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Chartwell
Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill
Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS
Book a visit
Important notice
21-22 July due to roadworks, drivers travelling from Four Elms or Edenbridge will be diverted via Crockham Hill. Access via Westerham will be unaffected after 9am. On 28 July, the House will open at 2pm. The rest of the site will open at usual times.
Opening times for 18 July 2025
Asset Opening time House 11:00 - 15:40 Car park 09:00 - 17:00 Garden 10:00 - 17:00 Studio 11:30 - 16:00 Cafe 09:30 - 17:00 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Second-hand bookshop 10:00 - 17:00 Visitor reception 10:00 - 16:30 Exhibition 10:00 - 17:00 Book a visitMTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially 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 £4.40 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
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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 this summer for the Little People, BIG DREAMS family activity trail.
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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. 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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Inspired by Chartwell Painting Competition and Exhibition
Inspired by Chartwell is a competition for amateur artists to have a chance for their painting to be displayed in Sir Winston Churchill’s studio.
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Little People, BIG DREAMS trail at Chartwell
Little People, BIG DREAMS® at Chartwell encourages kids to be bold, be brave and dream big. Discover artists, activists and adventurers as well as scientists, musicians and writers on a trail that takes you through the gardens and house with activities inspired the bestselling picture-book biography series. Six of the 25 featured characters were selected by the children and teachers from nearby Crockham Hill Primary School. 19 July–7 September 2025, 10am–4pm. Normal admission applies. £3 for lanyard with activity pack.
Outdoor Theatre: Upstream by Smoking Apples
Award-winning puppetry and theatre company Smoking Apples invites you into the enchanting world of Lyra, a fearless young water explorer. Free with normal admission. Pre-booking not required. Family-friendly outdoor theatre performances take place on 4 August and 28 August with 2 shows in the grounds each day at 11–11.30am and 2–2.30pm.
Outdoor Cinema: The Great Escaper
Outdoor cinema is back at Chartwell on Friday 5 September, from 6.30pm. Catch Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson in comedy-drama ‘The Great Escaper’ screened in front of Sir Winston Churchill’s home in Kent. Based on an incredible true story of Royal Navy veteran Bernie Jordan, who "escaped" his East Sussex care home in 2014 to attend the D-Day Landings’ 70th anniversary in Normandy. Enjoy a stroll around the garden and live music before the film starts, with snacks and refreshments available from the food stands. Pre-book tickets on the Cinestock website link.
Chartwell Highlights Tour: Life at Chartwell
Join one of our expert volunteer guides on an intimate tour of select rooms in the house at Chartwell including exclusive entrance into Sir Winston Churchill's bedroom. The Life at Chartwell tour focuses on Sir Winston Churchill, his family, and the friends and guests who shaped their lives here. Our Highlights tour takes you around the house at Chartwell with one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides. Please note that as this is a highlights tour, it doesn't include access to all rooms of the house as a regular visit would. Those wanting to see the whole house will need to obtain a timed ticket to visit the house on a self-guided basis. If you wish to also visit the gardens and estate, please arrive earlier than the time listed which is for the tour only. Normal admission into the gardens will still apply. Monday-Friday (excluding Bank Holidays), 30 June–29 August 2025, 4.00–5.00pm.
British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Chartwell Highlights Tour 2025
Tuesday 23 September, 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. BSL interpreted tours are also being held at nearby Emmetts Garden and Quebec House (16 July only) on these dates, and subject to ticket availability, it is possible to attend all three 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 this summer for the Little People, BIG DREAMS family activity trail.
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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
'Inspired by Chartwell' Painting Competition
This summer, amateur artists of all ages are encouraged to be inspired by Chartwell with a chance to have their painting displayed in Sir Winston Churchill’s studio.
Event
Outdoor Painting Event at Chartwell
Be inspired by the gardens and landscape at Chartwell this summer at one of our outdoor painting events.
Event
Summer at Chartwell with Little People, BIG DREAMS®
Encouraging kids to ‘be bold, be brave’ and ‘dream big’, don’t miss this trail Little People, BIG DREAMS® at Chartwell this summer.
Event
Chartwell Highlights Tour: Life at Chartwell
Join one of our expert volunteer guides on an intimate tour of select rooms in the house at Chartwell, focusing on Sir Winston Churchill, his family, and the friends and guests who shaped their lives here.
Event
Outdoor Theatre: Upstream by Smoking Apples
Created by the award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples, we invite you into the enchanting world of Lyra, a fearless young water explorer.
Event
Chartwell Highlights Tour: Churchill the Artist
Join one of our expert volunteer guides on an intimate tour of select rooms in the house at Chartwell, exploring Sir Winston Churchill’s relationship with art and his life through his paintings.
Event
Outdoor Cinema: The Great Escaper
Join us for comedy-drama 'The Great Escaper', screened in front of Winston Churchill’s home in Kent, under the stars at Chartwell.
Event
Heritage Open Days at Chartwell
Miniature villages, lost houses, video games and quilts: Heritage Open Days spotlights England's diverse architectural heritage and is back at Chartwell with free entry to the house and gardens.
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
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.
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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.