Eltham Palace and Gardens
Greater London, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
Pinpoint
Court Rd, London SE9 5NP
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Eltham Palace is a 1930s Art Deco mansion built by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld directly onto the surviving medieval Great Hall of the former royal palace. Reviewers are struck by how well two very different eras sit together under one roof, and many rate the Art Deco rooms among the finest they have seen in this country. The gardens, the cafe and the room staff come up again and again in visitor accounts.
Worth the trip
The Art Deco interiors - reviewers most often name the map room, the drawing room and the Courtaulds' bedroom as the spaces that stay with them.
Before you go
Several reviewers say reading up on the Courtaulds and the house's restoration beforehand made far more sense of the visit; families mention a play area and cafe in the gardens.
Reviewers are struck by the combination of Art Deco interiors and the older medieval fabric, and several say this mix is what sets it apart from other historic houses. Rooms picked out for particular mention include the entrance hall, the map room or library, the drawing room and the Courtauld bedroom, and one visitor enjoyed the story of the pet lemur and the house's laundry system. Staff and guides are described as helpful and well informed, with some offering a short introduction on arrival. The gardens draw consistent praise for formal planting alongside meadow areas, with reviewers recommending a picnic and noting the play area for children. Others mention the tea room with views, easy parking, pedestrian access over the moat, and one suggests reading up on the restoration beforehand.
1930s Art Deco mansion built by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld directly onto the surviving medieval Great Hall of the former royal palace.
“An exquisite art deco palace with exuberant gardens. Highly recommend visiting this English Heritage site in Eltham, in the London Borough of Greenwich. Reading about the story behind the renovation, prior to visiting,…”- Suzana Moraes, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “Guides were randomly spaced to assist with queries.” - David Hamilton
- Facilities
- “We went in early May, perfect for a picnic with the wisteria in bloom, grounds were well taken care of with plenty of space for relaxation and privacy.” - Katy D
Common questions about Eltham Palace and Gardens
Where is Eltham Palace and Gardens?
Eltham Palace and Gardens is in Greater London, England, at Court Rd, London SE9 5NP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Eltham Palace and Gardens?
Yes - Eltham Palace and Gardens is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Eltham Palace and Gardens?
The Art Deco interiors - reviewers most often name the map room, the drawing room and the Courtaulds' bedroom as the spaces that stay with them.
Is Eltham Palace and Gardens a ruin or still intact?
Eltham Palace and Gardens is largely intact - 1930s Art Deco mansion built by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld directly onto the surviving medieval Great Hall of the former royal palace.
