Eltham Palace — Attraction in London

Eltham Palace might just be one of London’s best-kept secrets. I went expecting a quiet historical site with a bit of architectural interest—and came away completely charmed by its unlikely blend of medieval grandeur and 1930s glamour.

Walking through the gates feels a bit like stepping into a time machine that can’t quite make up its mind. One moment you’re in the Great Hall, a surviving fragment of a royal palace where young Henry VIII once played. It’s all soaring timber beams and centuries-old atmosphere. Then you turn a corner and suddenly, you're in a Hollywood-style Art Deco mansion with curved walls, chrome fittings, and a circular entrance hall that would make Poirot feel right at home.

The story behind this transformation is fascinating. In the 1930s, millionaire couple Stephen and Virginia Courtauld moved in and hired top designers to create what is essentially the ultimate modern luxury home—attached to a medieval ruin. It should feel jarring, but it doesn’t. Instead, it’s seamless, elegant, and a little bit magical.

The highlights are many: Virginia’s pink marble bathroom (absurdly glamorous), the sleek built-in gadgets of the day (like a centralised vacuum system), and the exotic murals and quirky touches (including a room for their pet lemur, Mah-Jongg). Every corner feels like a glimpse into a different kind of opulence.

The gardens deserve a mention too—beautifully kept, peaceful, and with views that make it hard to believe you're still in London. The café is surprisingly good, and the staff are friendly without being intrusive.

If I had to find a flaw, it’s that Eltham isn’t as expansive as some other stately homes or palaces. But honestly, that’s part of its appeal. It’s intimate, well-paced, and avoids the fatigue that comes with larger, more sprawling historic sites. Final Verdict:

Eltham Palace is a standout experience—unexpected, stylish, and full of character. Whether you’re a history lover, an architecture nerd, or just after a unique day out, this place offers something genuinely special. I can’t recommend it...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Eltham Palace, and I was thoroughly impressed by the experience. Located just a short distance from central London, this historic site offers a fascinating blend of medieval history and 1930s Art Deco elegance.The palace grounds are stunning, with beautifully landscaped gardens, tranquil ponds, and a wonderful atmosphere of serenity. It’s hard to believe you’re just a short ride away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gardens are a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, and I especially enjoyed the formal garden with its geometric designs and lush greenery.The interior of Eltham Palace is a true highlight. While the building dates back to medieval times, much of the palace’s charm comes from the 1930s renovation that transformed it into a luxurious family home. The combination of Art Deco interiors with original medieval features is absolutely captivating. From the stunning drawing room with its incredible glass windows to the grand staircase, every corner tells a different story, and it’s easy to imagine the glamour of the 1930s.The museum exhibits provide an excellent insight into the history of the palace, showcasing its royal past and its transformation into a home for the Courtauld family. I particularly enjoyed learning about the royal history associated with Eltham, including its connections to Henry VIII, who was born here.The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share the history and significance of the palace. I also appreciated the informative audio guide, which was both engaging and informative, enhancing the experience without being overwhelming.Overall, my visit to Eltham Palace was a memorable one. It’s a perfect day out for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a quiet escape from the city. I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful and unique location, whether you’re exploring London or...

A glorious weekend to visit which make the gardens so much more enjoyable. Parking in the car park (at time of writing £3 per day for non-members and free for members) there is a new ticket office / shop / cafe / play area. A short path around the most takes you to the main entrance, enjoy the beauty of the floral arrangements. Take the time whilst crossing the moat bridge to enjoy the surroundings, there are big carp in the moat fascinating to watch swimming slowly near the surface. Once over the moat you are greeted by a large courtyard and you can enter the house through the main doors into the main reception. This brings back find memories, because it was in this room I got married. The route takes us upstairs where there are a number of new bedrooms open for the public to view. You get an appreciation of the size and luxury that this house had in the 1930's-40's. It leads you back downstairs and after reviewing the drawing room and library you enter the main hall. This is the oldest part of the house and dates back to Henry VIII's childhood. It has a magnificent roof and a lot of space. We had our wedding breakfast there and danced the evening away, so for us this hall has fond memories for us. Back in the dining room you can now go down to the basement and see more of the war time memorabilia. To give us some fun they now lay out WW2 uniforms and hats to try. Once the house is complete the gardens are laid out well with good paths to follow all over the site. The staff are very friendly and helpful. They are well knowledge too, so don't forget to ask them about some of the hidden history. An excellent afternoon spent enjoying a local London highlight, tucked away just 5 minutes from Eltham...