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Chartwell
KentFamily home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill
Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS
Important notice
From 3rd to 27th November, the House will be closed for conservation work and Christmas preparations.
The rest of the site will remain open during this period, except on 6th November, when the entire site will be closed.
Opening times for 4 November 2025
Asset Opening time House Closed Car park 10:00 - 16:00 Garden 10:00 - 16:00 Studio 11:30 - 15:00 Cafe 10:00 - 16:00 Shop 10:00 - 16:00 Second-hand bookshop 10:00 - 16:00 Visitor reception 10:00 - 15:30 Exhibition 10:00 - 16:00 MTWTFSS2728293031123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930OpenPartially openClosedGarden and Studio
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £16.95 £15.40 Child (5-17) under 5s free £8.47 £7.70 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £42.35 £38.50 One adult and up to three children £25.41 £23.10 House, Garden and Studio
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £24.20 £22.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £12.10 £11.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £60.50 £55.00 One adult and up to three children £36.30 £33.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Audio guide
Audio guides to garden available from Visitor Centre.
- Bookshop
Second-hand bookshop next to shop and café.
- Café
Landemare Café serving hot and cold lunches, light snacks and cakes.
- Car park
£5 per car. Members can park for free by scanning membership card at machines.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on short leads welcome in garden and Lady Soames Room in café. Assistance dogs only in house, studio and shop.
- Plant shop
Peat-free plants, plus pots and garden ornaments.
- Shop
Seasonal National Trust ranges for home and garden and Chartwell memorabilia and souvenirs.
- Toilet
Behind shop and in garden past Croquet Lawn. Accessible toilet by Visitor Centre.
Hillside location with steps, unsuitable for mobility scooters. Blue Badge parking and drop-off available. Accessible toilets. Wheelchair accessible virtual house tour. Wheelchair available on first floor of house.
- Accessible route and/or map
Garden partly accessible, steep slopes and steps in places. Map of accessible route available from Visitor Centre.
- Accessible toilet
Next to Visitor Centre and in garden past Croquet Lawn.
- Braille (guide or menu)
Braille guide to house available at house entrance.
- Designated parking
15 accessible parking spaces in car park, near to Visitor Centre and Café. Car park has hard surface tarmac.
- Induction loop
Fixed induction loops available in Visitor Centre, café, shop and second-hand bookshop. Portable loop available on request.
- Large print (guide or menu)
Available from Visitor Centre.
- Level access to food outlet
Café situated close to car park. Level access to café from top parking lane.
- Level access to shop
Shop situated close to car park. Level access to shop from top parking lane.
- Level access/terrain
Level access to café and shop from top parking lane. Step-free route runs past front of café to ramped access by side entrance.
- Narrow corridors
Narrow corridors throughout house. Please leave large bags and backpacks in lockers by toilets (£1 required).
- Ramped access/slopes
Ramped access to ground floor of house. Garden partly accessible, steep slopes and steps in places.
- Seating available
Seating available throughout garden.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Garden partly accessible, steep slopes and steps in places.
- Transfer available
Minibus with manual wheelchair tailgate lift available from car park to house. This is a volunteer-run service and we advise phoning on the day to check availability.
- Virtual tour
360 degree virtual tour of house available from Visitor Centre and house.
- Wheelchairs available
Limited number of outdoor wheelchairs available from Visitor Centre.
Entrance to car park - what3words: ///grand.coast.bond
- By train
- Edenbridge (4 miles) and Oxted (6 miles) stations are accessible from London Victoria and London Bridge. Sevenoaks station (6 miles) has a regular fast train service from London Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge. Oxted and Sevenoaks have taxi ranks outside to get to Chartwell. You can find out more on the National Rail website.
- By bus
- Sundays and public holidays: Catch the 246 London Bus route from Bromley North (passing close to Bromley South train station) to Chartwell - See the 246 Timetable for more details. The 236 bus also operates between East Grinstead and Oxted, stopping at the end of Mapleton Road. Please note this does mean walking along a country lane to get to the Chartwell entrance.
