Eltham Palace has had an interesting life being once an important royal palace and being the home of King Henry VIII and his siblings to being occupied by Army Educational units until 1992. With being so easy to get to from Central London Eltham Palace is certainly an English Heritage site certainly worth visiting.
The building is a concoction of various inspirations such as Christopher Wren’s Hampton Court Palace, Trinity College’s library and 1930s ideals. The interior is defined with each room having a specific purpose and therefore personality. The iconic Entrance Hall Australian blackbean vaneer walls and replica Marion Dorn circular rug sets the scene of a fabulously decadent social world owners Stephen and Ginie Courtauld must have led hosting dinner parties for friends such as the eccentric Malacridas. Peter Malacrida, an aristocratic Italian playboy / decorator designed many of the rooms at Eltham Palace as well as the Courtauld’s luxury yacht ‘Virginia’.
Eltham Palace Gardens
The gardens are Eltham Palace are a wonderful example of a 1930s garden. Original medieval aspects of the garden have been cleverly included in the garden’s design, creating a series of stylised garden spaces. The moat having been re-excavated and flooded in 1930s provided a tranquil haven for carp and visitors alike.
Eltham Palace Cafe
The new cafe boats space, light and outdoor space next to heavily scented lavender. Bees buzzed happily as we enjoyed the soup of the day; tasty tomato and basil. Dietary requirements were catered for including freshly a delicious freshly baked (out of the oven) gluten free bread roll.
Eltham Palace Address
Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London, SE9 5QE
Eltham Palace Opening Hours
Open on Wednesday to Friday and Sunday. Closed Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays except Bank Holiday Mondays. 16 June – 30 September 10.00 – 18.00 1–31 October 10.00 – 17.00 1 November – 31 March 10.00 – 16.00
Visit Eltham Palace page on English Heritage Site
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Hazel Baker is a qualified CIGA Tour Guide who delivers guided walks and private tours in London. View all of Hazel’s walking tours.
