Heritage Open Days at Chartwell
Miniature villages, lost houses, video games and quilts: Heritage Open Days spotlights England's diverse architectural heritage and is back at Chartwell with free entry to the house and gardens.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
Heritage Open Days is fast approaching and an exciting programme of events and experiences is already taking shape and Chartwell is thrilled to be involved. Each year is bring over a million people together to celebrate heritage, community and history.
We are excited to be embracing this year's theme, Architecture. Liam Montgomery, Heritage Open Days Marketing & Projects Manager, said, ‘For many, architecture is about more than just buildings; it's really all about people, and the ways we interact with the world around us. This year's festival is a great opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of local stories across England. It's an open invitation to explore, learn, and be inspired by people and place’
Founded in 1994, Heritage Open Days has been making history and culture more accessible for more than 30 years. Last year over 2,350 organisers and 41,700 volunteers ran 5,427 events across the country, attracting one million visits. Around one-third of visitors had not visited a heritage site/event in the past year while 82% of festival-goers said their visit made them more proud of their local area.
Visitors to Chartwell on Monday 15 September can take an architecture tour unpacking the 700-year history of the building. Please see separate event listing to book your free ticket on the Architecture tours as spaces are limited. Please note, house tickets are given out on a first come first served basis, so entrance into the house cannot be guaranteed.
Times
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Meeting point
Head to the Visitor Centre on arrival.
- What to bring and wear
Please dress for the weather.
- Accessibility
Hard paths in main garden. Steep incline in places. Accessible toilet available by the Visitor Centre and up at Garden Cottage toilets. Please ask in the Visitor Centre on arrival to find out whether the minibus is operating on the day of your visit, or a drive and drop to the front of the house can be arranged.
Upcoming events
'Inspired by Chartwell' Painting Competition
This summer, amateur artists of all ages are encouraged to be inspired by Chartwell with a chance to have their painting displayed in Sir Winston Churchill’s studio.
Summer at Chartwell with Little People, BIG DREAMS®
Encouraging kids to ‘be bold, be brave’ and ‘dream big’, don’t miss this trail Little People, BIG DREAMS® at Chartwell this summer.
Chartwell Highlights Tour: Life at Chartwell
Join one of our expert volunteer guides on an intimate tour of select rooms in the house at Chartwell, focusing on Sir Winston Churchill, his family, and the friends and guests who shaped their lives here.
Outdoor Theatre: Upstream by Smoking Apples
Created by the award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples, we invite you into the enchanting world of Lyra, a fearless young water explorer.