
Eltham Palace Gardens London
A unique fusion of medieval royal history and glamorous 1930s Art Deco design, set within 19 acres of beautiful gardens.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Eltham Palace Gardens London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique fusion of medieval royal history and glamorous 1930s Art Deco design, set within 19 acres of beautiful gardens.
"A rare mix of Tudor royal palace and 1930s Art Deco mansion, surrounded by beautiful gardens."

🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share fascinating details you might miss. Ask them about film locations!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't rush the gardens; they're extensive and beautiful. Allow ample time!

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 4,793 reviews
Type
Historical Place
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Art Deco Interiors
The Mansion
Step back into the glamorous 1930s with opulent furnishings and stunning design details.

Medieval Great Hall
The Great Hall
Marvel at the magnificent hammer-beam roof of this 15th-century royal residence.

Enchanting Gardens
The Gardens
Explore 19 acres of beautiful grounds, including a moat, rock garden, and picnic lawns.

The Rock Garden
The Gardens
A particularly beautiful and unique feature of the gardens, perfect for a stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Membership Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share fascinating details you might miss. Ask them about film locations!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't rush the gardens; they're extensive and beautiful. Allow ample time!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Great for families with a playground and dressing-up opportunities for older kids.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe or pack a picnic for the lawns.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers share fascinating details you might miss. Ask them about film locations!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't rush the gardens; they're extensive and beautiful. Allow ample time!
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Great for families with a playground and dressing-up opportunities for older kids.
☕ Cafe & Picnic Spots
Enjoy refreshments at the cafe or pack a picnic for the lawns.
🚗 Public Transport
Accessible via Mottingham Station and Eltham High Street.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The entrance hall and Art Deco interiors are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Eltham Palace for its unique blend of medieval and Art Deco architecture, with the stunning interiors and magnificent Great Hall being major highlights. The beautiful gardens and helpful volunteers also receive high marks. Some find the 'no touch' rules in the house restrictive for very young children, and a few feel the admission price might be high if not a member.
"We visited the place because of free family day pass to English Heritage and I have to say the place is beautiful and very well preserved and presented. The Manor House is a mix of medieval history and 1930's Art Deco design. Garden and surrounding areas are also beautiful!!!! Nice, helpful staff, thank you.
Highly recommended."
Eleena PK
"The Eltham Palace it's such a great place of contradictions. It is in busy London, yet the location is so peaceful and feels like you are at countryside; there are medieval ruins, and there is early XX century modern art deco; there are modern gardens.... And a moat and wooden bridges :) entering the Palace feels like you move in time to old James Bond movie and the rest of the house feels some comfortable, not pompous, eccentric but with pragmatism and cosines. Love the minimalistic approach that is well balanced with traditional accents (library). I think visiting the Palace today on a sunny autumn day gave the experience even more depth.
Clean facilities, good parking availability, staff very friendly and helpful. So thankful for kids activities with stamps and quiz, and of course - play area, great with equipment bringing out lots from kids imagination. Thank you for a wonderful day :)"
Dorota Trapl
"Visited Eltham Palace and Gardens and absolutely loved it! The autumn colours made the whole place look magical✨️, golden leaves, peaceful paths, and stunning views. The Art Deco interior of the palace is breathtaking, beautifully preserved, and full of character. It’s a perfect mix of history and elegance. The gardens are spacious, serene, and ideal for a relaxing walk or photos. A must-visit spot in London, especially in autumn when everything looks extra charming! 🍁✨"
Atefeh - Ati O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eltham Palace is accessible by public transport. Take a train to Mottingham Station, which is a short walk away. Buses also serve Eltham High Street, with further walking required.
Yes, there is parking available on-site. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving by public transport is often recommended.
The gardens are generally accessible, but access to certain parts of the historic house may be limited due to its age and structure. Check with English Heritage for specific accessibility details.
Assistance dogs are welcome at Eltham Palace and Gardens. However, other pets are generally not permitted within the house or gardens.
Eltham Palace is not directly served by the London Underground. The nearest National Rail station is Mottingham.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees apply, but entry is free for English Heritage members. Look out for 2-for-1 garden entry deals as well.
Eltham Palace and Gardens are typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but it's always best to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit. However, booking in advance online might sometimes offer slight discounts or guarantee entry during peak times.
While there aren't always formal guided tours, the audio tour is highly recommended and provides excellent historical context and directions within the house.
Group discounts may be available for larger parties. It's advisable to contact English Heritage directly in advance to inquire about group rates and booking procedures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the stunning 1930s Art Deco mansion, featuring glamorous interiors, and the magnificent medieval Great Hall with its impressive hammer-beam roof.
The 19 acres of gardens are a highlight, featuring a medieval bridge and moat, a rock garden, rose gardens, and spacious lawns perfect for picnics.
Yes, there's a lovely children's playground near the main entrance, and some dressing-up opportunities inside the house for older children.
Photography is generally allowed inside the palace for personal use, but tripods and flash photography may be restricted. Always check signage.
Absolutely! The impressive entrance hall and Art Deco interiors have been used as filming locations for various productions. Ask the volunteers for details!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering refreshments, snacks, and light meals. It's a pleasant spot to relax after exploring.
Picnicking is encouraged in designated areas of the gardens, making it a great option for a budget-friendly visit.
Eltham High Street, a short distance away, offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants if you prefer to dine outside the palace grounds.
The cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, cakes, pastries, hot and cold drinks, and sometimes light lunch options.
The cafe's opening hours usually align with the palace's opening times, but it's wise to confirm seasonal variations on the English Heritage website.
📸 📸 Photography
The Art Deco entrance hall, the Great Hall's ceiling, and various scenic spots in the gardens, especially the rock garden and moat area, are highly photogenic.
Tripods are often restricted inside the house to protect the interiors. It's best to check the specific rules upon arrival or on the English Heritage website.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited at Eltham Palace and Gardens to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and the heritage site.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, especially in the gardens. Mornings can also be lovely before crowds build up.
While personal photography is generally permitted, commercial photography may require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
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