Eltham Palace and Gardens
With a National Art Pass you get
This Art Deco house in Greenwich has been heralded as 'a masterpiece of modern design', but Eltham Palace has a much more fascinating history.
Eltham Palace in South East London boasts a unique blend of history. At its heart lies a grand medieval hall, a remnant of a former royal residence frequented by English monarchs. This impressive structure features the third-largest hammerbeam roof in England.
In the 1930s, the site underwent a dramatic transformation when eccentric millionaires, the Courtaulds, acquired the property and extended it in the Art Deco style. Today, visitors can explore this fascinating juxtaposition, journeying through both the medieval past and the glamorous 1930s.
Art Deco delights
The Courtaulds' Art Deco extension showcases cutting-edge design, luxurious living and state-of-the-art technology, from the striking circular entrance hall, to Virginia Courtauld's luxurious golden bathroom containing a statue of the goddess Psyche. Don’t miss the quirky purpose-built heated home for Mah-Jong, the Courtaulds' pet lemur.
Vintage fashions
Step inside a reconstruction of Virginia's walk-in wardrobe to see beautiful period dresses and accessories, and try on some vintage-inspired replicas yourself.
Award-winning gardens
Take a moment of peace in the formal rose gardens or lose yourself in the Rock Garden's cascading waterfalls and pools. London's oldest working bridge stands proudly within the gardens, a link to the palace's medieval origins. Children can enjoy an exciting playground inspired by the Courtaulds' love of travel.
Café and shop
The glasshouse café gives the impression of alfresco dining, and there is also a shop selling a range of Art Deco inspired gifts.
Why you should go
Amazing Art Deco interiors decorated with lavish furnishings and artworks
A rich history, including royal residents, dating back to the 12th century
Guided walks and nature trails in the beautiful gardens
Visitor information
Address
Court Yard, Eltham, London, Greater London, SE9 5QE
020 8294 2548
Opening times
The gardens are currently open. Please visit the Eltham Palace website for full seasonal opening times
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.