A relic of the days before mechanical refrigeration, the Ice Well, beside the Tarn in Mottingham, was built around 1760 as an ice store for Eltham Lodge.

Though it is some distance from the Lodge, the well was placed here so ice could be cut from the Tarn in winter and placed in the well, which is mostly underground, and the brick lining, shady situation and damp ground would keep the ice cool, allowing the affluent residents access to ice at a time when this was the last word in luxury.

Elfi

July 24, 2025

Hiking

A relic from the days before mechanical refrigeration, the Ice Well by the Tarn in Mottingham was built around 1760 as an ice storage facility for Eltham Lodge. Although located some distance from the lodge, it was built here so that ice could be harvested from the tarn during the winter and fed into the largely underground well. The brick lining, shady location, and damp ground kept the ice cool and gave wealthy residents access to ice at a time when it was the height of luxury.

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Best Hikes to Eltham Lodge Ice Well

5.0

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1. Eltham Palace – Eltham Palace and Gardens loop from Falconwood

10.8km

02:48

70m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.5

(2)

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2. Eltham Palace and Gardens – Eltham Lodge Ice Well loop from Grove Park

9.57km

02:33

100m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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3. Eltham Lodge Ice Well – The Tarn loop from Mottingham

8.00km

02:06

70m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 29 January

6°C

2°C

14 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Location: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

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Eltham Lodge Ice Well

1. Eltham Palace – Eltham Palace and Gardens loop from Falconwood

2. Eltham Palace and Gardens – Eltham Lodge Ice Well loop from Grove Park

3. Eltham Lodge Ice Well – The Tarn loop from Mottingham

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