Eltham Palace Gardens London
A unique fusion of medieval royal history and glamorous 1930s Art Deco design, set within 19 acres of beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Eltham Palace Gardens London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique fusion of medieval royal history and glamorous 1930s Art Deco design, set within 19 acres of beautiful gardens.
"A rare mix of Tudor royal palace and 1930s Art Deco mansion, surrounded by beautiful gardens."
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share fascinating details you might miss. Ask them about film locations!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't rush the gardens; they're extensive and beautiful. Allow ample time!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Deco Interiors
The Mansion
Step back into the glamorous 1930s with opulent furnishings and stunning design details.
Medieval Great Hall
The Great Hall
Marvel at the magnificent hammer-beam roof of this 15th-century royal residence.
Enchanting Gardens
The Gardens
Explore 19 acres of beautiful grounds, including a moat, rock garden, and picnic lawns.
The Rock Garden
The Gardens
A particularly beautiful and unique feature of the gardens, perfect for a stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Membership Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share fascinating details you might miss. Ask them about film locations!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't rush the gardens; they're extensive and beautiful. Allow ample time!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Great for families with a playground and dressing-up opportunities for older kids.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe or pack a picnic for the lawns.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share fascinating details you might miss. Ask them about film locations!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't rush the gardens; they're extensive and beautiful. Allow ample time!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Great for families with a playground and dressing-up opportunities for older kids.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe or pack a picnic for the lawns.
🚗 Public Transport
Accessible via Mottingham Station and Eltham High Street.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The entrance hall and Art Deco interiors are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Eltham Palace for its unique blend of medieval and Art Deco architecture, with the stunning interiors and magnificent Great Hall being major highlights. The beautiful gardens and helpful volunteers also receive high marks. Some find the 'no touch' rules in the house restrictive for very young children, and a few feel the admission price might be high if not a member.
"A beautiful house with some very unique features. The art deco interior is stunning and the history fascinating. I recommend talking to the many volunteers who can point out some fun details that you would otherwise miss. The entrance hall to the house (pictured) is particularly impressive and has been used for several film and TV productions. The delightful grounds are extensive and we didn't discover it all as it was a very hot day. There is a gorgeous play park for little ones and excellent cafe. I wouldn't recommend taking very small children or babies into the house as there is a 'no touch' rule in some areas and stairs but there are some dressing up opportunities for older children (and adults!) A very good day out, especially if you have English Heritage membership."
Helen Eldridge
"An unusual place to visit as it incorporates life in the 1930s (if you were rich) with a building going back 600 years. After the amazing entrance hall, there are plenty of rooms to view and the Great Hall with its magnificent hammer beam roof.
The gardens are very pleasant with a good walk round the moat. There is a cafe and children's playground by the main entrance. Reasonably accessible by public transport from Mottingham Station and Eltham High Street."
batman51
"Was a little underwhelmed, as a Heritage member my admission was free, but if I had to pay I would’ve been far more disappointed.
Audio tour was very good, loved that it gave you directions and showed exactly what room to walk into, super helpful. Didn’t really care for the garden tour section. I thought there would be slightly more historical information on the guide, but still very interesting."
Alyssa Anderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eltham Palace is accessible by public transport. Take a train to Mottingham Station, which is a short walk away. Buses also serve Eltham High Street, with further walking required.
Yes, there is parking available on-site. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving by public transport is often recommended.
The gardens are generally accessible, but access to certain parts of the historic house may be limited due to its age and structure. Check with English Heritage for specific accessibility details.
Assistance dogs are welcome at Eltham Palace and Gardens. However, other pets are generally not permitted within the house or gardens.
Eltham Palace is not directly served by the London Underground. The nearest National Rail station is Mottingham.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply, but entry is free for English Heritage members. Look out for 2-for-1 garden entry deals as well.
Eltham Palace and Gardens are typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but it's always best to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit. However, booking in advance online might sometimes offer slight discounts or guarantee entry during peak times.
