Eltham Palace Summary

• Address: Court Yard, Eltham, London, SE9 5QE (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)20 8294 2548
• Owner: English Heritage
• Administrator: Events Manager
• Website: Go to the Eltham Palace website

Access to the Dining Room is through spectacular black and silver doors featuring animals and birds drawn from life at London Zoo. Even more exotic is Virginia Courtauld’s vaulted bathroom lined with onyx and gold mosaic, complete with gold-plated bath taps and a statue of the goddess Psyche.

The combination of classical statuary and modern design was the height of Parisian vogue at the time. A measure of the Courtaulds’ flamboyant nature is reflected in the sleeping quarters allocated to their pet ring-tailed lemur, Mah-Jongg, whose centrally heated cage is still on view in the house. Modern technology was employed to enhance the comfort and efficiency of the house: it was wired throughout for electricity which powered a central vacuum cleaner and loudspeakers to broadcast records on the ground floor. The main rooms were also linked by an internal telephone system.

The Courtaulds left in 1944 to escape the heavy bombing of South East London. Most of their collection of works of art and furniture is no longer in the house, but replica 1930s furniture has been carefully replicated in the main rooms, including the Entrance Hall, which contains a copy of the circular carpet specifically designed for the room by Marion Dorn. Missing wood veneer has been replaced, surfaces repainted to match the Courtauld paint schemes and appropriate soft furnishings introduced, while a restoration programme on the gardens is in progress in order to recapture the luxurious appearance of the palace and its surroundings in the 1930s.

Visitors are invited to leave the modernity of the Courtauld house and enter the heart of the medieval palace. The Great Hall, although incorporated into the 1930s house, was built for Edward IV in the 1470s as a dining hall for the court. The hall measures an impressive 100 feet in length and when it was built it was the largest of its kind, with the exception of Westminster Hall, built in the 11th century. In the 1500s, extensive work was undertaken at the palace for Henry VIII, including the building of new king’s lodgings and a new chapel. The construction of a network of underground sewers was commissioned at this time and can still be seen.

Henry VIII was the last monarch to spend substantial amounts of time at Eltham, and after the Civil War the palace fell into disrepair and was sold. Many of the buildings were dismantled and the site became a farm. The Great Hall was used as a barn and its picturesque decay was recorded by Girtin, Turner and other artists at the end of the 18th century. When, in 1827, George IV’s architect announced plans to dismantle the roof of the Great Hall, interest in Eltham reached a peak and a successful preservation campaign was launched. The Great Hall was restored and became the Courtaulds’ grand music room in the 1930s.

The moated Palace is set in beautiful parkland with expansive views over London and an exciting plantsman’s garden. The amalgam of 20th-century and medieval at Eltham Palace is a feature which will be maintained in the restoration programme planned for the South Moat garden. As part of the Contemporary Heritage Gardens scheme launched in 1999 by English Heritage, whereby ten contemporary gardens were created in historic settings over the following five years, three areas of the South Moat have been developed in the spirit of the Courtaulds’ 1930s plantsman’s garden.

These areas are the 100-yard-long border, the White Wood and the Theatre lawn. Based on Art Deco principles to reflect the splendid interiors of the house, working with large bold groups and using contrasting colours, the planting design brings vibrancy from Spring to Autumn to these parts of Eltham’s wonderful gardens. For more details about visiting Eltham Palace, or entertaining there, do visit their Website.

Hospitality at Eltham Palace:

Reopened in June 1999 after extensive refurbishment, Eltham Palace is available to hire for private functions offering a stunning combination of 1930's Art Deco glamour and 15th Century medieval splendour and is now available for exclusive day and evening hire.

Edward IV built Great Hall with its beautiful hammerbeam roof in 1479 as the banqueting hall for the palace at a time when Eltham Palace was favoured by the monarchy as a principal seat for the Royal Court. Eltham Palace was also the childhood home of Henry VIII who lived here until he married Anne Boleyn.

In 1930, after decades of neglect, the house was bought by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who created a magnificant art deco house for entertaining. They incorporated the Great Hall into their design to utilise the excellent acoustics in the hall as a music room thus creating the unique blend of Medieval and Art Deco that you see today.

Opening Times - 2011

• 1st April - 31st October : Sunday - Wednesday, 10 am - 5 pm
• Also Open Saturdays: 7th May, 18 June & 10th September
• 1st November - 31st December : Sunday - Wednesday, 11 am - 4 pm
• 1st February 2012 - 31st March 2012: Sunday - Wednesday, 11 am - 4 pm
• Closed: 24th - 26th December 2011 and 1st - 31st January 2012
• Group visits must be booked two weeks in advance

The property may close at short notice, please ring in advance for details.

Admission Prices - 2011

House & Garden

• Adult - £9.30
• Child - £5.60
• Concessions - £8.40
• Family (2+3) - £24.20

Garden Only

• Adult - £5.80
• Child - £3.50
• Concessions - £5.20

All Photographs - 'Copyright English Heritage'.

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Your Reviews of Eltham Palace

Kris (30 October 2011)

We visited Eltham Palace today and enjoyed it immensely. It's really nice to see something out of the ordinary. Easy to find and good "free" parking which was a bonus. We had lunch in the tea room and the food was excellent and well priced, the staff throughout were helpful and friendly. Overall, a very enjoyable and informative visit. Will strongly recommend it.

