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
The people of Bonnington Square really know how to foster a vibe with leafy exotic plants spraying scattered shadows as you sit and eat...
by
From focaccia to pasta, coffee to cake, this one-stop shop is as much a place to buy your brew and bread as it is to have a lunchtime bite of pasta...
by
Of all the reasons why you have to check out this idyllic boozer, perhaps the most important is that this is the home of the finest scotch egg in London.
by
Birds sing while trains rumble along atop the parallel railway arches, old men play boule in the shade and planes skim overhead on approach to Heathrow.
by
From the run-down chic aesthetic to the strong beer selection and excellent pub garden, there are no chinks in the Dog House's armour...
by
Inside, the bar is a welcoming, tightly-packed vibe with old-fashioned, old-world decor with gorgeous bare wood surfaces & countless pictures on the walls.
by
The unassuming, retro signage outside amidst the noise & din of Waterloo might pull you in, but what makes you stay is the genuine town tavern feel inside.
by
With a rustic French feel, Pierre offers dishes with rich red-wine sauces and tasty meats from much of the spectrum of the French culinary roster.
by
With old-fashioned vintage Guinness branding adoring just about every surface, this is the ideal spot to take a moment and enjoy a perfectly-poured pint.
by
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.
by
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.
by
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips