Eltham Palace & Gardens

Approximate Journey Time: 3 Hours

Time at Destination: 4.5 Hours

Comfort Stop: Yes

Drop off Point: Coach Park

English Heritage Members: £35.00 per person with valid membership (must be with you on day), to book call us direct on 01202 767022

 

 

Discover the elegance and intrigue of Eltham Palace, one of London’s most stylish historic estates. Set within 19 acres of tranquil gardens, this extraordinary destination seamlessly blends a grand medieval past with the glamour of 1930s Art Deco design.

Once a favourite royal residence of Henry VIII, the palace later became the lavish home of the Courtauld family, who transformed it into a masterpiece of modern luxury. Step inside to explore the iconic circular entrance hall, opulent state rooms, and beautifully restored interiors showcasing cutting-edge innovation of the era.

Outside, wander through rolling lawns, colourful borders, the picturesque moat, and peaceful woodland walks—perfect for photography, relaxation, or a leisurely afternoon stroll. Today, the palace is expertly cared for by English Heritage, offering visitors a fascinating journey through centuries of British style, architecture, and aristocratic life.

 

Accessibility

There is step-free access to most ground-floor areas & the first floor is reached via sweeping staircases, and there is no step-free access to the basement. The Great Hall dais, and the Minstrel’s Gallery can only be accessed by stairs. The gardens feature a combination of paved and gravel paths with occasional gradients, and accessible toilets are available.

 

 

Eltham Palace and Gardens is a unique and captivating historic site located combining medieval and Tudor history with stunning 1930s Art Deco design. Managed by English Heritage, this site offers visitors a glimpse into two very different eras of British history within one extraordinary location.

 

Originally a medieval royal residence, Eltham Palace was once the childhood home of King Henry VIII and hosted many English monarchs during the 14th and 15th centuries. The Great Hall, with its impressive hammerbeam roof, is a surviving remnant of this period and serves as a dramatic reminder of the palace’s regal past.

 

In the 1930s, the palace was transformed by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, wealthy socialites with a passion for modern design and luxury. They commissioned the construction of a glamorous Art Deco mansion adjoining the medieval Great Hall, blending modernist architecture with opulent interiors. The result is a lavish and stylish home that epitomizes the elegance of the 1930s. Visitors to the palace can explore the stunning circular entrance hall, the grand dining room, and the elegant drawing room, each showcasing the Courtaulds' impeccable taste and design sensibilities.

 

Surrounding the palace are beautifully landscaped gardens, which include a mix of formal and informal designs. The gardens offer tranquil spaces with colorful flowerbeds, manicured lawns, and a rock garden, as well as a picturesque moat that encircles part of the site. There are also remnants of the medieval garden layout, adding further historical depth to the landscape.

 

Eltham Palace and Gardens offers a fascinating journey through time, from medieval royalty to the glamour of the 1930s, all within a stunning architectural and natural setting.

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