Question 1

Why is Eltham Palace famous?

Accepted Answer

Numerous reasons! Its long royal history, medieval architecture, Art Deco design elements, and numerous gardens often carry the headlines for the property. People often first hear about Eltham Palace as the childhood home to King Henry VIII, but find themselves drawn into the story of the Courtaulds and their glamorous life at the property.

Question 2

Did Henry VIII live in Eltham Palace?

Accepted Answer

Yep, King Henry VIII spent much of his youth at Eltham Palace. But after becoming king, he spent his time at the royal residences closer to central London for ease, like Greenwich Palace and Hamptom Court Palace, the former of which he was actually born at and the latter seemed to be his favorite/most used space.

Question 3

Is Eltham Palace worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Eltham Palace is too often overlooked by both tourists and local Londoners. It offers excellent aesthetics, rich history, and a relaxed environment to explore, which isn't something you'll find when visiting landmarks in the more touristy areas, like central. Eltham Palace is also close to the many Greenwich attractions, so you can easily take a bus to see if you're already exploring SE London.

Question 4

What has been filmed at Eltham Palace?

Accepted Answer

It's made an appearance on quite a few productions, including "The Crown” on netflix and "Wonka". It usually serves as a fictional place or stand in for another location as opposed to being acknowledged as Eltham Palace.

Question 5

Who lives in Eltham Palace today?

Accepted Answer

There aren't any full-time residents at Eltham. It's now owned by the Crown and managed by English Heritage. There are numerous workers and volunteers that keep Eltham Palace putting its best face forward.

Question 6

How do you get to Eltham by public transport?

Accepted Answer

Like much of Southeast London, Eltham doesn't have a direct tube line, but it does have plenty of public transportation options. For the tube, take the underground to North Greenwich (by the O2) and catch a bus--both the 132 and 161 have spots nearby. There are also Southeastern and Thameslink trains that stop at Mottingham and Eltham stations, where you can then grab a bus, walk, or taxi to Eltham Palace. Check Citymapper for the most up-to-date information.

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Eltham Palace & Gardens: How to Spend a Day in SE London