Eltham Palace, the chicest venue in London?


Eltham Palace is one of those places you’ve probably never heard of but really should have. Once the childhood home of Henry VII the Palace fell into ruin following the English Civil War but was transformed into the most incredible Art Deco mansion in the 1930s by millionaire couple Stephen and Virginia Courtauld (of the famous family of art patrons).

From the outside the Palace looks like it is half church and half a traditional mansion, it’s only when you step inside that you realise quite how special this place is. The chic circular entrance hall is one of the most arresting spaces I’ve seen; with it’s 1930s furniture, wood paneled walls featuring a Roman soldier and a Viking the room is topped off by an enormous glass domed ceiling through which dappled light streams even on the gloomiest days. Leading off the entrance hall are several similarly striking Art Deco rooms and a pair of curved staircases for making the most glamorous of entrances like a true Hollywood star.

Move through the fragile Chinese screen door on the ground floor and you’ll soon come to the Great Hall, a medieval banqueting space constructed in the 1470s under King Edward IV. The intricate hammerbeam ceiling and high stained glass windows make this an ethereal imposing ballroom perfect for large parties; there is even an internal balcony, perfect for hosting a live band while festivities happen below.

Eltham Palace exterior including the Great Hall
Eltham Palace with the Great Hall to the right
Eltham Palace has been the starring location for everything from Cheryl Cole's music video for ‘Parachutes’ to a gangster’s home in Guy Ritchie’s Revolver. It's such a versatile place; you can run a fabulous vintage photoshoot or hold corporate events and private parties here including weddings – both the Entrance Hall and Great Hall are licensed for civil ceremonies.  Throw open the French doors to the terrace, overlooking 19 acres of stunning moated gardens which feel a million miles away from London. On a summers day I can’t think of anywhere more magical to tie the knot.  


Planning a trip?
There’s plenty of free parking at Eltham Palace or you can get the train from London Bridge to Eltham or Mottingham stations. There’s a dinky tearoom on site for refreshments but the ambience is rather lacking in comparison to the rest of the house. Bringing a picnic would be much more pleasant in good weather.

Note that English Heritage, who manage Eltham Palace, insist you use one of their approved suppliers if you hold an event on-site to ensure the safety of the building and furnishings.

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