Eltham Palace and Gardens

On this day in 1536, Queen Anne Boleyn was executed at the Tower of London.

This quiet alcove at Eltham Palace once led to the Queen’s apartments during the Tudor period. Almost 500 years ago, Anne herself may have walked through this very space while staying at Eltham alongside Henry VIII.

It’s extraordinary to stand here today and imagine the contrast. The splendour of court life, the political intrigue, and the terrifying speed at which destiny could change in Tudor England.

These walls witnessed moments of royal ceremony and private conversation long before Anne became one of history’s most famous queens. Her story still captivates us, perhaps, because it changed England forever.

A latte and a little treat? Don’t mind if we do ☕️

Enjoy a freshly baked scone for just £1 when you buy any hot drink in our cafés at Eltham Palace. Plus, add on jam and cream as extras for the ultimate cosy café moment.

The perfect excuse for a palace stroll and a coffee stop. See you soon!

* T&C’s apply, as on site for more info.

Here are 3 lowkey mistakes people make when they visit us 👀

With plenty of access to public transport, regular exciting ad-hoc history talks, and our award winning gardens, don’t sleep on all that Eltham Palace has to offer!

What are your top tips for a great visit? Comment down below and we’ll rate your tip 💯😅

Hey, you! Fancy being part of our upcoming summer fair?

Eltham Palace and Gardens is looking for vendors to join us at our historic site, as we welcome swaths of visitors to our next event on Saturday 20th June. We’re specifically looking for garden/plant vendors and handmade/costume jewellery makers.
So, if you fit the bill and are up for joining us then please DM us with the following information included ⬇️

- First name of main contact and email address
- Business name and product summary
- Confirmation that you have: availability on the 20th June; suitable public liability insurance; sufficient POS supplies (a table can be provided by site).

‼️ Contacting us does not guarantee a space at the event. We will never get in touch via social media to ask for sensitive details or payments.

Here’s a rare view of our stunning Great Hall roof 😍

Built for Edward IV in the 1470s, our vast hall has hosted royal feasts, entertainments, and court receptions. Its oak roof is one of the largest false hammer-beam roofs in England, and the young Henry VIII would have seen it regularly as he grew up here at Eltham.

These photos were taken high up in the west wall from the archers’ gallery, giving an unusual close-up look at the intricate timberwork, curved braces, and even some of the steel rivets added to support the roof in the early 20th century.

On your next visit, look closely to find subtle traces of gilding that once made this roof even more dazzling ✨

Upcoming event! 🌟

Join the team at Down House to walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin at his family home, and explore one of the most groundbreaking books ever written, The Descent of Man 🧍‍♂️

With renowned evolutionary biologist James Costa and historian Elizabeth Yale guests are invited to uncover the ideas, debates, and discoveries behind Darwin’s revolutionary work. Afterwards, enjoy an exclusive garden tour led by Down House’s Head Gardener, Antony O’Rourke.

From fascinating scientific insight to the beautiful surroundings of the house and gardens where Darwin lived and worked with his family, the upcoming event promises to be a truly inspiring event for curious minds.

Down House is just a short trip from Eltham Palace, so why not make a day of it and discover two extraordinary historic sites.

📍 Down House, Home of Charles Darwin
🗓️ 16th May, 1pm-4pm
🎟️ £15.00pp, plus standard admission
🔗 https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/down-house-descent-of-man-author-talk-16-may/

A palace treasure has returned! 💎

We’re ecstatic to announce that an original antique Chinese carpet has returned to its original home here at Eltham Palace after more than 80 years. With its rich in symbolism and colour, the carpet will now help add to the story of the Courtaulds’ extraordinary interiors and the influence of Chinese design in 1930’s Britain.

The carpet was recently donated to English Heritage and carefully restored by our conservation experts. As a result, the vibrant carpet will be on display once again in Virginia Courtauld’s bo***ir from 9th May.

Don’t forget to share the exciting news, and come visit us soon for a special peek at our latest collection item 👀

The Spring fair at Eltham Palace is almost here 🌸

We’ll have everything from craft stalls and plant stalls, historic grounds, games, coffee, and more!

Don’t miss out, so grab your tickets now to join us ➡️ https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/eltham-palace-spring-fair-18-apr/

📍 Eltham Palace and Gardens
🎟️ included in standard tickets or membership
🗓️ Saturday 18th April, 10.30am-4.30pm

🌱 Love being outdoors and getting your hands in the soil? Then keep reading!

Eltham Palace is looking for garden volunteers to join our team and help care for the beautiful historic gardens. You’ll get stuck into real horticulture work, like planting and pruning to mulching and propagation, all while learning from our fabulous experienced staff.

🗓 Tuesdays or Thursdays
⏰ 10:00am–3:30pm (with a lunch break)
📍 Eltham Palace & Gardens, SE9
🌱 Some gardening experience preferred (RHS a bonus, not essential)

⚠️ Quick heads-up: there’s an online interview on 29 April at 3pm, so make sure you’re free if you apply.

Submit your application now to become part of something special ➡️ https://english-heritage.rosterfy.uk/roles/7gIRZAkSrM5cUAJzh51JloKg6gMbVE