Overview

A magnificent 1930s mansion attached to a medieval (1480s) Great Hall, the last remnant of Eltham Palace, where Henry VIII lived as a boy. Full marks for accessibility - a brilliant place for wheelchair users to visit. Lifts and ramps make all areas accessible, and the short introductory film has an embedded BSL interpreter.

Transport & Parking

I don't know the area well, but for wheelchair users it's best to get the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich station (fully step-free) and then from Bus Stop C get the 132 to the stop called 'Eltham Church/Well Hall Road'. From that stop continue in the same direction as the bus was going. Fingers crossed that the bus driver isn't the moron who ignored the blue bell alert, didn't deploy the ramp for me, and drove off with me still on board.

Access

Full marks for step-free access throughout, including a platform lift, and a spare narrow wheelchair in case your own wheelchair is too big to fit in the lift (my chunk powerchair did fit in fine). The introductory video has an embedded BSL interpreter. Audio guides are available at no charge.

Toilets

There is a good accessible toilet near the Great Hall. The door is a bit too heavy and cumbersome, and there is no emergency cord, so I've knocked off a star for these two points. The lack of emergency cord is a really serious omission: people do fall over, and need to summon help quickly, especially if bones are broken.

Staff

All staff were super-friendly and keen to help in any way possible, whilst also being tactfully unintrusive.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The 1930s parts of Eltham Palace are superb examples of the styles of that period, with no expense spared by the Courtauld family who built, decorated and furnished the house. The Great Hall is an impressive relic from the 1480s. The café serves delicious treats and snacks, with super-friendly staff.

Photos