[2025 Greenwich Attraction] Travel Guide for Eltham Palace (Updated Jul)

Eltham is a unique marriage between a medieval and Tudor palace and a 1930s millionaire’s mansion. From the 14th to the 16th century it was an important royal palace, where monarchs often stayed and hunted in the surrounding parks. After centuries of neglect, Eltham was leased to Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933, who built an up-to-the-minute house here that incorporated the great hall. The result was a masterpiece of 20th-century design.#eltham palace #london #england

#summervacay You've highlighted a truly fascinating and somewhat off-the-beaten-path destination near London: Eltham Palace! This site offers a captivating journey through centuries of English history, blending medieval grandeur with 20th-century sophistication. Originally a medieval palace and later a beloved royal residence during the Tudor era, Eltham Palace underwent a remarkable transformation in the 1930s. Millionaire couple Stephen and Virginia Courtauld leased the property and embarked on a grand renovation, creating a stunning fusion of Art Deco design within its historic framework. This unique blend of Renaissance style and 1930s luxury makes it an architectural marvel. Sadly, in May 1944, the Courtaulds moved out, weary of the relentless bombing during World War II. Since 1995, English Heritage has managed the entire site. They've painstakingly undertaken systematic restoration of the house's interior, meticulously returning it to its 1930s appearance to preserve the unique features and integrity of the Courtauld era. The palace is beautifully situated, surrounded by its charming gardens and an ancient moat. From certain vantage points, you can even catch a glimpse of the London skyline! Plan Your Visit: Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission: Walk-in tickets are £19.50, but you can save by booking in advance online for £16.30. Eltham Palace offers a unique opportunity to explore two distinct periods of history within one spectacular setting. It's a testament to enduring elegance and a wonderful day trip from central London. #ElthamPalace #LondonDayTrip #ArtDeco #MedievalHistory #TudorRoyalty #EnglishHeritage #ArchitecturalBeauty #LondonBeyond #HiddenGems #HistoryAndArt

#londontrips Address: Court Yard, Eltham, London SE9 5QE Attraction/Atmosphere: A rare mix of medieval and 1930s art deco style, peaceful setting with garden views, a large outdoor space with friendly family activities and a lot of nice cafés nearby. Highlights: Medieval hall, stylish interiors, relaxing garden walk Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #museum #historicallandmarks

#londontrips A secret spot blending medieval royalty & Art Deco glamour Tucked away in southeast London, Eltham Palace is a little-known but utterly enchanting retreat that’s adored by London locals. Originally a royal residence where King Henry VIII spent his childhood, the palace was later transformed into a stylish private mansion by the Courtauld family in the 1930s—combining medieval grandeur with dazzling Art Deco design. 🚆How to Get There from Central London • Catch a Southeastern train from London Victoria or London Bridge, around 30 minutes. • From the station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the palace. • (Pro tip: With a UK rail pass or travel card, you might be able to grab discounts or special offers.) 📍Address Court Rd, London SE9 5NP Booking in advance is recommended via the official site. 👑Why Eltham Palace is So Unique ✨Interior: A Regal Art Deco Fantasy From golden mosaic bathrooms to wood-paneled walls with Chinese screens, every room is a visual masterpiece. It’s like walking through a glamorous vintage film set—stylish, ornate, yet historically rich. Perfect for design lovers and history buffs alike. 🌿Gardens: 19 Acres of Serenity Step out into lush gardens that stretch across 19 acres, with manicured lawns, reflective ponds, and flower-lined paths. The views from the palace windows are picture-perfect, especially on a sunny day. 🧡The Best Part? It’s Crowd-Free Despite its beauty, Eltham Palace remains under the radar for most tourists. You’ll likely be exploring alongside friendly Londoners instead of big crowds. ⏰Opening Hours Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Check the official website before visiting, as hours can vary by season.)

#londontrip I had an incredible visit to Eltham Palace in Southeast London this summer! The entrance fee was £19.30 for adults, and it was worth every penny. The palace is a unique blend of medieval and Art Deco architecture, making it unlike any other historic site I've seen. 🏰✨ The lavish Art Deco interiors, particularly the stunning entrance hall, are a must-see. The gardens are beautifully kept, with lovely views and spots perfect for a picnic. Walking through the Great Hall, originally part of the medieval palace, felt like stepping back in time. Nearby attractions include the Royal Greenwich Park and the National Maritime Museum, both offering more historical adventures. Eltham Palace is a gem that combines history, art, and nature in one fantastic visit. Highly recommend! 🌿🌺 #ElthamPalace #LondonHistory #ArtDeco #MedievalCharm #SummerAdventures #HistoricHomes #ExploreLondon #TravelUK #HiddenGems #DayOutInLondon

#londontrip Eltham Palace in London is a remarkable fusion of medieval grandeur and Art Deco elegance that left me enchanted. As I explored the historic Great Hall, I marveled at its timeless beauty, and then, I stepped into the stunning Art Deco interiors of the Courtauld's former residence, which was equally captivating. The palace's historical significance, with connections to kings and queens of the past, is palpable in every corner. The lush gardens and moat surrounding the palace provide a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll. What truly sets Eltham Palace apart is the unexpected contrast between the medieval and Art Deco sections, which creates a unique and harmonious blend of architectural styles. Eltham Palace is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the charm of two distinct eras. It's a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of London's history.

Eltham was first mentioned in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book of 1086. In the early medieval period, there was a moated manor here, set in a huge tract of parkland. In 1305 Anthony Bek, the powerful Bishop of Durham, gave Eltham to Edward, Prince of Wales (later to become Edward II).In the 1470s Edward IV extended the medieval buildings and added the large great hall, which is the most prominent historical survivor of the medieval palace. He also built the beautiful bridge across the moat that now provides the main visitor access to the Palace.Henry VIII spent large parts of his childhood at Eltham and installed archery butts, a bowling green, and a pleasure garden outside the moat.Eltham became the largest royal palace, able to host 800 members of the royal household and court.After Henry's death, the palace fell out of favour, as the royal family favoured other royal palaces like Greenwich. In the mid-17th century, Sir John Shaw built a new residence in the park called Eltham Lodge, and the palace was rented out to tenants and used as a farm.The next big change came in the early 19th century when a villa was erected within the old moat, with a garden built inside the west and south moats.The last big change at Eltham came in the 1930s when Stephen and Virginia Courtauld leased the estate. The Courtauld's built an ornate residence next to the great hall, a superb and very expensive example of the then-fashionable Art Deco style. #castle #unitedkingdom