Winter days out with the family at Chartwell

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

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

The Chartwell treehouse

Be captivated by history and adventure in the 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
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?

A child playing on the swings at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Swings

Head up to the Old Quarry to discover our brand new swings just waiting to be played on. Each one is engraved with the names and nicknames of Winston Churchill's children. How high can you swing? Don't forget to bring an adult to do the pushing.

Marycot in the Walled Garden at Chartwell
Chartwell   Kent

The Marycot at Chartwell

In a corner of the Walled Garden at Chartwell, you’ll find the enchanting ‘Marycot’ – a home away from home for the Churchill children.

Find out more
The dormouse dens at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Dormouse dens

Head further in the woods and you'll come across our dormouse dens. Help us make these cosy homes by layering and weaving sticks and branches around the outside and don't forget to pad them out with leaves. Can you pretend to be a dormouse?

A child playing on a seesaw at a National Trust property

Seesaws

Make sure you bring a friend along with you to Chartwell so you can have a go on our new seesaws - made by our countryside team from wood from the estate. How high can you get? You can find the see saws in the old quarry.

Chickens in the garden at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Chickenham Palace

In our Walled Garden is the famous(ish) Chickenham Palace. It's home to all kinds of bantam chickens, each with their unique colouring and feathering. Which one will be your favourite?

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

50 things to do 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 here

Family facilities at Chartwell

Baby changing facilities can be found by the visitor welcome centre, the toilets behind the shop and also just beyond the croquet lawn in the garden. 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.