What is it?
This south-east London historic attraction offers two palaces for the price of one. The remains of the Tudor palace include a bridge over the moat, as well as the impressive Great Hall. The biggest draw now, though, is the art deco property built adjoining the Great Hall in 1936 by textiles heir Stephen Courtauld. The furniture and fittings look like a film set. Upstairs there’s a chance to enjoy a home movie of Stephen and Virginia with their pet lemur, Mahjong (who had his own specially designed quarters).
Why go?
Because it's totally gorgeous. The furniture and fittings look like a film set – check out the pink leather chairs, ornate black and silver doors and moulded maple veneer in the dining room, or the onyx and gold-plated taps in Virginia's glamorous vaulted bathroom. The house was way ahead of its time when it came to mod cons, including underfloor heating, ensuite bathrooms and a quirky vacuum-cleaning system. Upstairs there's a chance to look at the Courtauld family's photos and artefacts, and enjoy a home movie of Stephen and Virginia with their pet lemur, Mahjong (who had his own, specially designed quarters).
Don't miss:
The quaint tearoom and shop have a distinctly 1930s flavour: perfect for picking up some chic retro goodies.
When to visit:
Every day, 10am-5pm.
Ticket info:
£20.50 adults, £11.50 child, £16.50 concs.
Time Out tip:
Get into the retro mood with a visit to Virginia's wardrobe, which offers adult and child sized costumes to try on.