Winter family exploration at Chartwell

Grab your wellies and get out this winter exploring the 80 acres of gardens and countryside at Chartwell. With wild play areas and family trails there's plenty to keep them busy, plus family-friendly eating places and facilities for when you need a quick pit stop.

Children enjoying the trail at Chartwell
Chartwell   Kent

Who was Winston Churchill? outdoor family trail

Discover weird and wonderful stories about the man who made Chartwell famous. From animal impersonations to ransom notes, this trail will reveal the hidden man behind the cigar. Trail is free and on Sat 9 - Sun 24 Feb, 10am-4pm (normal admission applies).

The treehouse at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent
Chartwell   Kent

The Chartwell Treehouse

Be captivated by history and adventure this summer with the brand new treehouse at Chartwell. Climb up the two-storey structure to take in the lofty views before sliding back down to earth. As you play you'll learn the wonderful stories of the Churchill family, who enjoyed their own treehouse here over 90 years ago.

Find out more about our treehouse
Child playing in the Donkey Jack Caravan at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent
Chartwell   Kent

Donkey Jack's Caravan at Chartwell

This year we're bringing you a brand new family play area, based on an untold Churchill story. Donkey Jack's Caravan has landed in the Old Quarry and is waiting to be explored. Try on some fancy dress and let your imagination run wild.

Discover Donkey Jack's story
The marycot at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

The Marycot

The Marycot in the kitchen garden is a little brick house built by Winston Churchill himself for his two daughters Mary and Sarah. Everything is scaled down with a nearby notice announcing 'Children only' (though we won't blame the adults for joining in the fun). A great place to play and let your imagination run wild. Please note that the Marycot is closed Mon-Fri whilst we redecorate.

A family enjoying the swings at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Swings and seesaws

Head up to the Old Quarry to discover our swings and seesaws just waiting to be played on. Each swing is engraved with the nicknames of Winston Churchill's children, whilst the seesaws are made out of wood from the Chartwell estate. How high can you get?

A young girl plays in a hammock at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Canadian camp

Canadians camped out here in the woods at Chartwell during the Second World War. When there was an air raid they would cover up the lakes, so the German pilots would not recognise Chartwell from the air. Hold your own camp here, relax in the hammocks, 'cook' up a storm and plot your adventure.

The bomb crater at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Bomb crater

During the second world war, bombs allegedly fell on the estate at Chartwell as the planes left London. The crater left behind by one of these bombs is just the place to have some family fun. Can you use the ropes to escape the crater? Only one way to find out.

A family playing on the balance beams at a National Trust property

Balance beams

Follow the upper path through the woods and you'll come across our balance beams. Can you walk across them all the way without falling off?

Explore the woods at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent
Chartwell   Kent

50 Things activities to complete at Chartwell this winter

Winter is the perfect time for bird watching, tracking wild animals, running around in the rain and lots more. You’ll just need to wrap up warm and you can take them all on.

Find your activity

Family facilities at Chartwell

Baby changing facilities can be found by the visitor welcome centre, the toilets behind the shop and the toilets just beyond the croquet lawn in the garden. The café has a yummy children's menu, bottle warming and high chairs. Want to find a more secluded spot to breast feed? Just ask a member of staff. There's a picnic area with tables adjacent to the overflow car park and you're welcome to bring a blanket and picnic on the slopes by the lakes. Please note scooters and trikes are not suitable at Chartwell.