- By road
- From M25 join the A25 and follow the brown signs with the National Trust oak leaf. M25 anti-clockwise: Exit at junction 6 on the M25. At the roundabout take the third exit onto the A22. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto Oxted Road/A25. At the roundabout take the second exit onto A25. Follow the A25 into Westerham. Turn right opposite Quebec House onto the B2026/Hosey Hill. Fork left off B2026 after 1 ½ miles onto Mapleton Road and Chartwell is a short way down on the left. M25 clockwise: Exit at junction 5 on the M25. Use the left lane to continue on Sevenoaks Bypass/A21. Merge onto Westerham Road/A25 via the slip road. Follow the A25 into Westerham. Turn left opposite Quebec House onto the B2026/Hosey Hill. Fork left off B2026 after 1 ½ miles onto Mapleton Road and Chartwell is a short way down on the left.Parking: Tickets for non-members are £5 per car. NT members will have to scan their cards on the carpark machines in order to claim your free parking. We cannot guarantee parking upon arrival. We have two overflow car parks. During peak season - half-term, Bank Holidays, Summer and Christmas - our car park may become full and the overflow unusable due to wet weather. After 1pm during peak season, we will prioritise afternoon pre-booked tickets if the car park remains full.Sat Nav: Postcode: TN16 1PS
- Cycling
- Bicycle parking is available at cycle racks in the carpark beside the Visitor Centre. Paths in the garden and estate are not suitable for bicycles. You can plan your journey with the Cycle Streets website.
- Surrey connect: on demand bus service
- Saturdays: Surrey County Council operates a shuttle service between Oxted Station and 3 National Trust sites: Chartwell, Quebec House and Emmetts Garden. All journeys must be booked in advance. They can be booked at least 30 minutes before travelling and up to seven days in advance. See the East north National Trust shuttle service timetable or download the Surrey Connect App. Alternatively, bookings can be made over the phone on 0300 123 7751 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
Planning your visit
Article
Planning your visit to Chartwell
To help us protect the precious collection at Chartwell, you'll need a timed ticket to enter the house. Discover how to get yours and find out more about planning your visit.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell
Keep the whole family busy with a visit to Chartwell. There's so much to see with 80 acres of grounds to explore and plenty of fun and games to discover including a two-storey treehouse in the woodlands. Come along for Christmas season fun including the family activity trail, Christmas fair of local stallholders, carol music, and decorations in the house and grounds.
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Visiting Chartwell with your dog
Chartwell is a three pawprint rated place. Bring your four-legged friend along on a short lead for a stroll around the garden or go for a roam in the woods. Find out more about where you can and can't take your dog.
Upcoming events at Chartwell
Find out what’s on at Chartwell and what to look out for next. From special tours and seasonal family trails to outdoor entertainment and Christmas events. Browse key dates for the diary and links to pre-book where tickets are required.
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Accessibility at Chartwell
Find out about visiting Chartwell in Kent if you are disabled or need accessibility information, including visiting in a wheelchair, using the mobility bus as well as upcoming accessible events.
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Group visits to Chartwell
Groups are welcome throughout the year at Chartwell. Find out about what's available and how to book.
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Learning with Chartwell
Bring your school along for a self-guided visit around the family home of Sir Winston Churchill.
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Highlights
House
Home of Sir Winston Churchill and his family. Filled with treasures, gifts and personal belongings, presented as they knew it.
Rose Garden
Formal rose garden designed by Lady Churchill. Leads into the terrace lawn with views over surrounding estate and countryside.
Walled Garden
Working kitchen garden, with walls built by Winston Churchill. Surrounded by apple orchard and wildflower meadow.
Woodland
Wider woodland with estate walk around the lakes. Children’s play areas, including tree house, bomb crater and Canadian camp.
Studio
Home of the largest single collection of Winston Churchill’s paintings. Interactive displays offer insight into Churchill the painter.
Visitor Centre
Find visit information including tickets, children’s trails and walks. Watch our welcome video and pick up an audio guide.
Landemare Café
Serves light lunches, one pot meals, cakes and bakes. Hot and cold drinks also available, plus ice cream in summer.
Shop
Seasonal National Trust ranges for home and garden, plants, local products, books and souvenirs.
Spotlight events
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Christmas at Chartwell
From Christmas markets to live carol music, wreath-making workshops to a festive family garden trail, plus the beautifully decorated house to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy for Christmas 2025 at Chartwell. With so much to celebrate, you’ll want to come back to Chartwell again and again this holiday season.
Christmas Fair at Chartwell
The Chartwell Festive Fair returns this year from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 November. Find the perfect Christmas gift from a selection of handmade crafts and local produce. Discover a range of goodies from crafts, art and accessories to food and drink, all from undercover stalls. Our National Trust shop and café will also be open for shopping and refreshments. The market is free to attend, although normal admission applies to the gardens, exhibition and studio. Live Christmas carols will be performed in the garden outside the house during the weekend of the fair.
Chartwell Christmas Family Trail: Jock saves Christmas
With Chartwell snowed under and the Churchills stuck in London, it’s up to Jock and his animal friends to get everything ready for Christmas! Follow the trail and complete fun activities at each stop, from decorating trees to preparing Christmas dinner. Little ones will love spotting the animals and collecting stamps on their trail sheet along the way. The family activity trail runs 20 November–4 January (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Trails cost £3.50 and include a small prize. Normal admission applies.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Chartwell
Get ready for Christmas and be creative with natural foliage to make your own stunning wreath with step-by-step instructions from an expert florist. All materials, tuition, refreshments, and entrance to Chartwell's gardens are provided as part of the course fee. Pre-booking is essential. Wreath workshop sessions take place on 26 November and 6 December 2025.
