Eltham Palace Overview
Things To See And Do At Eltham Palace
The Medieval Palace at Eltham allows you to witness the beautiful blend of different historical eras. The grandeur of the great hall, crowned with an imposing hammer-beam roof created for Edward IV, holds the enchantment of mediaeval times. As a critical feature of the Domesday book, the Eltham estate holds great historical significance. When the estate was gifted to King Edward II in 1305, it blossomed into a cherished royal palace with an expansive deer park spanning 1,000 acres. The palace, once a haven to a young Henry VIII, offers a unique peek into England's regal past.
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Located southwest of Eltham High Street, Horn Park is a delightful 16-acre public park that boasts a myriad of outdoor activities. Horn Park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors of every age and interest. It is also home to a skate park, a football pitch for sports enthusiasts as well as a playground for young explorers. Additionally, nature lovers can spend time at the sprawling woodland and grassland here.
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The Glasshouse café, positioned adjacent to the play area, offers the joy of alfresco dining during your visit to the palace. The café's menu, offering both hot and cold lunches and mouth-watering afternoon treats, uses only the freshest local produce, promoting a sustainable dining experience. Furthermore, the on-site shop offers a plethora of Art Deco-inspired gifts, allowing visitors to take a piece of their Eltham Palace experience home with them.
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The grounds of Eltham Palace are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise and include a well-maintained jogging track and six distinct tennis courts, which provide perfect facilities for fitness enthusiasts. Additional gardens host rugby pitches and football grounds, making the palace a hub of sporting activity.
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One of the oldest golf courses globally outside Scotland, the Royal Blackheath Golf Course is a testament to the long-standing tradition of the sport. The Grade I listed building, which serves as the clubhouse, adds a unique historical context to the golfing experience.
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Once the site of a manor house, Well Hall Pleasaunce is now a tranquil oasis teeming with nature's charm. Amidst its lush woodland, peaceful ponds, and formal garden, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life, immersing themselves in the serene beauty.
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Situated at Eltham Palace's westernmost point, Sutcliffe Park is an athletic paradise. Notably, the Cambridge Harriers call it home. The park underwent a significant transformation in 2003, introducing a re-landscaped wetland area and reintroducing the river Quaggy to the surface.
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Avery Hill Park, situated east of Eltham Palace, is the area's largest open parkland, home to the stunning Winter Garden. This remarkable garden is a testament to global diversity, nurturing a multitude of tropical plants and trees from around the world. Its hothouse operates as a botanical encyclopaedia, housing an exotic variety of unique flora. Nearby, Eltham Palace, artfully transformed into an Art Deco mansion by textile tycoons, the Courtaulds in the 1930s, stands as a harmonious blend of distinct architectural eras.
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The Tarn is a picturesque 9-acre public garden that includes a bird sanctuary and a lake nestled within woodland. This idyllic spot is a favoured location for picnics and family outings, offering a peaceful respite from city life.
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History Of Eltham Palace
- Eltham Palace has a dynamic history, evolving from a mediaeval and Tudor royal palace to a 1930s mansion.
- Initially, it was a manor owned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux in 1086, and was later fortified in 1295 by Bishop Anthony Bek of Durham.
- Future King Edward II and Queen Isabella significantly upgraded it in 1305 when they received it as a gift.
- By the 14th century, it became one of England's most frequented royal residences.
- Extensive renovations happened in the 1350s and 1360s, and service buildings, bathrooms, chapels and a garden were added to it.
- Its zenith came in the 1470s under Edward IV with a grand hall, and Henry VIII was the last monarch to invest substantially, adding a tiltyard and lodgings.
- Under Elizabeth I and early Stuarts, the palace's importance declined, and it fell into disrepair after Colonel Nathaniel Rich purchased it during the Civil War in 1651.
- Millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld leased it in 1933, integrating a modern home with the Great Hall, thereby making it an elite hub with innovative technologies.
- During WWII, the Courtaulds moved out due to bomb damage, and from then till 1992, the Royal Army Educational Corps used it as a base.
- As of today, the palace as well as the remnants of the Great Hall remain under the maintenance of the Ministry of Works and are open for public visits as well.
