The Gardens at Chartwell

Born from the keen amateur but creative minds of both Winston and Clementine Churchill, the gardens of Chartwell are as varied as they are beautiful the whole year round. History and nature merge seamlessly across the estate from the distinctive pastel colours of pink and white roses favoured by Lady Churchill, fruit and vegetables framed by the walls Sir Winston Churchill helped build, to acres of woodland and wider meadows.

A summer view across Chartwell house and beyond from Mariners Hill — See far across the Chartwell estate from Mariners Hill

Visiting Chartwell: What to expect

We've reopened our house and studio at Chartwell and we're looking forward to welcoming you back.

Explore the gardens

The blue Golden Orfe pond at Chartwell under blue skies in summer

The Gavin Jones Waterfall and Garden at Chartwell

One of the first areas you will come to is in fact made up of several different elements from Golden Orfe ponds to the old swimming pool, all connected to each other by the water.

Lady Churchill's Rose Garden at Chartwell

The summer months is when Lady Churchill's rose garden really begins to shine. Enjoy a display of red, white and pink roses in this quintessential English part of the garden.

Terrace Lawn

Enjoy far-reaching views over the Chartwell estate from the Terrace Lawn. Relax in one of our chairs either out on the sunny lawn or in the cool shade of the tree, with views down to the lakes and woodland beyond.

The Walled Garden at Chartwell

An abundance of fruit and veg appears in the summer months, from berries to spinach and lettuce to beans. Don't miss the colourful cut flower beds growing out in the sun before they're taken to decorate the house.

Golden Rose Avenue

The golden rose avenue is one of the more romantic parts of the garden, having been planted to celebrate Winston and Clementine's golden wedding anniversary and is now one of the most fragrant parts of the garden. It is teeming with wildlife, from bees to painted lady butterflies and is not to be missed on a visit to Chartwell this summer.

A summer view across the Weald of Kent from Mariners Hill, a National Trust countryside site in Kent

The Chartwell estate

Take a look at some of the behind-the-scenes work our outdoors team gets up to all across not just Chartwell but the surrounding West Kent countryside that we care for as well.

Chartwell through apple trees in orchard

Orchards at Chartwell

The orchards at Chartwell were one of the very first changes Churchill made when he moved here in the 1920s and we continue to take care of them today.

" A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted."

Walled garden at Chartwell under blue skies and Kent in the background

Summer garden highlights at Chartwell

Want to know what's out right now in the Chartwell gardens? Discover our top seasonal highlights for what is in bloom for you to see, we'll keep updating this list as the year goes on as they emerge, so check back soon.

Chartwell guidebook

On your visit, why not collect the Chartwell guidebook from our Visitor Centre or shop? Read about the fascinating history of house and gardens as you make your way around on your visit, or take it home as a wonderful memento of your trip to Chartwell.

Walkies

Lake view of the house at Chartwell, family home of Churchill and a National Trust property in Kent

Walking trails at Chartwell

Stretch your legs in the sunshine on a walk around the estate at Chartwell. Download one of our trails on your phone or pick up a walks leaflet in our visitor welcome centre.

Dog walking at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Visiting Chartwell with your dog

Here at Chartwell, we love dogs. Bring your furry companion along on a short lead for a stroll around the gardens or go for a roam in the woods. Find out more about where you can and can't take your dog here.

" The outdoors is a canvas where Clementine and Winston Churchill’s relationship plays out."

Behind the scenes...

Alliums in the Orchard Meadow at Chartwell

Meadow restoration at Chartwell

We're currently in the middle of a long-term project to restore a meadow down in the apple orchard and in front of the studio at Chartwell, encouraging wildflowers and nature back to our gardens.

Mansion border in front of the house at Chartwell with the new plants in place

Mansion border restoration at Chartwell

The garden team at Chartwell recently began work to restore the wide views over Kent that inspired Churchill to buy Chartwell back to the front of the house. With the new plants now in place, the hard work is already paying off.

The fully restored greenhouses at Chartwell from the outside with water-butt ready.

Chartwell’s ‘green’ Greenhouses

Thanks to your support (and by drinking lots of coffee!) we’ve been able to restore the greenhouses at Chartwell and get them working more efficiently – with better sustainability – than ever.

Blossom on the step-over apple vines growing in the Walled Garden at Chartwell — Blossom on the step-over apples in the Walled Garden

Edible elements in the Walled Garden at Chartwell

One of the busiest parts of the Walled Garden at Chartwell are the fruit and vegetable beds, with the produce grown once supplying the house and now used up in our own café. Discover each season of these still highly productive beds and how we look after them.