personal bike. There are also further racks by Pavilion Buildings.
Things to expect
Noise Levels – 5/10.
As the sculpture is in the Pavilion Gardens, expect some crowds when the weather is warm. Many of the crowds will be centred around the grassy parts of the garden in warmer weather. The noise levels shouldn’t be any higher than any other relatively busy part of town but be particularly aware of sirens and traffic from the surrounding roads.
Parking
NCP Brighton Theatre. 270 metre distance away, around a 3-minute journey.
- Step-free access route via Church Street and New Road
- 6 disabled bays available.
- From £10 for 1-2 hours up to £35 for 24 hours.
RCP Parking North Road. 500 metre distance away, around a 6-minute journey.
- Step-free access route via North Road, Jubilee Street and New Road.
- 2 disabled parking spaces.
- From £3.50 for 30 minutes up to £34 for 24 hours.
There is on-street Blue Badge parking on Jubilee Street, a 220-metre distance away and around a 3-minute journey. Alternatively, you can use a Blue Badge on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours as long as no loading restrictions are in force. You can also pay for free and for an unlimited time in Pay and Display bays.
Facilities
There are public toilets at the entrance to the Pavilion Gardens by Princes Place. These are male, female, and disabled toilets open to the public from 10am until 6pm.
The nearest changing place facilities are in the Jubilee Library, a 3-minute journey across 240 metres. This includes a ceiling hoist, height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, and a centrally placed toilet. The Jubilee Library is generally open from 10am until 5pm, or 7pm latest.
Description of sculpture
This BookBench shows a large dragon on the front of the bench swimming half submerged in the sea. The Seven Sisters cliffs can be seen in the background below a blue sky. The dragon is dark blue with orange details on its face and tail. The back of the bench shows a realistic, dark blue claw ripping through the surface of the bench.
Meet the Artist
Proudly sponsored by

Amaze is your local charity who provide vital support and connection for families with disabled children and young people in Sussex. We have organised The Story Trail to raise awareness and funds for our work. To help our community, we need your support. Every pound you raise for Amaze helps children and young people living with disability to get the support they need. You’ll be helping friends, neighbours and people you know access expert advice, practical support and a community of other families with similar experiences.
Buy this sculpture at auction
After the trail, our sculptures will be auctioned to raise money for Amaze
If you are interested in buying this sculpture at auction, you can register your interest now at the link below.