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Know Before You Go Eltham Palace
- Location: Eltham Palace is located in southeast London, within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Its address is CourtYard, London SE9 5QE, United Kingdom
- Timings: Eltham Palace remains open for visits between 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. on all days of the week.
- Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Eltham Palace is the time between the spring season to early autumn seasons, with each period bringing its own distinct charm. From April to June, the palace gardens are at their peak, abounding with vibrant blooms, an inviting spectacle for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. The warm weather and extended daylight hours from July to August offer the comfort and flexibility needed to fully explore the palace grounds. As autumn sets in from September to early October, the foliage adorns itself in golden hues, providing a tranquil and picturesque environment for visitors. To avoid larger crowds, weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. As for the best time of the day, arriving early in the morning allows visitors to fully utilise the day and explore at a leisurely pace. Remember to check the official schedule, as Eltham Palace often hosts seasonal events and exhibitions that can add value to your visit.
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- By Car: You can easily drive to Eltham Palace from central London via M25. While driving on the M25, make an exit on Junction 3, and then follow the A20 towards Eltham. For easier access, you can use the Sat Nav postcode SE9 5NP, and get to the car park of the palace. A car drive from the city centre usually takes about 30 minutes.
- By Bus: Eltham Palace enjoys excellent connectivity with central London through TfL bus services like the 124, 126, 160, and 161. These lines stop near the palace, and from there, a short walk completes the journey. Other buses, like bus numbers 132, 162, 233, 286, 314, 321, 624 and B15 also ply from Central London to the Eltham Palace.
- By Train: Mottingham Station, just half a mile from Eltham Palace, presents another viable option for you. A brief walk, heading east towards Court Road/A208 and making a left turn into the entrance road, leads straight to the visitor centre of Eltham Palace and Gardens. This route is both quick and picturesque.
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Tips To Visit Eltham Palace
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- To embrace Eltham Palace outdoors irrespective of the season, carry an umbrella or a coat, especially if you're visiting during unpredictable weather conditions.
- With Eltham Palace often high on many visitors' itineraries, booking your tickets in advance can help bypass long queues at the ticket counter.
- Remember to carry your camera for capturing the striking visuals of the exquisite architecture and breathtaking landscapes of the Palace.
- With the palace's expansive gardens, wearing comfortable shoes can enhance your exploratory experience.
- Eltham Palace's operational hours can vary seasonally. Confirming them before your visit can ensure a seamless experience.
- Opt for guided tours of the palace for an enlightening experience. They provide a deeper understanding of the palace's rich history and unique architectural blend.
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FAQs
What is Eltham Palace famous for?
Eltham Palace is famous for being a striking blend of mediaeval and Art Deco architecture. Originally a royal residence in the 15th century, it was transformed into a fashionable mansion in the 1930s by the Courtauld family. Its notable features include luxurious interiors, stunning gardens, and a remarkable mediaeval Great Hall, all making it a unique historical gem.
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How to reach Eltham Palace?
- Car Travel: Exit at Junction 3 on the M25, and follow the A20 to Eltham. For easy navigation to the car park, use Sat Nav postcode SE9 5NP.
- Bus Rides: TfL bus services 124, 126, 160, and 161 stop close to Eltham Palace. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the palace.
- Train Journey: Disembark at Mottingham Station, just half a mile away. Walk east towards Court Road/A208, then turn left into the entrance road, leading to Eltham Palace and Gardens visitor centre.
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Is entry allowed in Eltham Palace?
Yes, entry is allowed into Eltham Palace. It's open to the public and managed by the English Heritage. You can explore the historic site, including its stunning Art Deco interiors and mediaeval Great Hall. However, advance booking is highly recommended due to the high demand, especially during peak seasons.
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What to do at Eltham Palace?
- Explore the Interiors: You should visit the mansion's Art Deco interiors. The blend of modern and mediaeval architecture is truly fascinating.
- Visit the Great Hall: This mediaeval masterpiece with its hammer-beam roof is a must-see. You can sense the rich history within its walls.
- Stroll in the Gardens: The gardens surrounding the palace are beautiful, so taking a stroll around them is highly recommended.
- Visit the Gift Shop: The palace gift shop offers a variety of unique souvenirs. You might find something interesting to take back home.
- Enjoy a Picnic: The palace grounds are a perfect spot for a picnic, so pack a basket and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
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