There is a palace in my backyard. A real one. Princes and princesses used to live there and play in its never-ending, breathtaking parkland. Those walls have seen grand balls, banquets, heard deadly secrets and witnessed amazing historic moments.
Eltham Palace, in various incarnations, has been around since 1300s and was Henry VIII’s childhood home. So why is that it took us nearly 4 years and my mother-in-law’s visit to finally stop by? Because it’s in our backyard.
After taking a 5 minute drive to get there (honestly, we should’ve walked), we spent the next 3 hours wandering the grounds, listening to fascinating stories of its past inhabitants, imagining what their lives could’ve been, picturing ourselves in their place. We were thrilled to have finally explored this gem. Having realised how truly beautiful and rare Eltham palace is yet how ignored it was by us made me think of what else are we simply not seeing because it’s in our backyard?
Anita says
September 16, 2014 at 1:48 pmAmazing pictures! Makes me want to go back to England. I’ve been to London once, and its was only for 2 and a half days, so didn’t get to see much outside the usual highlights. I would love to it this palace as well as much of the English countryside (my love of Jane Austen fuels this desire!).
vikalinka says
September 16, 2014 at 3:15 pmIt sounds like a proper visit is due, Anita! 🙂
Gergana Lazarova says
August 19, 2014 at 9:44 amEverything has a reason and maybe that was the right moment to visit this beautiful place. 🙂 Thanks for the amazing pictures!
And… nice to meet you. I often visit your site, but I’m posting a comment for the first time. 😉 So it’s me Gery. 🙂
Have a wonderful day!
vikalinka says
August 20, 2014 at 6:44 amHi Gery, so nice to hear from you! Thank you for stopping by often! 🙂
Katya @ Little Broken says
August 18, 2014 at 1:40 pmAh, so beautiful! Europe has so much history.
ami@naivecookcooks says
August 18, 2014 at 3:07 amFirst time here and I am just mesmerized with the fact that you live here!!! Which place is this?? It’s gorgeous with all that history!
vikalinka says
August 18, 2014 at 6:19 amHi Ami and welcome. 🙂 It’s called Eltham Palace and is located in South East London. Glad you enjoyed the photos. 🙂