The story
Eltham was a royal palace for centuries, and the young Henry VIII spent part of his childhood here. The magnificent Great Hall, with its hammerbeam roof, was built for Edward IV in the 1470s. After the Tudor period, the palace declined and was used as a farm.
In the 1930s, the wealthy Stephen and Virginia Courtauld leased the site and built a stylish Art Deco house attached to the Great Hall. It had modern comforts such as underfloor heating, a built-in vacuum cleaning system and even heated quarters for their pet ring-tailed lemur, Mah-Jongg. The house and gardens are now cared for by English Heritage.
What to look for
- The Art Deco entrance hall, with its glass dome and marquetry.
- The Great Hall and its hammerbeam roof.
- Mah-Jongg's quarters.
- The moat and gardens.
Combine it with
Severndroog Castle, Charlton House and Greenwich are all a short drive away.
Visiting tips
Check opening days before visiting, as they vary by season. Allow at least two hours. There is a café on site.
Getting there
Eltham and Mottingham stations are a walk away. With Mason & Green, we can drop you at the entrance and combine Eltham Palace with Greenwich in one day.
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Eltham Palace?
It combines a medieval royal hall with a 1930s Art Deco house.
Who were the Courtaulds?
Stephen and Virginia Courtauld were a wealthy couple who built the Art Deco house in the 1930s.
Is it run by English Heritage?
Yes.