Eltham Palace and Gardens in southeast London blends a medieval royal manor with an Art Deco mansion set in extensive grounds. This guide offers you clear advice on how to get there, opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, best times to visit, and nearby places to make your day out easier and richer.
History and overview of Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace has roots reaching back to the medieval period. It was once a royal residence; the Great Hall with its hammer-beam roof still survives. In the 1930s the site was transformed by the Courtauld family, who added a glamorous Art Deco house to the pre-existing medieval structure, creating a striking contrast of eras.
Today visitors can explore both the medieval Great Hall, the moat, gardens, and the elegant interiors of the Art Deco mansion. The gardens cover about 19 acres and include formal gardens, a moat walk, a sunken rose garden, and a play area. Because of the mix of historic fabric and later design, the feel shifts between hushed stone spaces and light-filled stylish rooms.
How to get there and travel options
Eltham Palace is located at Court Yard, Eltham, London SE9 5NP. If you’re using Sat Nav this postcode will lead you to the visitor centre car park. By car, you’ll likely use Court Road (A208). If approaching from further out, junction 3 of the M25 onto the A20 is a common route. Road traffic can be heavy during peak times.
Public transport is a good option. Mottingham station is about a half-mile (roughly a 10-minute walk) from the palace. Eltham station is also nearby, and local TfL bus routes (notably 124, 126, 160, 161) serve the area with stops within walking distance. If you travel by train, show your rail or bus ticket for a 20% discount off walk-up tickets. Cycling or using public transport helps avoid parking problems.
Opening hours and ticket prices
Eltham Palace and Gardens is generally open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The house is open Wednesday through Sunday; on Mondays and Tuesdays the house may be closed (check ahead). The gardens and café are open on more days and may have longer hours, depending on season and events.
As with other English Heritage sites, such as Dover Castle, Kenilworth Castle and Whitby Abbey, entrance pricing is based on demand. Which is another way of saying it’s infuriatingly erratic.
However, for weekday entry outside peak summer season, Eltham Palace ticket prices (for non-members, booked in advance) are usually:
Adult: £15.00, Child (5-17): £9, Concession: about £13.10.
If you buy on the day, prices are higher: adult £17.70, child £12, concession about £15.90. Family tickets (two adults + up to three children) likewise cost more on the day. English Heritage members enter free.
For exact pricing, check the English Heritage website.
Is it worth paying for English Heritage membership?
Entry prices for English Heritage sites, including Dover Castle, Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle, can seem extremely expensive. This is clearly a deliberate ploy to push visitors towards taking out annual English Heritage membership.
Membership gives free access to more than 400 sites across the country, and costs £82. That is, unless you get a special deal – there was a 25%-off Black Friday deal in November 2025, for example.
Whether that £82 is worth it depends on how many sites are near you (there are lots in the south of the country, not so many near me in Yorkshire). And, critically, whether you’re going to visit them with children.
Each member can take up to six children with them free of charge. Given the steep one-time entry fees, an adult member with two children is likely to recoup the cost of their membership by visiting just two or three sites within the year.
For an individual without children, I’d say English Heritage membership is worth it only if you’re planning to blitz a few sites in one year. For an individual with children, membership is a smart investment that will likely pay itself back within one school holiday. To me, it’s a no-brainer.
The real question is whether it’s worth renewing English Heritage membership after a year. That’s debatable, as you’re unlikely to go to many of these sites twice. I eventually renewed after I was offered 20% off the price. I’ll probably recoup the membership price visiting two sites in summer next year, even if I’ve ticked off most of the best ones near me.
If you buy membership through this link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Parking, accessibility and what to expect on site
There is a small car park available on site. Non-members pay; members park free. Blue Badge holders have designated spaces. The car park fills quickly on weekends and during school holidays so arrive early or use public transport if possible.
