Latest Update
Checked 1 September 2026: Halloween half-term returns to Eltham Palace and Gardens from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, running daily from 10am to 4pm. The event is aimed at children and families and is included with standard admission.
Halloween at Eltham Palace 2026
English Heritage is bringing its Great Pumpkin Party to Eltham Palace for October half-term. Families can expect a mix of Halloween activities across the site, with the Art Deco mansion, medieval Great Hall and gardens adding a suitably atmospheric backdrop.
What’s Included
The 2026 programme currently includes interactive storytelling, spooky games, disco-style Halloween fun, themed trails and seasonal photo spots. Fancy dress is encouraged, with a daily costume competition and the chance to win a prize.
English Heritage says more details may still be added, so this guide will be updated if the programme changes.
Dates and Times
Dates: Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Time: 10am–4pm
Venue: Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London SE9 5NP
Tickets
The Halloween event is included with general admission to Eltham Palace. English Heritage members enter free. Advance booking is recommended and English Heritage currently advertises a 15% saving when booking this event in advance.
Ticket prices can vary by visit date and booking type. Check the official Halloween at Eltham Palace page for the current total and availability before travelling.
Accessibility
There are three designated disabled parking bays close to the visitor centre, wheelchair access via a ramp, accessible toilets and a number of benches and resting points around the grounds. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Important current access note: the lift inside Eltham Palace is currently out of service, which means the upper floors can only be reached by stairs. English Heritage provides a virtual tour through its multimedia guides for visitors who cannot access the upper floor.
The route from the visitor centre to the house includes around 150 metres of lightly gravelled path, and the bridge towards the turning circle is cobbled. There are also some gradients and uneven areas within the grounds. Read the official Eltham Palace access guide before booking if these details affect your visit.
Why Add It to Your Half-Term Plans?
This is a useful option for families looking for a Halloween activity in the Royal Borough of Greenwich without booking a completely separate scare attraction. The event is layered onto a normal visit to Eltham Palace, so you can combine the seasonal activities with the mansion, Great Hall and gardens.
Practical Information
Address: Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London SE9 5NP
Event hours: 10am–4pm during 24 October–1 November 2026
Booking: Advance booking recommended
Suitable for: Children and families
FAQ
Is Halloween at Eltham Palace a separate ticket?
No. The Halloween half-term programme is included with standard Eltham Palace admission.
Do English Heritage members pay extra?
No. Members receive free admission.
Can children dress up?
Yes. Fancy dress is encouraged and there is a daily costume competition.
Is Eltham Palace fully wheelchair accessible at the moment?
Not currently. The lift is out of service, so the upper floors are accessible only by stairs. A virtual tour is available for visitors unable to reach those areas.
More Greenwich Days Out
For more local family ideas, see our Greenwich Family Events & Free Days Out guide and the wider Greenwich Days Out, Events & Local Guide.
Information checked against English Heritage on 1 September 2026. Event details can change, so always check the official venue page before travelling.
