Fulham Palace and Museum

London is the heart and soul of historic and modern Britain. Coined as the “World in one City”, London is known for its spicy melting pot of world culture .Fulham Palace is a remarkable place. The estate was owned by the Bishops of London for over 1300 years and the Palace was their country home from at least the 11th century. Vacated by the Bishops in 1975, the Palace is now managed jointly by Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the Fulham Palace Trust. London is one of the greatest tourist destination of the world. It attracts over 15 million tourists in a year.  London open top bus tours enable you to jump on and off the buses and visit attractions in London at your leisure. 

London has some of the best museums in the world that provides the learning with fun to children.A summer retreat for over a hundred Bishops of London, Fulham Palace tells a fascinating story. Once enclosed by the largest moated site in England, its gardens have been home to many of the country’s botanical ‘ firsts’.  The medieval Great Hall has been the scene of royal banquets and supposedly the persecution of protestant heretics whose ghosts are said to haunt the Palace corridors.  The surviving building dates from 1495 and is Grade One Listed.

Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of early settlement on the site, both Neolithic and Roman. As Lord of the Manor, the medieval bishops were responsible for law and order, but in return were able to demand tithes and food from the local people.

The wealthy Tudor bishops owned other manors around London and Essex, including a hunting lodge in Highgate. Queen Elizabeth I visited the Palace in 1600. During the English Civil War, bishops were abolished and the Palace was sold to one of Cromwell’s generals.  It was returned to the Bishop of London during Charles II’s reign.

By the eighteenth century Fulham had become the summer home of the Bishop, and after the First World War, the principal residence.  During World War Two, a barrage balloon site was based at the Palace. After the war, the Palace was divided up and much of it was used as offices.  Today the Palace is owned by Church Commissioners and leased to Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the Fulham Palace Trust. 

Today the Palace’s stately rooms house an intriguing museum that interprets the site’s extraordinary history; a relaxing café-bar within a graceful drawing room which overlooks the extensive botanic gardens; and an elegant gallery space that provides an innovative programme of contemporary, Palace-inspired art.

The Palace hosts a varied programme of events and activities throughout the year such as Summer 2010 Events Programme, Talks and Tours, Open Air Theatre, Exhibitions, Family Fun and much more.Fulham Palace has a wonderful variety of rooms and spaces available to hire for any type of event throughout the year. The Palace is also an outstanding venue for weddings, receptions, corporate hospitality and functions. An exciting programme of events for all ages, tastes and purses runs throughout the year by the Palace’s dedicated staff. The Palace's upper floors contain high-specification offices. Most of the London museums and galleries are free to enter and most enjoyable with family and especially with kids.

The Palace has an excellent education service providing life-long learning. The Education Service focusses on the Museum. All topics offered to schools are linked to the National Curriculum. The current range covers Romans; Tudors; Victorians; the Blitz; toys; materials and their properties and creepy crawlies. Each is suitable for all ages from year one. Many include putting on costume and role play. Other topics can be covered by arrangement. A varied and engaging programme of talks and workshops is also provided for adults. The best way to see the sights and sounds of London is through the London guided tour or the coach tours London.

Fulham Museum

The Museum of Fulham Palace charts the long history of this site, from Prehistoric times and Roman settlement, through Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian bishops to the present day. 

The Museum's collection includes paintings, archaeology and artifacts, as well as the Palace itself, as demonstrated by the fascinating 1:50 scale model of the building.  The collection is displayed in two rooms of the Palace which have been restored to their original state of Georgian splendour.  Some displays are interactive, providing children with opportunities to engage more directly with the objects.

Permanent displays include: archaeological evidence, in the form of coins and pottery that Romans had settled at this spot on the Thames; grand portraits of past residents and monarchs; and everyday objects that provide clues to how people in the past lived, worked and played here.

The Museum's permanent collection is supplemented by temporary exhibits of local interest.  At present, the Palace's function, in 1918-1919, as a military hospital for the wounded of World War I is being explored through the display of a photograph album that belonged to a nurse working here (her descendants have kindly lent the album to the Museum).  Complementary memorabilia related to WWI may also be viewed.

Visitors may also learn about the recent archaeological investigation which will determine the feasibility of restoring the 1.4 km. moat that once surrounded the Palace site at least as far back as 1392.

The Museum offers guided historical tours through the restored rooms of Fulham Palace, as well as guided garden walks through the grounds of the Palace. These volunteer-led tours and walks are scheduled 2-3 times monthly throughout the year.  Please see Visiting, Regular Tours, for details.

London sightseeing with children will give them a chance to visit the Fulham Palace and Museum .Children of all ages are most welcome in the Museum and an art cart with a variety of activities is always on hand. The Museum runs workshops during half terms which are fun and educational.

Come and discover the history of Fulham Palace, one of the oldest and most important buildings in London .Visit London with all this famous and best galleries and London museums and make your London tour really a memorable journey.


Visitor Information:


Admission to the Palace and its grounds is free of charge.

Opening Hours

Please note the recent change to our opening hours:
From 15 May 2010 the Museum of Fulham Palace opening hours will be Saturday to Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm
Last admission is at 3.45pm.

All other public rooms on the ground floor including the Gallery will normally be open during these times however occasionally be closed for private functions.

On Saturday 26 June the Museum and Cafe will be open as usual, the Gallery, Great Hall, Chapel and Courtyards will be closed from 2pm due to a private function.

On Sunday 27 June all rooms will be open as usual with the exception of the Gallery which will be closed throughout the day due to a private function.

Advance Notice - the grounds of Fulham Palace will close at 5.30pm on Friday 16 July and Saturday 17 July for the Fulham Palace Jazz Weekend.