Eltham is a historic district in southeast London within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The area has medieval royal connections and developed around Eltham Palace, which was an important royal residence during the Middle Ages. Suburban expansion accelerated during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, producing a mixture of Victorian housing and distinctive interwar architecture. Eltham today retains strong links with its historic past while functioning as a large residential and commercial centre.
Eltham: Historical sights and information
Facts about Eltham
- Latitude:
- 51.451433
- Longitude:
- 0.057247
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°27' N, 00°03' E
The historical and tourist importance of the district
Eltham Palace is the district's principal attraction, combining a medieval royal great hall with an exceptional Art Deco mansion created in the twentieth century. Eltham Park North and South provide extensive green space, while Oxleas Wood and Shooters Hill offer woodland walks and elevated views across London. Severndroog Castle is a distinctive Gothic-style folly within Oxleas Wood. Nearby Greenwich contains major attractions including the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park.
Food, shopping and when to visit
Eltham has a varied selection of restaurants, cafés, pubs and independent shops centred around Eltham High Street and the surrounding streets. International cuisines are well represented alongside traditional British pubs and cafés. Late spring through early autumn is ideal for visiting Eltham Palace and exploring the parks and woods, while the palace and nearby Greenwich attractions provide year-round interest. Eltham is particularly suited to visitors wanting historic attractions and substantial green spaces without leaving southeast London.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Eltham.