Historical buildings you can visit in south east London

Whether you want to learn about south east London’s history or explore the opulent surroundings of a palace garden, there are plenty of historical buildings you can still visit in south east London.

Some locations like Red House and Down House are well known for their links to historical figures, whilst others like The Ranger's House in Greenwich are best-known for their links to film and TV.

Red House, Bexleyheath

Now owned by the National Trust, Red House is located a short walk from Danson Park and was once the home to renowned artist William Morris and his wife Jane.

Red House was once the home to renowned artist William Morris. (Image: Andrew Butler)

The house dates back to 1860 and features interior decorations inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite movement, along with an urban garden featuring an apple orchard and a rose arch to explore.

The National Trust also offers pre-booked guided tours of the house and gardens, and book lovers can find a second-hand bookshop in the former stables.

The house dates back to 1860 and features interior decorations inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite movement. (Image: Andreas von Einsiedel)

Down House, Bromley

Down House is located in the village of Downe, which despite having a BR postcode feels more like the countryside with its quant houses and rolling fields.

First built in the early 18th century, the house was the family home of naturalist Charles Darwin and his wife and children, who lived there for 40 years.

First built in the early 18th century, Down House was the family home of naturalist Charles Darwin. (Image: English Heritage)
Visitors can pick up a guide narrated by world-renowned naturalist David Attenborough and explore rooms featuring Darwin’s extensive collection of specimens and objects he picked up on his travels.

The gardens also offer three acres of land to explore featuring a kitchen garden, along with examples of the experiments and observations he conducted in his garden.

The gardens also offer three acres of land to explore including a kitchen garden. (Image: English Heritage)
Down House and Gardens is now owned by English Heritage, with tickets priced at £14.50 for adults and £8.60 for children.

The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich

Serving as a backdrop for many well-known films and TV series like Bridgerton and Thor, The Old Royal Naval College is a well-known part of Greenwich’s architecture and history, and is one of the many historical buildings you can visit alongside The Royal Observatory and the Queen's House.

The Old Royal Naval College dates back to 1696 when it was first built to house Navy pensioners. (Image: Old Royal Naval College)

Dating back to 1696 when it was first built to house Navy pensioners, the location is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inside you’ll find a number of attractions including the Painted Hall, a baroque structure dating back to the early 18th century with 200 painted figures, which has earned it the nickname ‘Britain’s Sistine chapel.”

The Painted Hall is a baroque structure dating back to the early 18th century with 200 painted figures. (Image: Old Royal Naval College)

The Ranger's House, Greenwich

Famous for serving as the filming location for the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, The Ranger's House is a popular attraction for fans of the period drama.

First built in 1723 as a Georgian Villa, the site now houses the Wernher Collection with over 700 works of art displayed on the site.

First built in 1723 as a Georgian Villa, the Ranger's House now houses the Wernher Collection with over 700 works of art. (Image: English Heritage)

The building is owned by English Heritage and is open to visit from Wednesdays – Sundays with tickets costing £11 for adults.

Charlton House and Gardens, Charlton

Where? Charlton House, Charlton Road, London, SE7 8RE

How much? Free

Located a short walk from Charlton Station, Charlton House is a Jacobean structure retaining many of its original features, with a house and gardens to explore.

Charlton House was built sometime between 1607 and 1612 and is considered to be one of the “finest surviving” Jacobean manor houses in England.

Eltham Palace and Gardens, Eltham

Where? Court Yard, Eltham, SE9 5QE

How much? From £14.50 for adults and £8.60 for children

Dating back to the 13th century, Eltham Palace and Gardens was once the royal residence to members of the Tudor family. (Image: English Heritage)

Dating back to the 13th century, Eltham Palace and Gardens was once the royal residence to members of the Tudor family, including King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I, and later the millionaire Courtland family in the 1930s.

You can still see parts of the palace from when the Tudors were in residence, including the Great Hall which dates back to the 1470s.

The gardens feature 19 acres of land to explore, from woodland areas to landscaped formal gardens. (Image: English Heritage)

The gardens feature 19 acres of land to explore, from woodland areas to landscaped formal gardens, as well as a moat around the castle perfect for picnicking.

It’s medieval bridge that takes visitors across the moat has links to the famous poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who famously supervised the construction of the bridge.