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.

  • Eltham Palace and Gardens Hazard Information.pdf (52.1 KB)

   

  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 free self-led education visits during school term time^*. 

  ^*Free 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