Eltham Palace and Gardens

Take the children for the day out to Eltham Palace in south-east London. Saved from decline in the 1930s by the wealthy Courtauld family when they acquired the lease to the site and turned it into a family home, Eltham Palace is now part showpiece of Art Deco design and architecture and part medieval royal palace, once the childhood home of Henry VIII.

The stunning entrance hall, marvellous panelled dining room, luxurious bathroom and the magnificent medieval Great Hall are just some of the highlights. Find out about the world of the Courtaulds by accepting the invitation to be one of the guests who would have enjoyed their hospitality, thereby allowing you the opportunity to go on a personal journey through the eyes of this guest, learning about them as you explore the different rooms of this house.

And with its beautiful 19 acres of landscaped gardens, which combine medieval and 20th-century elements and plenty of places for a picnic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids will love discovering the pools and cascading water running down to the moat and an outdoor play area with its around the world theme. Here the kids will find a plane to fly, world maps to explore and much more.

There is a Visitor Centre offering free interactive tours of the Palace and Gardens including a family tour with new multimedia guides that help you find your way around the site. For schools there are curriculum links for Key Stages 1Р3.