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.

The lake surrounded by mist at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent — Take a stroll around the lakes at Chartwell

Winter vegetables growing in the Walled Garden at Chartwell — All lined up and ready for Christmas dinners!

Brussel Sprouts growing in the Kitchen Garden at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent — Brussel sprouts growing in the kitchen garden at Chartwell

Winter sun shines through the trees at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent — Early morning sun radiates through the trees at Chartwell

Visiting Chartwell: What to expect

The house and studio at Chartwell are now closed for winter conservation. The gardens, exhibition, shop and café are all open as normal. Discover what to expect on a visit to Chartwell here.

Explore the gardens

Churchill's swimming pool at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

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.

The rose garden in winter at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Lady Churchill's Rose Garden at Chartwell

By winter the roses have now faded, the leaves of Lady Churchill's Rose Garden having all fallen away to reveal views of the house not seen at any other time of the year. Even with the roses now over for the year, the garden remains a place of peace and quiet to enjoy a moment to yourself in.

A view over the Kentish Weald in winter at Chartwell

Terrace Lawn at Chartwell

On a crisp winter's day, enjoy far-reaching views over the Chartwell estate from the Terrace Lawn, and even when the weather sets in, it still offers atmospheric scenes of wide sweeping nature - the perfect spot to stop and pause for a while.

The Walled Garden at Chartwell

Within the walls that Churchill himself built, the Walled Garden at Chartwell remains hard at work throughout the winter, growing the vegetables and getting ready for spring. Don't forget to stop by and say hi to our Bantam chickens!

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.

Chartwell surrounded by mist, a National trust property 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.

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

An early morning in winter at Chartwell with clear blue skies as the sun rises over the gardens

Winter 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

A winter view across the Chartwell estate, a National Trust property in Kent

Walking trails at Chartwell

Escape from the hustle and bustle this winter - wrap up warm and get exploring on a walk around the estate at Chartwell. You could even make a whole day of it by walking to our neighbouring National Trust properties, Emmetts Garden and Toys Hill, or stop by the café for a warming drink to take away with you.

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.