Discover more at Chartwell
Find out when Chartwell is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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.
Current and upcoming family events
Chartwell 60: The 60th anniversary of Chartwell's opening to the public
Saturday 23 May to Sunday 19 July
In 2026, we’re celebrating 60 years since Chartwell opened to the public on 22 June 1966. Discover our past, celebrate the present and contribute your own memories to our special anniversary display for ‘Chartwell 60’.
There are many ways to join in the Chartwell 60 celebrations:
• Look out for indoor and outdoor displays presenting the Chartwell 60 story.
• Book tickets for the Chartwell 60 Highlights Tour of the house. (Weekdays, excluding Bank Holidays 25 May-17 July, additional fee.) Find out more and book the Chartwell 60 Highlights Tour.
• Join a Chartwell 60 garden tour. (Selected dates, subject to volunteer guide availability.)
• Share your favourite Chartwell memories in person or through our online survey to help us create a special display for everyone to enjoy in September.
• Discover iconic photo opportunities at key locations around Chartwell. Pause to admire the view, snap your own image, share them with your friends and ChartwellNT’s followers on Instagram and Facebook.
• 20-21 June 2026, Come along for a celebratory anniversary weekend with live music from local concert bands. Have a picnic. Join in with the dancers from Surrey Jive or relax and soak up the joyful atmosphere this summer. Find out more about the celebration weekend.
Rob Biddulph at Chartwell
Rob Biddulph family activity trail
Saturday 11 July to Sunday 6 September 10am–5pm (last entry 4pm), free with admission
Explore the garden with activities inspired by Rob Biddulph’s latest book, ‘When I grow up I’d like to be...'
Step into a world of imagination this summer and be inspired by award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph. As you explore the garden, let his delightful book, ‘When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…’ spark dreams of your future – while enjoying the magic of today.
Follow the interactive trail, take part in activities and games. Bring along a drawing pad and pencils just in case you are inspired to draw. Don’t forget to stop by the Marycot in the Walled Garden for #DrawWithRob activities.
Rob Biddulph family activity trail
Draw with Rob Biddulph family workshops
Sessions take place on 12 and 26 August, 10.30 –11.30am and 1.30–2:30pm, (Ticketed event; pre-booking advised.)
Join award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph in an interactive family workshop.
Rob will bring to life his award-winning books and everyone will learn how to draw one of Rob’s amazing illustrations! Please bring a pencil, pen and notebook. You may also want to bring a clipboard or something else to lean on as you draw.
Children must attend with a ticketed adult. Under 3s go free with a paid child ticket. Bookings require at least one child, with a maximum of two adults per booking.
Ticketing
Child aged 3+ £10.00
Adult £6.00
Under 3s are free with a paid child ticket.
If you would like to explore the garden and house before or after the workshop, normal admission charges or National Trust membership will apply. Please check the opening times for the house and garden on our homepage to plan your visit.
Book signing
Following the workshops, Rob will be signing books in our shop at 12pm and 2.45pm on both workshop days (12 and 26 August). Rob Biddulph’s books are available to purchase from Chartwell’s National Trust shop.
Find out more and book tickets for Draw with Rob Biddulph family workshops.
Planning your family visit
- Children under 5 go free
- Accessible buggy-friendly paths highlighted on the Chartwell map
- Some parts of the woodland may present a challenge to buggies
- Baby changing facilities by the Visitor Centre and in the garden
- High chairs and children’s lunch boxes available in the café
- Picnic area with tables near the car park or bring a blanket and picnic on the slopes by the lakes
- Spotter sheet to complete as you explore the house
- Scooters and trikes and ball games are not suitable at Chartwell
Family-friendly things to do in the grounds
There's plenty of places to play and run around outdoors at Chartwell.
Treehouse
Be captivated by history and adventure in the treehouse at Chartwell. The Churchill family enjoyed their own treehouse here over 90 years ago. Children will love to climb up the two-storey structure to take in the lofty views before sliding back down to earth.
Swings
Head up to the Old Quarry to discover our swings. Each swing is engraved with the names and nicknames of Winston Churchill's children.
Bomb crater
During the Second World War, bombs allegedly fell on the estate at Chartwell as the planes left London. The crater left behind by one of these bombs is just the place to have some family fun. Children will enjoy testing their skills on the balance beams and using the ropes to escape the crater.
Canadian Camp
Canadians camped out in the woods at Chartwell during the Second World War. When there was an air raid they would cover up the lakes, so the German pilots wouldn't recognise Chartwell from the air. Hold your own make-believe camp here, 'cook' up a storm and plot your adventure.
Chickenham Palace
In our Walled Garden is the famous(ish) Chickenham Palace. It's home to all kinds of bantam chickens, each with their unique colouring and feathering. Which one will be your favourite?
Marycot
In a corner of the Walled Garden at Chartwell, you’ll find the enchanting ‘Marycot’, a little brick house built by Winston Churchill for his daughter Mary. A great place to play and let your imagination run wild.
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Upcoming events at Chartwell
Find out what’s on at Chartwell and what to look out for next. From tours and seasonal family trails to outdoor entertainment and special events. Browse key dates for the diary and links to pre-book where tickets are required.
Chartwell 60: Marking the 60th anniversary of Chartwell’s opening to the public
In 2026, the National Trust is marking 60 years since Chartwell opened to the public on 22 June 1966. With opportunities to discover our past, celebrate the present and contribute your own memories, find out more about how you can take part.
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.
Family-friendly places to visit
Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.
Family-friendly places in Kent
Find inspiration for your next family day out in Kent, with nature-themed activities ranging from spotting fish to bug hotels, spotter activities and trails with miles of space to run, explore and learn.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
