Frequently asked
Everything visitors ask us
These are the questions we hear most often from people planning a visit to Eltham Palace and Gardens, gathered from reader emails, on-site conversations and Google's "People also ask" panel. Answers are short first, with more detail if you want it. If we've missed a question, the contact page is the fastest way to reach us.
All questions
Where is Eltham Palace?
Eltham Palace is at Court Yard, Eltham, London SE9 5QE, in the London Borough of Greenwich. It sits about 15 kilometres east of central London and 5 kilometres south of Greenwich itself, on a low ridge above the Quaggy river.
What is Eltham Palace?
Eltham Palace is a medieval royal palace joined to a 1930s Art Deco house. Edward IV's Great Hall of 1479 survives from the medieval palace; the modern interiors were commissioned in 1933 by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. Both are managed by English Heritage and open to the public.
How long does it take to visit Eltham Palace?
Most visitors spend three to four hours on site. Allow around 75 minutes for the Art Deco house, 20 minutes for the Great Hall, and at least an hour to walk the 19 acres of gardens. Add time for the café and the medieval moat bridge.
Is Eltham Palace part of English Heritage?
Yes. Eltham Palace has been managed by English Heritage since 1995, and English Heritage annual members can enter free of charge whenever the site is open.
Can I take photographs inside Eltham Palace?
Yes, personal photography is allowed throughout the site without flash. Tripods, selfie sticks and drones are not permitted. Commercial photography requires prior written permission from English Heritage.
Is there a café at Eltham Palace?
Yes. The visitor centre café serves hot lunches until about 3pm and cakes, ice-cream and drinks until closing. Picnicking on the south lawn is encouraged in summer.
Are dogs allowed at Eltham Palace?
Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere on site. Other dogs are welcome on leads in the gardens but not inside the Great Hall or Art Deco house. Water bowls are available near the café.
Is Eltham Palace suitable for children?
Yes. The Great Hall is large enough for children to move around in freely, the Art Deco interiors are visually striking, and the gardens include 19 acres with a moat, rock garden and open lawn. Free children's activity packs are available at the ticket desk.
Are wheelchairs available to borrow at Eltham Palace?
Yes. Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge on a first-come basis from the visitor centre. The ground floor of the Courtauld house, the Great Hall, and most main garden paths are step-free.
Do I need to book Eltham Palace in advance?
Advance booking is not required but is strongly recommended on weekends and during school holidays. Advance online tickets are usually about 15% cheaper than walk-up prices and guarantee entry within a chosen time slot.
Was Henry VIII really born at Eltham Palace?
No — Henry VIII was born at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich in 1491. He was however raised at Eltham for much of his early childhood, alongside his sisters Margaret and Mary. It is where the scholar Erasmus met him in 1499.
Last updated: July 2026.