Eltham Palace has been on the City Adventurers list of places to visit for a long time and we finally managed to go on a day out there.
Meeting in Central London, it was a quick journey on the Elizabeth Line down to Woolwich then two buses. On the way back, it was only one bus due to the circular route taken by the buses. Having arrived by bus we walked through to the mid point of the estate. To on side is the car park, restaurant and play area. To the other is the palace itself with its stunning grounds. In theory you can walk through the grounds between the two sites without coming out onto the roadway, but we didn’t find a path that would allow that.
We entered the palace via the magnificent entrance hall, and after dropping off our bags in the lockers, headed upstairs to watch a short film and to collect our multimedia tour headsets.
The tour leads the way through the Art Deco extension, built in the 1930s, by the millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. It visits the families home, including the purpose-built heated home of Mah-Jong, the Courtaulds’ beloved pet lemur and the basement that was used as a games room and a bomb shelter during the Blitz. It also takes in the great hall of the medieval palace, that became a Tudor royal residence. Quite an eclectic mix of history and architectural styles.
For lunch we headed to the beautiful glasshouse café, then had a tour of the gift shop and plant shop.
From the palace we had spotted some big fish in the moat. We got a better look at them when we returned and explored the grounds after lunch. We even saw some foxes relaxing in the sunshine.
A fabulous day out. Recommended
Eltham Palace is run by English Heritage
Want to become a City Adventurer?
The UK based Social Club for people who love exploring new places, discovering new things and solving mysteries.
Life is a journey so experience the adventure with like minded people. Live the life you’ve always dreamt of.
Full City Adventurers Membership includes invitations to adventures and travel mainly in the UK
If you are not UK based, or prefer online adventures, join the City Adventurers as an Armchair Detective.