Wheelchair access is well supported in many parts. There are three disabled parking bays by the visitor centre entrance, and ramps or lifts in parts of the house. However, some areas (like the Great Hall, basement or certain galleries upstairs) are only accessible by stairs. The gardens have paths many can use, though some slopes and uneven surfaces exist.
Best times to visit and what to expect
If I were you, I’d aim for mid-morning on a weekday – when the doors open, with calm light and fewer crowds. Weekends are obviously busier, especially school holidays, which also tend to stretch café queues. Late afternoon can feel more peaceful, but you may need to leave the house tours earlier.
Weather matters more than you might think: many gardens are open and lovely, but the play area is better in dry weather. Inside, the Art Deco interiors are warm and comfy.
Echoes in the Great Hall, gentle hush, texture of stone, glint of Art Deco mirrors and wood – those sensory contrasts reward patient visitors.
Why book the Eltham Palace & Gardens Entry Ticket?
- 🏛 Explore a unique Art Deco mansion blended with medieval architecture near Greenwich
- 🌿 Wander over 19 acres of gardens including formal rose gardens, herbaceous borders, and a rock garden
- 👗 Step inside the stylish interiors including the minstrels’ gallery, circular entrance hall, and Virginia Courtauld’s wardrobe
- 👨👩👧👦 Great for families—there’s a playground and interactive family trail
- ✅ Valid entry for one day with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- ⭐ Highly rated—approximate rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 33 reviews
Nearby attractions to combine into the same day
Once you’ve explored Eltham Palace, the surrounding area offers more if you have spare time. The Royal Observatory, Greenwich is reachable via train and then DLR or bus; the city view from the hill is fabulous. Greenwich Park too for a walk and cafés. If you like arts, Blackheath has small galleries and independent shops, plus a solid selection of places to eat.
To stretch your lungs, take a longer walk through the Eltham Park North or Avery Hill Park. Lunch in Eltham town centre is an option; there are cafés and pubs to suit, especially around Well Hall Road. You might start or end your day using local green spaces for a quiet contrast.
FAQ / practical tips
Are the paths wheelchair-friendly?
Many of them are. The visitor centre and major rooms have level or ramped access. Some gardens paths are smooth, others slope or are slightly uneven – comfortable shoes help.
Is there accessible parking close to the entrance?
Yes. Blue Badge holders have reserved spaces in the car park and near the visitor centre entrance. They cannot be booked in advance (except for the Bay by the house for members), so arriving early is best.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes. There’s a café on site if you prefer, and picnic benches are provided near the visitor centre.
When are the quietest hours or days to visit?
Weekday mid-mornings just after opening tend to be calmest. Avoid weekends and school holiday afternoons if you want peace.
How long should I budget for a visit?
To see the house, walk the gardens, stop at café and linger a little, expect around 2-3 hours. If you’re combining with nearby parks or lunch, allow 4-5 hours.
Are there kid-friendly facilities or activities?
Yes. There’s a lovely play area for children in the gardens, spaces to run, a café overlooking outdoors, and the mix of history and design tends to interest both older children and younger ones.
Are photos allowed everywhere?
Generally yes. You’ll be free to photograph most of the gardens, exterior and interior rooms. Some special exhibits or delicate items may have restrictions – watch for signage or ask staff.
Eltham Palace practical tips
Book tickets in advance if you can to get lower prices and to ensure entry, especially for weekends or special events. If arriving by car check traffic and allow extra time; parking is limited. Travel by train or bus helps.
Wear comfortable shoes. If weather looks changeable bring layers. Don’t skip the gardens, especially if the light is good – they add so much to the visit. And leave room in your schedule: a slower pace often reveals details you’d miss rushing.
More London travel
Other London travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to parking at Hampton Court Palace.
- Why the bust of Ramesses II is a highlight of the British Museum.
- A first-time visitor’s guide to the Horniman Museum in London.
- Practical information for visiting the London Museum Docklands.
- How to make the most of your visit to HMS Belfast.