While there aren't always formal guided tours, the audio tour is highly recommended and provides excellent historical context and directions within the house.
Group discounts may be available for larger parties. It's advisable to contact English Heritage directly in advance to inquire about group rates and booking procedures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the stunning 1930s Art Deco mansion, featuring glamorous interiors, and the magnificent medieval Great Hall with its impressive hammer-beam roof.
The 19 acres of gardens are a highlight, featuring a medieval bridge and moat, a rock garden, rose gardens, and spacious lawns perfect for picnics. +1
Yes, there's a lovely children's playground near the main entrance, and some dressing-up opportunities inside the house for older children.
Photography is generally allowed inside the palace for personal use, but tripods and flash photography may be restricted. Always check signage.
Absolutely! The impressive entrance hall and Art Deco interiors have been used as filming locations for various productions. Ask the volunteers for details!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering refreshments, snacks, and light meals. It's a pleasant spot to relax after exploring. +1
Picnicking is encouraged in designated areas of the gardens, making it a great option for a budget-friendly visit.
Eltham High Street, a short distance away, offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants if you prefer to dine outside the palace grounds.
The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, cakes, pastries, hot and cold drinks, and sometimes light lunch options.
The cafe's opening hours usually align with the palace's opening times, but it's wise to confirm seasonal variations on the English Heritage website.
📸 📸 Photography
The Art Deco entrance hall, the Great Hall's ceiling, and various scenic spots in the gardens, especially the rock garden and moat area, are highly photogenic. 
Tripods are often restricted inside the house to protect the interiors. It's best to check the specific rules upon arrival or on the English Heritage website.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited at Eltham Palace and Gardens to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and the heritage site.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, especially in the gardens. Mornings can also be lovely before crowds build up.
While personal photography is generally permitted, commercial photography may require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the 'no touch' rule in some areas of the house might be challenging for very young children, the extensive gardens provide ample space to explore. Packing a picnic is a great way to save money and enjoy the beautiful lawns. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the busiest times.
💰 Budget Travelers
Picnicking in the beautiful gardens is a cost-effective way to enjoy lunch. The cafe offers refreshments, but bringing your own snacks and drinks can further reduce expenses. Public transport is also a more economical way to reach the palace than driving and parking.
🏛️ History Buffs
The audio tour is highly recommended for its detailed historical narratives and insights into the lives of the Courtauld family and previous royal residents. Don't hesitate to engage with the knowledgeable volunteers who can offer unique perspectives and point out often-missed historical details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tale of Two Eras: Medieval Meets Art Deco
In stark contrast, the 1930s Art Deco mansion was added by the wealthy Courtauld family. This part of the palace is a dazzling display of 1930s glamour, featuring opulent interiors, luxurious furnishings, and intricate design details. The contrast between the ancient Great Hall and the sleek, modern mansion is what makes Eltham Palace so unique and captivating.
+2This blend of history offers a rich narrative, allowing visitors to explore centuries of life and style within one location. The audio tour is highly recommended for understanding the stories behind each era and appreciating the architectural significance.
Exploring the Enchanting Gardens
A standout feature is the rock garden, often highlighted for its beauty and unique design. The gardens also boast rose gardens and expansive lawns, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. Many visitors find themselves spending hours here, enjoying the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere.
For families, the gardens offer a safe and enjoyable space. There's a dedicated children's playground located near the main entrance, ensuring younger visitors are entertained. The overall experience of the gardens complements the historical interiors, providing a well-rounded visit.
Filming Location Gem
Many visitors are surprised to learn about the palace's role as a filming location. The volunteers on-site are a fantastic resource for this information, often pointing out specific details or rooms that have appeared on screen. This insider knowledge can significantly enhance the visitor experience, bringing the history and glamour of the palace to life.
While specific productions are not always advertised, the presence of these recognizable sets contributes to the palace's allure, making it feel like a step into a different era or a cinematic world. It's a fun aspect to discover during your visit.
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