Emma (20 March 2009)

I was recently a guest to a spectacular wedding held at Eltham Palace. A truly stunning venue, with beautifully kept gardens. What a wonderful day!

See more reviews of Eltham Palace

Events for Eltham Palace

• The Queens of Eltham Palace – LGBT History Month - 05 February 2012
  2 - 3:30 pm: A tour of the site discovering some of the historical characters and their stories, such as Edward II's relationship with Piers Gaveston. Also architects John Seely and Paul Paget will be included. Also the LGBT influences in the Art Deco movement of the 1930’s will be covered. These tours last approximately 90 minutes.
• The Queens of Eltham Palace – LGBT History Month - 12 February 2012
  2 - 3:30 pm: A tour of the site discovering some of the historical characters and their stories, such as Edward II's relationship with Piers Gaveston. Also architects John Seely and Paul Paget will be included. Also the LGBT influences in the Art Deco movement of the 1930’s will be covered. These tours last approximately 90 minutes.
• Family Fun Trail - 12 February 2012 to 15 February 2012
  11 am - 4 pm: A half term Family Fun Trail, find hidden clues to solve a puzzle and win a delicious prize. Adult - £9.30, Child (5-15 years) - £5.60, Concession - £8.40, Family - £24.20, English Heritage Members - Free. Includes entry to the Palace & Grounds.
• The Queens of Eltham Palace – LGBT History Month - 26 February 2012
  2 - 3:30 pm: A tour of the site discovering some of the historical characters and their stories, such as Edward II's relationship with Piers Gaveston. Also architects John Seely and Paul Paget will be included. Also the LGBT influences in the Art Deco movement of the 1930’s will be covered. These tours last approximately 90 minutes.
• Ladies of Eltham Palace - 04 March 2012
  2 - 2.30 pm: Womens History Month - Detailing the famous women from Eltham Palace's past. Discover the role fashion played in women's emancipation during the 1920’s & 30’s.

• Ladies of Eltham Palace - 11 March 2012
  2 - 2.30 pm: Womens History Month - Detailing the famous women from Eltham Palace's past. Discover the role fashion played in women's emancipation during the 1920’s & 30’s.
• Ladies of Eltham Palace - 18 March 2012
  2 - 2.30 pm: Womens History Month - Detailing the famous women from Eltham Palace's past. Discover the role fashion played in women's emancipation during the 1920’s & 30’s.
• Ladies of Eltham Palace - 25 March 2012
  2 - 2.30 pm: Womens History Month - Detailing the famous women from Eltham Palace's past. Discover the role fashion played in women's emancipation during the 1920’s & 30’s.
• Art Deco Tour - 03 April 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00
• Art Deco Tour - 17 April 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00

• Medieval Tour - 24 April 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: Explore the ruins of the Royal Medieval Palace at Eltham lead by an expert guide. Discover the history of the Palace from 1066 to the Restoration. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and ends in Edward IVs Great Hall. Places are limited, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus admission price, Member Adult - £2.00.
• Art Deco Tour - 08 May 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00
• Medieval Tour - 22 May 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: Explore the ruins of the Royal Medieval Palace at Eltham lead by an expert guide. Discover the history of the Palace from 1066 to the Restoration. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and ends in Edward IVs Great Hall. Places are limited, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus admission price, Member Adult - £2.00.
• Art Deco Tour - 29 May 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00
• Art Deco Tour - 12 June 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00

• Art Deco Tour - 26 June 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00
• Medieval Tour - 03 July 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: Explore the ruins of the Royal Medieval Palace at Eltham lead by an expert guide. Discover the history of the Palace from 1066 to the Restoration. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and ends in Edward IVs Great Hall. Places are limited, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus admission price, Member Adult - £2.00.
• Art Deco Tour - 10 July 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00
• Art Deco Tour - 24 July 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00
• Art Deco Tour - 04 September 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00

• Medieval Tour - 11 September 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: Explore the ruins of the Royal Medieval Palace at Eltham lead by an expert guide. Discover the history of the Palace from 1066 to the Restoration. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and ends in Edward IVs Great Hall. Places are limited, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus admission price, Member Adult - £2.00.
• Art Deco Tour - 18 September 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00
• Art Deco Tour - 09 October 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: An expert will guide you round this 1930s house to view its fabulous furnishings and interiors. Learn about Art Deco and also about Stephen and Virginia Courtauld who built the house and decorated and furnished it in the high fashion of the 1930s. Tours last approx. 1 hour. Limited places, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus site entrance fee, Member Adult - £2.00
• Medieval Tour - 16 October 2012
  11 am & 2 pm: Explore the ruins of the Royal Medieval Palace at Eltham lead by an expert guide. Discover the history of the Palace from 1066 to the Restoration. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and ends in Edward IVs Great Hall. Places are limited, please book in advance. Adult - £3.00 plus admission price, Member Adult - £2.00.

Additional Info for Eltham Palace

• Open All Year
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Refreshments
• Guides
• Conferences
• Filming
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• English Heritage

Updating this Home

If you are the owner or manager of this property, now is your chance to update your information. In your interests, updates are checked to ensure that no incorrect information is entered from an unauthorised source.