Eltham Palace
Court Yard, Eltham, London, Greater London, SE9 5QE
The only estate of its kind in the UK, Eltham Palace is an architectural curio. A former royal residence —and the childhood home of Henry VIII—the palace was given an unconventional glow-up at the hands of millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in the 1930s. Now an English Heritage property, visitors to the palace can marvel at the modern art deco mansion built around the original medieval and Tudor structures.
The Basics
Visitors to the elaborate Eltham Palace and Gardens can admire the Great Hall’s 15th-century ceiling, explore Prince Henry’s childhood gardens, or unwind in the on-site café and outdoor playground. Some of the palace’s more interesting features were added in the 1930s by the Courtaulds, the wealthy industrialist family who bought and restored the mansion, which had fallen into disrepair. Palace visitors can view the heated bedroom of the Courtaulds’ pet lemur and enjoy interactive exhibits about the family’s luxurious lifestyle.
Audio-visual guides are provided on entry, though private tours offer a more personalized experience. Inclusive deals such as the London Pass allow you to tick off the rural getaway along with other top London attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
Eltham Palace is a must-do for history buffs, interior design fans, and garden lovers.
Remember a coat or umbrella for outdoor exploration, especially in the rainy months.
The palace is mostly wheelchair-friendly, with an accessible restroom, ramps, and a lift.
How to Get There
Eltham Palace is a 15-minute walk from Mottingham Station, which is served directly by trains from London Bridge. Bus numbers 124, 126, 160, and 161 also stop nearby. Follow the signs on Court Road for access to the site’s large parking area.
When to Get There
Eltham Palace is open throughout the year, though seasonal opening times apply. While the seasonal blooms of spring and summer are particularly impressive, the curated gardens provide atmospheric surroundings throughout autumn and winter too.
Art Deco and World Wars
The Courtaulds’ quirky yet classy refurbishments are now considered some of the finest surviving examples of art deco in the UK. The movement originated in France before World War I, influenced by cubism, international styles, and art nouveau. Associated with decadence, the style fell out of favor during World War II. Though the damage Eltham Palace sustained during the war has now been restored, its bomb shelter can still be visited today.
Ways to explore
Visitors to Eltham Palace can explore the grand mansion and gardens on a self-guided tour to admire the art deco house and its geometric-panneled dining hall, lavish golden bathroom, and eccentric furnishings. Learn about the Courtaulds as you peek inside the map room where they planned their travels, see the World War II bunker in the basement, and marvel at their personal art collection, which includes several J.M.W. Turner paintings. Equally impressive is the original medieval Great Hall, the landscaped gardens, and the working moat bridge. There are plenty of interactive activities on-site for kids, too. Admission is included for London Pass holders.
Accessibility
Most of the palace is wheelchair accessible, except the Great Hall dias, the basement, and the Minstrel’s Gallery. Free wheelchair rentals and accessible restrooms are available. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Age limits
None; children under 5 visit for free.
What to pack
Camera, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, umbrella, reusable water bottle
What to wear
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing
Not allowed
Pets, drones, strollers (not allowed inside the palace), large bags, luggage
Amenities
Playground, café, gift shop and bookstore, limited parking (fee), picnic benches, free audio guides, restrooms with baby-changing facilities
Address
Eltham Palace is located in the southeast London district of Eltham, about 10 miles (17 kilometers) from central London. You can reach the palace by car or public transport.
Driving
Parking is limited at Eltham Palace, so taking public transport is recommended, especially at busy times. If you do choose to drive, it’s about 40 minutes by car from central London along the A2.
Public transportation
The easiest way to travel from central London is by train. Take a Southeastern train from London Bridge towards Dartford or Victoria towards Gravesend and alight at Mottingham station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
Best times to visit
Arrive just before the palace opens at 10am to snag a parking spot and enjoy the quietest period of the day.
Best days to visit
Come on a summer weekend to enjoy the full range of activities, if you don’t mind braving the crowds. Otherwise, weekday admission is cheaper, and it’s usually much quieter.
Best months to visit
May, June, and September are typically quieter months, but the gardens are beautiful in spring and fall, especially on a sunny day. If you need more convincing, admission tickets are cheaper during the shoulder season months
Special events
The palace hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including medieval-themed reenactments, live music, and wine-tasting evenings in July and August. There are also family-friendly events for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
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