Eltham Palace and Gardens

Schools

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.

Information about your visit

A visit to one of our sites will inspire your students and bring your teaching to life. We'd like to reassure you that we're following Government guidance to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. 

Important information to consider before you book:

  • To keep everyone safe we’ve introduced limits on visitor numbers and school groups, so please bear this in mind when booking your trip.
  • Find out more about what to expect on your school visit, which also includes our Covid 19 Risk Assessment.
  • To make the planning process as easy as possible, make sure you check our Plan Your School Trip section at the bottom of this page, for updated information on the facilities at the site as well as our free resources.
  • As usual, you’ll need to book your visit at least 14 days in advance. Please check our Terms and Conditions for full details.
  • Although is it not a requirement, any teachers, parents, or students aged 16 years can check in via the NHS Test and Trace app, using the NHS QR code posters displayed at the site entrance. Please factor this into your travel/arrival time. For more information about how we are handling your personal data for NHS Test and Trace please visit this page.

We’re continually updating our education offer in line with government guidance.  Most of our English Heritage sites are now open, including indoor spaces and cafes.  At some sites you might not be able to use our handling collections or costumes as part of a free self-led visit, but where we can provide hands-on items in a safe way we will. We’ve adapted our Discovery Visit workshops to follow government guidelines, but for certain sessions this hasn’t been possible – please check our schools webpages for further information.

There may be areas of our sites which are closed, so please check what’s available for your school group on our property webpages and with our booking team.  They can put you in touch with our Education Visits Officers who can offer help and guidance, so you can make the most of your school trip.

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

Free 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.

Enquire now

PLAN YOUR VISIT

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. 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 for group leaders once you have made a booking. Our Education Booking Team is on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

  • 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 is open with a one-way system in place.
    • CAFE: The café is be open and a one way system is in place.
    • EDUCATION ROOM: There is no education room on site, but there is a space in which bags and coats can be stored during your visit.
    • FACE MASKS: Face coverings must be worn in all indoor public spaces, including in our exhibitions, shops, cafés and tea rooms. We won’t be able to give you a face covering, so please come prepared so you don’t miss out. U11s are exempt.

  • Enquire now

  • School visits

    We’re pleased to confirm we’re now taking bookings online until 30 September. All bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.

    Our site staff and education team are still working hard to keep everyone safe and we continue to follow government guidance.

    Due to the current situation we can’t answer calls as quickly as we’d like to. If you’d like more information about a site, email us and we’ll put you in touch with an Education Visits Officer.

'step into englands story