Fulham Palace
What Visitors Say
I visited Fulham Palace on a Sunday afternoon, and it was such a wonderful experience! The palace itself is stunning, with beautifully landscaped gardens and a tranquil atmosphere that feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of London. What made it even better is that entry is free, which is always a pleasant surprise. The grounds are perfect for a peaceful walk, and I spent quite a bit of time wandering around the Botanic Garden – the variety of plants and flowers is impressive. Inside the palace, there’s a rich history to explore, with exhibitions that tell the story of the place as a residence for the Bishops of London for over 1,300 years. The cafe is a lovely spot to relax after a walk, with a nice selection of coffee and snacks. The staff were incredibly friendly, and it just added to the overall charm of the place. If you’re in the area or looking for a quiet, historical gem in London, I highly recommend visiting Fulham Palace. It's a peaceful retreat, and with free entry, it’s a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Went walking here with a friend recently and was very impressed with the grounds and the Palace itself..situated in the heart of Bishops Park Fulham on the North side of Putney bridge and a short walk from All Saints Church and the busy Fulham Palace road it is a wonderfully calm oasis hidden inside a gorgeous walled garden with lovely walkways beautiful borders magnificent trees shrubs and greenhouses..the Palace itself is magnificent with gorgeous windows beautifull tiled flooring high ceilings lovely architecture and a gorgeous chapel with stained glass windows a pretty altar.. the perfect peaceful place to stop and reflect..there is also a lovely cafe with sandwiches scrumptious cakes teas of every kind and lovely comfy sofas to relax in! There is a pretty courtyard to the West which leads to more of Bishops Park with its gorgeous leafy walks a large pond with swans ducks and a fountain attracting all kinds of birds swooping and circling overhead..adjacent is the river Thames with its long winding walkway - very popular with dog walkers - and sporting gorgeous views over Putney and leading to Fulham football club and the newly opened Fulham Pier with eateries and a host of weekly events of all kinds! There is also a large children's playground and several tennis courts! Leaving by the Fulham Palace road exit there is the Fulham Garden shop with all manner of gorgeous plants and shrubs pretty gifts and another lovely cafe..we are very spoilt having this wonderful natural space on our doorstep and I highly recommend a visit!
Beautiful gardens and a lovely café, worth a visit for those alone! The palace itself was a bit disappointing, with little to see or learn about. There was only one room with video looping. I expected more..
It was an amazing place to visit. The gardens and the cafe are worth visiting. The property is very well maintained and you feel like you are in some out of the word place which is actually serene. You can also try out the various plants like rosemary or mulberry at a fancy stall out there. And, you can actually buy as many as you want at a fair price. This place made my visit to London wort it. Would love to revisit the Palace.
Fulham Palace is such a wonderful place to spend the day, especially during their Apple Day event. The gardens and historic grounds are already beautiful, but with all the activities, food stalls, and entertainment it truly comes alive. Families and children can easily spend the whole day here, picking apples, enjoying games, exploring the gardens, and learning a bit of history along the way. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of community spirit. It’s one of those rare places where kids have fun, parents can relax, and everyone leaves with a smile. Highly recommended for a family day out.
Highlights
Great Hall & Tudor Brickwork
Layers of power and hospitalityTimbers, brick, and later panelling show how bishops entertained—and how each era left its mark.
Main house, central range
Walled Garden
A living archive of useful plantsLaid out for fruit, vegetables and exotics, the garden now revives historic beds and a Victorian vinery.
North of the house
Botanic Beginnings
Early centre for plant introductionBishop Henry Compton (late 1600s) grew North American curiosities here—magnolias and other ‘new’ trees that Londoners had never seen.
Garden displays & paths
The Moat Walk
Traces of one of England’s largest domestic moatsThe water once wrapped the palace like a private island; fragments remain in dips and lines of trees.
Perimeter trail
Chapel & Museum Rooms
Faith, politics and daily life under one roofSmall displays link bishops to big events: civil wars, empire, and London’s growth.
House interior, signposted
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Fulham Palace was the Bishops of London’s residence from AD 704 until 1973—over twelve centuries of almost continuous occupation.
Bishop Henry Compton turned the grounds into a pioneering botanic garden in the late 17th century, cultivating North American trees—some of the first grown in Britain.
The estate once sat inside one of the largest domestic moats in England; traces of the circuit can still be walked today.
A Victorian vinery in the walled garden revives the bishops’ taste for table grapes—heated walls and glass once pushed the London growing season.
