Car Hire Eltham

Eltham sits in London’s southeast, within the Royal Borough of Greenwich and is well connected by road via the A2 and A20. The area offers a quieter pace than central London, yet it still holds its share of surprises, from royal history to vast green parks.

If you’re planning a visit, pack for changeable skies. Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket will serve you well year-round, especially during spring and early autumn when the weather tends to be at its best for outdoor wandering.

Attractions In Eltham

Eltham is worth the drive for its blend of open space, architectural heritage and understated charm. It’s home to former royal grounds, seasonal events and plenty of room to roam among its 49,000 residents. We spoke to someone from Lewisham who mentioned they regularly come here to swap busy streets for quieter walking routes.

Eltham Palace

You’ll find Eltham Palace just off Court Road, an architectural contrast of medieval and 1930s elegance. Once a royal residence, the site is now a time capsule where medieval grandeur meets the glamour of the Art Deco age. We toured the Great Hall with its hammerbeam roof, then wandered through the gardens, which feel especially peaceful in spring.

Inside, each room offers something unexpected, from a golden bathroom to a domed lounge straight out of a Hollywood film. The blend of styles is part of the appeal and we noticed how the historical layers are presented with just enough context to keep things interesting without slowing the pace. Operating hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm daily.

Avery Hill Park

This one’s more than a park. We entered from Bexley Road expecting open space and instead found a tropical surprise in the Winter Garden, a glasshouse filled with exotic plants and palms. Elsewhere, kids were kicking footballs, a yoga group was mid-stretch and a few families had settled in for lunch on the grass.

Later in the day, we followed a quiet path that led to a shaded grove, far enough from the road to hear only birds and breeze. The scale of the park means it absorbs people easily, even at busy times, it doesn’t feel crowded. Many families we passed had come over from Kidbrooke, where it’s a popular choice for a green day out.

Severndroog Castle And Tea Room

We came across this hidden gem perched atop Shooters Hill, where the views stretch all the way to the Thames. The climb up Severndroog Castle’s spiral stairs is narrow but manageable and the reward is well worth it with panoramic vistas across South London. Afterwards, we sat outside with tea and a vegan sausage roll. Operating Hours are from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre

Tucked between Eltham Road and the River Quaggy, this sports centre isn’t just for gym-goers. Yes, we spotted locals heading in for workout classes but the soft play area and climbing wall made it a surprise hit for younger families too. We appreciated the free parking and on a rainy afternoon, it turned out to be one of the livelier places we visited. We even bumped into a family from Blackfen who said they stop by often on weekends. Operating hours are from 9:00am to 8:00pm (weekdays) and from 8:30am to 5:00pm (weekends).

Oxleas Woods

This was our quiet escape. Turning off into Crown Woods Lane felt like leaving the city behind. Inside the woods, trails crisscross through dense greenery and open clearings, the air cooler and scented with pine. We followed the ridge trail for a good hour, passed early walkers and birdwatchers, then circled back via the café near the car park.

There’s an old-world calm here. The woods aren’t manicured, they feel natural, even slightly wild, which adds to the appeal. We’d heard about it from friends in Woolwich who said it’s their go-to for nature without needing to leave the city.

Manor House Gardens

We pulled up near Taunton Road and found Manor House Gardens to be more curated than we’d expected. The paths wound neatly around a small lake, with benches placed where the sun breaks through. A playground tucked near the corner kept children entertained, while others queued patiently at the café for lunch. A couple from Lee said they like the balance between quiet and activity here and we’d agree. Operating hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily.

Mr Mulligan’s Dino Golf – Sidcup

We weren’t sure what to expect with the life-sized dinosaur statues but the themed mini golf course turned out to be unexpectedly well done. Spread across different zones with sound effects and animatronic features, it kept us amused well past our tee time. The place had a cheerful buzz about it, with several visitors making the short hop from Sidcup to round out their afternoon. Operating hours are from 9:00am to 10:00pm daily.

Tarn Bird Sanctuary

This place is small but beautifully formed. Hidden behind a hedge near SE9, we might have missed it if we hadn’t already pinned it on our map. The pond is ringed with trees and attracts enough birds to keep binoculars out for a while. We’d come from a morning walk in Chislehurst and stopped here on a whim, a quiet end to the day. Operating hours are from 9:00am to 4:00pm, daily.

Sidcup Caves

The Sidcup Caves are odd in the best way. Set just off Lansdown Road, they don’t have the grandeur of a heritage site but there’s a quiet mystery about them. We’d been driving in from Blackheath and took a spontaneous detour, stepping into the cool entryway and finding ourselves in a dim space that felt removed from the present. Operating hours are from 12:00pm to 5:30pm (weekdays) and from 2:00pm to 6:30pm (weekends).

Winding Down In Eltham

When it’s time to take a break, Eltham has no shortage of relaxed spots to eat, recharge or settle in for the night. We found cosy cafés like Cornerhouse Coffee on Well Hall Parade and satisfying pub fare at The Long Pond on Westmount Road. If you’re planning to stay the night, options include local guest houses or hotels slightly further afield in Greenwich. Parking is manageable in most parts of town, particularly near the high street or larger parks.

With just enough buzz balanced by green calm, Eltham works best when explored at a slower pace. Whether you’re in for gardens, castles, woodland walks or something with the kids, there’s plenty to fold into a relaxed day out or a weekend with the car parked close by.