Eltham Palace and Gardens

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Experience Art Deco elegance and rich royal history at Eltham Palace and Gardens. Stroll majestic rooms and peaceful landscape in London.

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Eltham Palace and Gardens Tickets

Eltham Palace stands as one of London's most extraordinary architectural treasures, where medieval grandeur meets Art Deco glamour in spectacular fashion. This remarkable site combines a magnificent 14th-century great hall, where English kings once held court, with a stunning 1930s mansion built by millionaire couple Stephen and Virginia Courtauld.

The medieval great hall showcases some of England's finest 14th-century architecture, featuring soaring hammerbeam roofs and impressive stone walls that witnessed the reigns of Edward II, Edward III, and Henry VIII. The Courtauld mansion displays 1930s luxury at its peak, with meticulously restored rooms featuring blackbean veneer, silver-leafed ceilings, and Virginia's famous gold-plated bathroom complete with en-suite telephone. The entrance hall and circular drawing room offer stunning examples of Art Deco craftsmanship, while the map room reveals Stephen's extensive travels around the world.

Extensive gardens surround the palace, including the moat garden built on the site of the original medieval moat, rose gardens, herbaceous borders, and a naturalistic rock garden that provide year-round interest for visitors exploring this unique slice of London history.

Highlights

  • The 14th-century great hall with its magnificent hammerbeam roof, one of England's finest examples of medieval royal architecture
  • Virginia Courtauld's Art Deco bathroom featuring gold-plated taps and an en-suite telephone, showcasing 1930s luxury
  • The entrance hall's stunning blackbean veneer and silver-leafed ceiling displaying Art Deco craftsmanship at its finest
  • The circular drawing room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic garden views
  • The moat garden, a sunken garden filled with seasonal flowers built on the original medieval moat site
  • Stephen Courtauld's map room displaying his extensive global travels and period furnishings

Plan Your Visit to Eltham Palace and Gardens

Eltham Palace typically opens daily, though hours vary seasonally with reduced winter opening times. Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring both the palace and gardens, allowing extra time for exhibitions or refreshments in the on-site café.

The palace is located in southeast London, with Eltham railway station approximately 15 minutes' walk away. Several bus routes serve the area with nearby stops. Free parking is available on-site for visitors, and coaches can be accommodated with advance notice.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring both indoor spaces and gardens. Complimentary audio guides are available in multiple languages, providing detailed commentary about the palace's fascinating history and architectural features. If you're interested in exploring more of London's royal heritage, consider visiting Hampton Court Palace tickets for another extraordinary royal residence, or discover Kew Gardens tickets for magnificent botanical displays that complement Eltham's beautiful gardens perfectly.

Why you'll love it

  • Step inside a 14th-century great hall where English kings held court
  • Tour the Courtaulds' lavish 1930s Art Deco mansion
  • See medieval and Art Deco architecture under one roof in London
  • Explore one of England's finest surviving medieval great halls
  • Stroll through period gardens surrounding a former royal palace
  • Discover seven centuries of English history in a single site

What's included

  • Admission to Eltham Park Palace and Gardens
  • Food and drinks

Good to know

Age suitability
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Opening times

10:00am – 5:00pm 10:00am – 5:00pm 10:00am – 5:00pm 10:00am – 5:00pm 10:00am – 5:00pm 10:00am – 5:00pm 10:00am – 5:00pm

Know before you go
  • Opening Times: Eltham Palace typically opens daily but hours vary seasonally. Check current opening times when booking through tickadoo as winter hours may be reduced.

  • Getting There: Eltham railway station is the closest transport link, approximately 15 minutes walk from the palace. Several bus routes also serve the area with stops nearby.

  • What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring both indoor spaces and gardens. Weather-appropriate clothing is essential as parts of the visit include outdoor areas.

  • Food and Drink: A café operates on-site serving light meals and refreshments. Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the palace buildings but can be consumed in designated garden areas.

  • Audio Guides: Complimentary audio guides are available in multiple languages, providing detailed information about the palace's history and architectural features throughout your visit.

  • Special Events: Regular exhibitions and seasonal events take place throughout the year. Check the tickadoo booking page for information about special activities during your planned visit date.

  • Gift Shop: The palace shop stocks books, postcards, jewelry, and unique gifts reflecting both medieval and Art Deco periods. Many items are exclusive to Eltham Palace and make excellent souvenirs.

Visitor guidelines
  • Please respect all designated walking paths and garden areas

  • Supervise children at all times during your visit

  • Photography is allowed for personal use only

  • Respect staff instructions to preserve the site and your experience

Frequently asked

How long should I allow for my visit to Eltham Palace?

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring both the palace and gardens. Allow extra time if you're particularly interested in the exhibitions or wish to enjoy refreshments in the café.

Is Eltham Palace suitable for children?

Yes, children often enjoy the contrast between medieval and modern periods. Family activity trails and interactive displays help engage younger visitors throughout their visit.

Can I take photographs inside Eltham Palace?

Photography is permitted in most areas for personal use. However, flash photography and tripods are not allowed, and some temporary exhibitions may restrict photography.

Are the gardens accessible year-round?

Yes, the gardens are open during palace opening hours throughout the year. Different seasons offer varying displays, with spring and summer providing the most colorful garden experiences.

Is there parking available at Eltham Palace?

Free parking is available on-site for visitors. The car park can accommodate coaches with advance notice, making group visits easily manageable.

Does tickadoo offer group discounts for Eltham Palace?

Group rates may be available for parties of 15 or more. Contact tickadoo customer service for information about group bookings and potential discounts.

What accessibility facilities are available?

The ground floor is wheelchair accessible, including accessible toilets and parking spaces. However, upper floors of the mansion are not accessible due to the historic nature of the building.

Can I visit just the gardens without entering the palace?

No, garden access is included with palace admission only. The gardens cannot be visited separately as they form an integral part of the overall Eltham Palace experience.

Where you'll be

Court Yard

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