Learn about the life of the Courtaulds

In the 1930s, millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld saved the historic Eltham Palace from decline. They transformed it into a lavish home, infused with Art Deco architecture and state-of-the-art technology.

Learn about the lives of this eccentric couple during your visit. Look out for the unusual rooms in their stunning home, including the map room where they planned their exotic world travels, and the small, centrally heated spaces specially designed for their pet lemur!

Step inside a reconstruction of Virginia's walk-in wardrobe to see beautiful period dresses, hats and accessories. Try on some vintage-inspired replicas yourself; there’s 1930s fancy dress available for kids and grown-ups.

Explore Eltham's medieval palace

Take just a few steps and travel back in time hundreds of years from Art Deco modernity to a medieval masterpiece.

Gaze out from the minstrels' gallery across Eltham Palace’s magnificent great hall. Look up and admire the glorious hammer-beam roof built for Edward IV more than 500 years ago.

First recorded in the Domesday book, the Eltham estate was presented to King Edward II in 1305. It developed into one of the country's most favoured royal palaces, in part thanks to the 1,000 acres of deer park on its doorstep.

A young Henry VIII lived here during his childhood. You can read more about  the history of Eltham here.

Head to the playground

There is plenty for young explorers to discover at Eltham Palace and Gardens.

Look out the Courtaulds' pet lemur and his exotic friends in our Eltham Animal Explorer Trail; listen to the kid-friendly interactive audio guide; and try on some wartime uniforms in the basement.

Then head to the wooden outdoor play area, inspired by the Courtauld's exotic world travels, where excitable adventurers can burn off excess energy.

There are also additional children's activities on special event weekends. Check the Eltham Palace events page for more information.