Our group of two adults and four kids (aged one to three years) went along to Eltham Palace recently for a fun and informative day out with a Knights and Princesses theme. Fantastic costumed guides entertained the little ones in the beautiful grounds of the palace. Many of the kids had come prepared in their dressing-up outfits but there were plenty of props available so everyone could get involved.

First, a storytelling session was brought to life as children, picked from the small crowd, acted out a tale of chivalry. Next, we learned how youngsters served their lords and ladies in medieval times and then had a quick dance lesson.  Finally, it was over to a knight for (super safe) sword fighting and jousting -using a trusty hobby horse! 

While the under fives there were fascinated, activities are primarily aimed at older children. This is reflected in a £1 surcharge for over fives on Time Travellers Go event days.  A good thing about Eltham Palace is that you can opt to pay only for entry to the grounds rather than both palace and grounds.

The next Time Traveller Go activities at Eltham Palace take place on 21 -23 Aug (Medieval) and 28-30 Aug (Gruesome!).

We were told upon entering that this was a magical palace, and that the builders had turned it inside out, shaking out its stories and secrets with the dust.

Walking through Kensington Palace was like stepping into a fairytale. Each room has its own story and a theme, The Room of Enlightenment, The Room of Palace Time and so on. As you explore each room you’re encouraged to find the name of seven princesses that once lived in the palace.

The whole exhibition was, well, enchanting! Walking through a darkened room filled with sparkly, wonderful hats made by Stephen Jones, watching dancing shadows and rifling through shells, sketches and artefacts in The Room of the World, the World in a Room. My favourite room was The Room of a Sleeping Princess which contained a dress made of paper cranes.

Although beautiful, there’s something bittersweet about the Enchanted Palace. You get the sense that the princesses lived lonely and isolated lives. It’s also a little eerie, as I really felt I was wandering around in someone else’s home!

Photography isn’t allowed in the Enchanted Palace but I did get a quick snap of the Enchanted Palace afternoon tea which we enjoyed in The Orangery afterwards. Hopefully, you can make out the poster for the exhibition stamped on top of a chocolate ganache cake (delicious!)

Also, take a look at these pictures of beautiful Kensington Palace Gardens, which are free to wander round.

Enchanted Palace at Kensington Palace until 30 June 2012. Book tickets