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
After a sensational Summer, Rob Biddulph is back at Chartwell during the Christmas season for a new family activity trail based on the book, 'I Follow the Fox'. Explore the garden and take part in creative challenges and festive fun inspired by the picture book by award-winning author and illustrator, Rob Biddulph. Families can also book tickets for a live, in-person Draw With Rob Workshop.
This Christmas Season, there’s a new family trail at the National Trust’s Chartwell in Kent. Inspired by the story and artwork of Rob Biddulph, the ‘If Follow the Fox’ trail takes families on an imaginative journey through the garden of the Churchills’ former family home inviting participation in seasonal activities along the way.
Extend your family's visit to Chartwell by going inside the house (timed-entry house ticket needed) where selected rooms are decorated for Christmas. Celebrate Sir Winston's love of painting as part of this year's theme, Churchill's Colourful Christmas.
Rob Biddulph himself will be coming to Chartwell on 12 December 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’. 'I Follow the Fox’, his fifteenth book, was published in October 2024.
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 ‘I Follow the Fox’ about?
Little Fox has gone missing in the park. The family search high and low, but the cuddly toy can’t be found. Then, one night, a beautiful fox calls at the window, and the boy decides to follow her. They go on a magical winter adventure: moving through the city, past snowy meadows and icy rivers, until the boy realises the fox has led him to something special, and that she needs his help. Can the fox help him find his own beloved Little Fox?
This story, written in beautifully lyrical verse, has a toasty warmth at its centre despite the wintery setting. And it is certain to tug at the heartstrings of anyone who reads it. Perfect read-aloud fun for children aged 3+.
Planning your Visit
Rob Biddulph Festive Family Activity Trail at Chartwell
The 'I Follow the Fox' trail runs from Thursday 19 November 2026 (the first day of the Chartwell Christmas Market) to Sunday 3 January 2027 with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when Chartwell is closed. Festive family activity trails cost £3.50 and include a prize. Normal property admission or National Trust membership also applies.
Garden activities are available 10am opening–4pm closing time (last entry 3.30pm). Please allow plenty of time for your visit and to collect your prize before closing time.
Draw with Rob Biddulph festive family workshops
The ‘Draw With Rob’ Festive Family workshops take place on 12 December 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 (£12/child, £7/adult). Book workshop tickets.
Visiting the house
Selected rooms in the house will be open and decorated for Christmas from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
To go into the house at Chartwell, you will need a timed-entry ticket for a self-led visit. These 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 3.10pm.
If you would prefer an earlier morning guided tour, please pre-book tickets for a Christmas Guided Tour of the House.
Led by one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides and running Monday to Friday, 10.30–11.15am on selected dates throughout the Christmas season, guided tours offer the opportunity to experience Chartwell before the house opens for general admission. To ensure a more personal experience, guided tours are limited to just 12 people per session. You'll explore selected rooms of the house, beautifully decorated for Christmas, inspired this year by Sir Winston Churchill's love of painting.
Find out more and pre-book tickets for a Christmas Guided tour of the House at Chartwell.
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.
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.
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 the Autumn Festival.
