Eltham Palace and Gardens

School Visits

A Medieval palace where Henry VIII spent his childhood, and a masterpiece of 20th century design: Eltham Palace encapsulates centuries of British political and social history. Plus, with 19 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens to explore, Eltham Palace provides a unique variety of learning opportunities.

Curriculum links

The new education offer at Eltham Palace provides a wide range of curriculum opportunities, including:

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in their locality; the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements
  • KS2 History: a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745; challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day
  • KS1-3 History: A local history study
  • KS1-3 Art & Design

Self-led visits

Medieval grandeur sits alongside 1930s opulence and cutting edge design at Eltham Palace, with a fascinating experience for school groups, including stunning architecture and interior designs to enjoy. Explore Henry VIII's childhood home in the medieval Great Hall, and learn about the exciting changes and developments during the inter-war years in the Courtauld's family home. Highlights include the entrance hall, Virgina Courtauld's luxurious and modern private bathroom and the newly restored map room.

UK schools and eligible learning groups can visit for free to support your teaching. Find out more about our offer for international education groups.

 

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING:100 space car park located 200 metres from the site. There are good transport links nearby with Eltham train station just a short walk from the site. There are also bus stops nearby.
    • TOILETS: Toilet facilities available.
    • SHOP: The shop sells a range of English Heritage gifts and souvenirs.
    • EDUCATION ROOM: Whilst there is no Education room, there is a space where groups can leave bags.
    • LUNCH: There is no indoor lunch space. There is a picnic area with tables and benches for packed lunches. If the weather is bad, the site staff will do their best to find a suitable place for your group to shelter. There may be the opportunity to reserve part of the café on quiet days; please contact the site in advance to enquire.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Most areas of the house are accessible by wheelchair as there is a lift to the first floor. However, the basement, the Great Hall dais and the Minstrel’s Gallery are accessed by stairs only. There is some undulation in the grounds and paths.
    • WET WEATHER: Visits to the inside of the house will not be disrupted by wet weather. The garden will be slippery in wet weather so extra care should be taken.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-October: Monday-Friday 10-5pm
    • 4 November-16 February: No bookings can be taken at the current time
    • 24 February-31 March: Wednesday-Friday 10-4pm

Learning Resources

  • Eltham Palace Teachers' Resource Pack (KS1-KS3)

    Use the historical information and sources in this pack to learn more about Eltham Palace's story.

  • Eltham Palace Timeline (KS1-KS3)

    Chart the history of Eltham Palace with our timeline.

  • Eltham Palace Teachers' Activity Ideas (KS2-KS3)

    Our suggested activities support learning before, during and after your visit to Eltham Palace.  

     

  • Taskmaster Education at English Heritage

    We’ve teamed up with Taskmaster Education to bring an extra layer of fun to school visits to our sites. Find out more about how we can help you create a Taskmaster-style experience during your trip.

  • Eltham Palace Student Activity Sheets (KS1-KS2)

    Discover the key features of Eltham Palace with our student activity sheets. 

  • Eltham Palace Art Deco Sketch Tour (KS4+)

    Explore the luxurious Art Deco interiors of Eltham Palace with our sketch tour activity.

  • Teaching the 20th Century

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of 20th century history.

  • Postcard from Eltham Palace

    Take to the skies above Eltham Palace to discover the site and its surroundings. 

  • Homes Through History: Meet Prince Henry at Eltham Palace

    Hear more about how Prince Henry (later Henry VIII) celebrated Christmas at Eltham Palace during his childhood. 

  • Fashion Through History: 1930s

    Join Fashion Historian Serena Dyer and Senior Properties Historian Amy Boyington as they discuss fashion and society during the 1930s at Eltham Palace.