L'Eltham Palace of London is one of the city's best-known gems.
Today, I'd like to invite you to visit this unique place that deserves your full attention.
Eltham Palace: article summary
Eltham Palace: discover its history
This little-visited palace isn't exactly on the list of must-see tourist spots. Just southeast of London, it's a short train ride from most of the places frequented by locals and tourists alike. Its origins date back to 1305, when it was presented to King Edward II.
Later, it served as Henry VIII's childhood home. Over the years, it became a favorite haunt of the wealthy Courtauld family, who transformed it into their own home. Eltham Palace as an Art Deco masterpiece with superb gardens.
A palace that has stood the test of time
Today, Eltham Palace is one of a number of heritage sites London English. It can be visited free of charge.
The palace is a great place to explore if you like the mix of Tudor rooms and Art Deco dining rooms. The estate's gardens are also ideal for exploring.
Magnificent gardens to visit
As you cross the old stone bridge over the moat, London's oldest working bridge, you'll admire the pebble paths lined with yellow and purple iris in spring.
In front of the palace, clouds of lavender wisteria columns and pergolas as if out of a classic dream.
The gardens stretch all the way around the palace. You can, of course, visit them at your leisure. However, I advise you to do so when the flowers are in bloom. The gardens are of little interest in winter.
Eltham Palace: a pleasant surprise from the very first room
Once inside, you'll discover the world of the Courtaulds. The house itself stands in stark contrast to many stately homes in London and the rest of the UK.
There are no rococo explosions of gilded fantasy here. It's all simple, geometric Art Deco elegance.
It's sober and refined. You'll also discover its unusual year-round resident: a pet lemur who lived here in the 1930s.
Enter a maze of rooms
From the billiard room to the boudoir, every room at Eltham Palace contains information about the occupants and guests who frequented the estate at its height in the 1930s.
Their stories help bring the place to life during a visit to Eltham Palace.
The rooms also feature a number of interactive exhibits, from perfume bottles that visitors can smell to a basement. from World War II memorabilia to a closet full of vintage clothes to try on.
The latter attracts mainly younger visitors wishing to take selfies. Feel like one of the people who lived in the heyday of this incredible palace.
Eltham Palace: a grand hall steeped in history
There's sure to be something for those with a taste for history. Eltham Palace's Great Hall is still reminiscent of the time of Henry VIII, with its hammered-beam roof and heavy wooden furniture.
Its cavernous air holds the magic of the famous king's time. As you walk through this room, you'll probably be able to smell the meaty feasts and roaring fires of his era.
Spend some extra time in the gardens
Once you've visited the interior of Eltham Palace, you can return to the gardens. Beyond the well-tended flowerbeds and pretty reflecting pools, you'll find wild fields.
Here, you can spend a moment on one of the local benches, gazing at the overgrown fences hiding horse-filled pastures. It's the perfect way to end your visit on a quiet note, before returning to the hustle and bustle of London.
A visit to Eltham Palace is not a compulsory part of any trip to London. However, if you've already visited everything in town, I'd advise you to head for this quiet spot, full of history.
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