Discover more at Chartwell
Find out when Chartwell is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Rob Biddulph family events at Chartwell
What do you want to be when you grow up? Explore the possibilities as part of the ‘When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…family activity trail at Chartwell based on the book by award-winning author and illustrator, Rob Biddulph. Families can also book tickets for a live, in-person Draw With Rob Workshop.
This summer, there’s a new family trail at the National Trust’s Chartwell in Kent. Inspired by the stories and artwork of Rob Biddulph, the ‘When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…’ trail takes families on an imaginative journey through the garden of the Churchills’ former family home inviting participation in fun activities along the way. Whether you’re navigating the seven seas, soaring above the clouds or discovering your inner dancer, there’s plenty of fun for all ages.
Sir Winston Churchill discovered his own passion for painting when he was a grown up. Visitors can pop into his studio along the trail to see more than 100 of his paintings on display. Further along the trail, in the Garden Cottage Tearoom above the Walled Garden, have a go at creating a picture of Jock, Chartwell’s famous cat, using Rob Biddulph’s step-by-step drawing guide.
Rob Biddulph himself will be coming to Chartwell on 12 and 26 August to lead ‘Draw With Rob’ interactive family workshops. Rob will bring to life his stories and pictures and everyone will learn how to draw one of his illustrations. A selection of Rob Biddulph’s books will be available to purchase at Chartwell, and he will take part in book signing sessions after the workshops.
Who is Rob Biddulph?
Rob Biddulph is an award-winning author and illustrator, and the creator of the hugely successful internet sensation, #DrawWithRob. Many of his books have been featured as CBeebies Bedtime Stories including, ‘Blown Away’ and ‘Odd Dog Out’. ‘When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…’, his sixteenth book, was published in September 2025.
Rob started #DrawWithRob in March 2020, a series of twice-weekly draw-along videos designed to help parents whose children were home from school during the coronavirus lockdowns. On 21 May 2020, he broke the Guinness World Record for the largest ever online art class when 45,611 households tuned in to his live-streamed #DrawWithRob YouTube class. Eight of his Draw With Rob activity books are bestsellers, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Chartwell for an in-person only Draw With Rob workshop.
What is ‘When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…’ about?
Written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph, the book celebrates beauty of dreams, the joy of curiosity and all the excitement that the big wide world has to offer. But most of all, it’s a reminder that, whatever happens, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Planning your Visit
Rob Biddulph family activity trail
The ‘When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…’ trail runs from Saturday 11 July to Sunday 6 September, 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm) and is free with normal property admission or National Trust membership.
Draw with Rob Biddulph family workshops
The ‘Draw With Rob’ workshops take place on 12 and 26 August with sessions running 10.30 –11.30am and 1.30–2:30pm. Workshops are suitable for children ages 3+ accompanied by a ticketed adult (with a maximum of two adults per booking). Ticket sales are already underway. Places are limited for this event; pre-booking is essential (£10/child, £6/adult).
Visiting the house
To go into the house at Chartwell, you will need a timed-entry ticket for a self-led visit. House tickets can be purchased from 10am on the day in the Visitor Centre on a first come, first served basis. The house is open daily from 11.00am with last entry at 3.40pm. There is a children’s spotter guide and a new ‘Welcome to Chartwell’ guide with conversation starter questions and activities aimed at older children and teens. These guides are available to collect from the person greeting you at the front of the house.
Guided highlights tours of the house run at 4pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays (additional fee). Spaces for guided tours are limited; online pre-booking is advised.
Find more family-friendly visiting tips and things to do at Chartwell including places in the grounds for further outdoor adventures in our article about Days out with the kids at Chartwell.
A family visit to Chartwell is set to be filled with creativity and imaginative fun. Let us know what inspires you at Chartwell. Share your family’s experiences with us and our followers by tagging us on Facebook and Instagram @ChartwellNT.
Refreshments and Souvenirs
Don’t forget to visit the Landemare Café for your favourite National Trust treats as well as children’s lunchboxes. Head to the Garden Cottage Tearoom for ice cream and snacks as you take in impressive views of the Walled Garden and the Weald of Kent beyond.
Bring your favourite Rob Biddulph characters home with you by purchasing books at Chartwell’s National Trust Shop. You’ll find it beside the main café and across from the Visitor Centre.
What’s next for Rob Biddulph at Chartwell?
Watch this space, check our upcoming events webpage and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on a Rob Biddulph inspired festive family activity trail during the Christmas season.
Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell
Keep the whole family busy with a visit to Chartwell. There's so much to see with 80 acres of grounds to explore and plenty of fun and games to discover including a two-storey treehouse in the woodlands.
Eating and shopping at Chartwell
From tasty treats and hot and cold dishes, to souvenirs, gifts and Churchill memorabilia, you'll be spoiled for choice in the Chartwell café and shop. Why not treat yourself?
Planning your visit to Chartwell
To help us protect the precious collection at Chartwell, you'll need a timed ticket to enter the house. Discover how to get yours and find out more about planning your visit.
Family days out at Emmetts Garden
Enjoy family-friendly fun and outdoor play at Emmetts Garden, all set against a backdrop of a glorious Edwardian garden, on one of the highest points of the Kentish Weald. Invent a game to play in the meadow with inspiration from our toy cupboard, explore the wild play area near the Tea Room or come along for Summer of Play.