Christmas Table Centrepiece Workshop Chartwell
Join an expert florist for a special new Christmas crafting session. Using scented mixed foliage, traditional decorations and a candle, you'll create a superb Christmas centrepiece you'll be proud to pop in the middle of your Christmas table or perhaps in your hallway to welcome your guests. All materials, tuition, refreshments, and entrance to Chartwell's gardens are provided as part of the course fee. Pre-booking is essential. Sessions take place on 10 December.
Churchill's Animals: Guided tour of Christmas in the House at Chartwell
Join one of our expert volunteer guides on a tour of selected rooms in the house at Chartwell which are decorated for Christmas, each with a different animal theme. Spaces are limited to 12 per tour to provide a more personal experience. Guided tours start before the house opens to other visitors on timed-entry, self-led visits. Upon arrival to the Chartwell Visitor Centre, you will need to buy a Garden and Studio ticket in addition to the pre-booked tour ticket. This will allow you to visit the gardens and studio after the tour. (Children under 5 do not need a ticket). Tours run Monday–Friday 2–23 December 2025. Pre-booking is essential.
British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Chartwell Highlights Tour 2025
Friday 5 December 11am–12noon. Discover the history of the Churchills at Chartwell. A National Trust guide will be leading the group with a British Sign Language (BSL)/English Interpreter to see selected rooms of the house. A BSL interpreted tour is also being held at nearby Emmetts Garden on this date, and subject to ticket availability, it is possible to attend both tours. This event is free but normal admission applies. Limited numbers. Pre-booking is required via each property website to join the tours.
Things to see and do
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The garden at Chartwell
Enjoy the views that the Churchills chose Chartwell for, and explore the garden they created and loved, from Lady Churchill’s Rose Garden, to the Walled Garden Sir Winston helped build.
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Churchill’s studio at Chartwell
The studio contains the largest collection of Winston Churchill's paintings surrounding you as you enter. His paints are still laid out with a canvas waiting for completion.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell
Keep the whole family busy with a visit to Chartwell. There's so much to see with 80 acres of grounds to explore and plenty of fun and games to discover including a two-storey treehouse in the woodlands. Come along for Christmas season fun including the family activity trail, Christmas fair of local stallholders, carol music, and decorations in the house and grounds.
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The estate at Chartwell
Chartwell’s estate and surrounding countryside offers far-reaching views across the Weald. Walk in the footsteps of one of our founders Octavia Hill when you explore Mariners Hill.
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Explore the house at Chartwell
Discover the beloved home of one of Britain's greatest politicians, Sir Winston Churchill. The house has many treasures and provides an intimate portrait of the Churchill family.
Top trails
Trail
Weardale circular walk from Chartwell
A beautiful 3-hour walk that links Chartwell with Emmetts Garden. From daffodils and bluebells to roses and autumnal shades, enjoy a rainbow of colour throughout each month of the year as you walk through the West Kent countryside.
Trail
Westerham to Chartwell trail
Enjoy a countryside walk in Kent, starting at the village of Westerham and finishing at Chartwell, Winston Churchill's family home.
Trail
Mariners Hill from Chartwell walk
Explore Mariners Hill and enjoy views of Winston Churchill's home at Chartwell and the Weald in Kent on this moderate circular walk.
Trail
Hosey Common to Mariners Hill loop walk
Explore Mariners Hill on this circular trail, which takes in fantastic views over Sir Winston Churchill's home at the Chartwell estate and the Weald of Kent.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Chartwell
From tasty treats and hot and cold dishes, to souvenirs, gifts and Churchill memorabilia, you'll be spoiled for choice in the Chartwell café and shop. Why not treat yourself?
Recipe
Churchill's fruit cake
Try the rich fruit cake recipe, crammed with juicy dried fruit, that was enjoyed by Winston Churchill, and created by one of his cooks.
Places to stay
The Morris Apartment
A one-bedroom apartment in trademark Arts and Crafts style, on the second floor of Standen House.
Woodlands Cottage
This gamekeeper’s cottage is surrounded by woodland on the Nymans estate.
Priest's House
Sitting on the edge of Sissinghurst Castle’s gardens, this is the perfect spot for garden lovers.
2 Bettenham Cottages
Immerse yourself in rolling farmland and peaceful countryside. This cosy cottage is the perfect getaway for friends, family and one well-behaved dog.
Upcoming events
Event
Chartwell ‘Steps to Wellbeing’ walk with Sevenoaks District Council
Get active and socialise with a 45-minute circular walk around Mariners Hill taking in stunning countryside and woodlands.
