Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell

A family on a winter walk along a path with lights at Chartwell, Kent — A family on a winter walk at Chartwell, Kent | © ©National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

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.

Planning your family visit

Children under 5 go free
Family-friendly audio guides available from the Visitor Centre
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 are not suitable at Chartwell

Family-friendly events

Storybook Christmas trail

25 November – 7 January, 10am–4pm. Normal admission plus £3 per trail including a prize.

New for this Christmas, discover a magical sculpture trail of storybook characters through the Walled Garden.

Pass the red guards at the entrance and explore the garden to see if you can find the White Rabbit, Black Beauty and Cinderella’s sparkling carriage, overflowing with pumpkins. Meet the Tin Man, spot the Hungry Caterpillar and even board a pirate ship along the way. Don’t miss the Narnian-inspired doorway into the Marycot.

Choose your favourite characters and design the ultimate Christmas dinner guest list to complete this festive family trail.

Christmas storytelling

Head to our cosy cottage to listen to classic children's stories. Warm up with a hot chocolate and some festive treats.

11 & 14 December (pre-school) 18 & 21 December (ages 4+) 11am-12pm & 1pm-2pm £5. Booking essential.

Family visitors in the house at Trelissick looking up at a decorated Christmas tree together, Trelissick, Cornwall — Enjoy a festive family visit to Chartwell | © National Trust / Steve Hayward

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. Climb up the two-storey structure to take in the lofty views before sliding back down to earth. As you play you'll learn the wonderful stories of the Churchill family, who enjoyed their own treehouse here over 90 years ago.

Swings and seesaws

Head up to the Old Quarry to discover our swings. Each swing is engraved with the names and nicknames of Winston Churchill's children. How high can you go? Don't forget to bring an adult to do the pushing. You can also have a go on the seesaws - made by our countryside team using wood from the estate.

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. Can you use the ropes to escape the crater? Only one way to find out.

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 camp here, relax in the hammocks, '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.