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.

Wooden swans from the 12 Days of Christmas family trail at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent
Chartwell   Kent

12 days of christmas trail at Chartwell

Join us on our Christmas family trail here at Chartwell. Trail is on from 21 Nov - 5 Jan, 10am-3pm and costs £1, normal admission applies. Suitable for ages 2-10 years with a buggy friendly route available.

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

The Marycot

The Marycot in the walled garden is a little brick house built by Winston Churchill himself for his daughter Mary. 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.

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.

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?

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
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

Also 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
A family enjoying a day out at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

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. The café has a yummy children's menu, bottle warming facilities 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.