Event
Chartwell to Westerham Circular guided walk with Sevenoaks Ramblers
Enjoy scenic views and woodlands on this free, guided walk led by Sevenoaks Ramblers.
Event
Head Ranger Guided Walks
Join a fascinating guided walk around the Chartwell estate with our Head Ranger, Fraser Williamson.
Event
Chartwell Christmas Family Trail: Jock saves Christmas
Wrap up warm and explore Chartwell gardens this Christmas with our Family Trail!
Event
Christmas Fair at Chartwell
Get into the festive spirit at Chartwell's Christmas Fair. Find the perfect Christmas gift from a selection of handmade crafts and local produce.
Event
Carols at Chartwell
Enjoy live Christmas music in the grounds at Chartwell from a variety of musical groups performing on different dates throughout the festive season.
Event
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Chartwell
Get ready for Christmas and be creative with natural foliage to make your own stunning wreath.
Event
Christmas at Chartwell
Experience the magic and wonder of Christmas, across our house and gardens, with lavishly decorated trees, shiny baubles, festive music, delightful projections and an array of enchanting animal-themed displays.
About Chartwell
Winston and Clementine Churchill bought Chartwell in 1922; it would be their family home for the next forty years.
Born in 1874 Churchill started his life as a soldier and journalist and travelled the world. He would go on to serve as Prime Minister twice, as a member of Parliament for over 60 years under five different monarchs and to lead Britain to victory in the Second World War. He lived an exceptionally long political life and is both a celebrated and contested figure.
He loved Chartwell. Here Churchill was a politician and statesman but also a husband, father, writer, painter and garden planner. It remained important to him until his death in 1965. The rooms in the house remain much as they were when he lived here, with pictures, books and personal mementoes while a special exhibition gives deeper insight into his life through 50 objects.
Chartwell’s hillside gardens reflect his love of landscape and nature. They include the lakes he created, the kitchen garden and the Marycot, a playhouse designed for his youngest daughter Mary. Beyond the gardens there is expansive woodland with looped trails and natural play areas, there is den building and a Canadian camp and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
History
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Chartwell: The National Trust story
The Trust’s story at Chartwell began whilst Winston Churchill and his family were still in residence. Discover how we helped to preserve a significant piece of British history.
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Who was Clementine Churchill?
Find out about Clementine Ogilvy Spencer-Churchill (née Hozier), a keen promoter of social and humanitarian causes, who was far more than just Sir Winston Churchill’s wife.
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The history of roses at Chartwell
Roses have long been associated with the Churchills and their family home, Chartwell in Kent. The flower was a part of Winston and Clementine's love story from the very beginning.
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Jock the cat at Chartwell
Generations of ginger cats have lived at Chartwell over the years. Discover more about the resident cat called Jock VII and why he lives here.
Art and collections
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Collection highlights at Chartwell
There are thousands of significant collection items at Chartwell, each with their own story to tell. We’ve picked some highlights, including Churchill’s Nobel Prize and speech box
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A history of Winston Churchill in 50 objects
Discover more about the extraordinary life of Sir Winston Churchill in this permanent exhibition at Chartwell, including five must-see items from the curator.
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The visitors book at Chartwell
You can flick through the signatures in the visitors book on the digitised book. They paint a picture of the Churchills' daily lives and the people they invited into their home.
Our work
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The legacy of Churchill’s Chartwell appeal
Discover more about Churchill’s Chartwell appeal, a £7.1 million project to acquire over 1,000 of Churchill’s personal belongings which now have a permanent home at Chartwell.
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Growing fruit and veg at Chartwell
The fruit and veg plots in the Walled Garden are a year-round hive of activity. From spring to winter, there's always something new growing, or being planted ready for next year.
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Winter cleaning in the house at Chartwell
A deep clean and essential conservation work is carried out room by room while the house is closed. Special care is taken look after every item, from skirting boards to chandeliers.
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Garden conservation work at Chartwell
Find out about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into conserving parts of the garden at Chartwell, including a wildflower meadow, opening up views and flower border replanting
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Butterflies and bees at Chartwell
Discover the history of nurturing butterflies and bees at Chartwell, from Churchill’s passion for them to how we ensure we garden for them today.
Project
Chartwell’s energy efficient greenhouses
The greenhouses have played an important role in gardening at Chartwell, and a project in 2018 saw them restored to become energy efficient and more sustainable.
Project
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Our work on the estate at Chartwell
Woodland clearing, tree veteranisation and nature surveys are just a few ways the countryside team work on the estate to improve it for the benefit of wildlife.
Support us
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Volunteering at Chartwell
Volunteering is a rewarding way to get involved with your favourite place and make some new friends. Read some first-hand accounts of what it’s like to volunteer here.
