In the heart of Southeast London sits Eltham Palace and Gardens, a fascinating art deco house run by English Heritage. The building was once a medieval estate and then a Tudor royal residence. In the 1930s, the palace was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings by quirky millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld.
Roam the striking palace with an audio guide as you listen to the interesting tales of the building's former residents. Today, the dwelling lists as one of English Heritage's 'most haunted places.' Rumour has it, the ghost of a former staff member has given tours of the building when it should have been empty.
Be sure to spend some time exploring the postcard-perfect gardens, too. As you wander past the tranquil ponds and the verdant foliage, you'll barely believe you're smack bang in the middle of Southeast London.
Why not finish your voyage in the palace's charming cafe with coffee and cake?
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
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It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
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The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
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Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
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Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
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The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
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"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
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"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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