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
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 Garden Cottage tearoom for #DrawWithRob activities.
Please note that the August Draw With Rob Workshops are sold out, but we hope to have more in the Christmas season.
Find out more about Rob Biddulph family events at Chartwell.
October Half Term Halloween Trail: We're Going on a Ghost Hunt
Saturday 3 October to Sunday 1 November, free with admission (Times vary before and after British Summer Time. Please check our homepage for the date you plan to visit.)
This Halloween, bring your little ghosts to Chartwell for a spook-tacular family adventure designed especially for under 8s!
Follow our ghost-filled trail through the garden and into the woodland. Along the way, discover eight spooky stops packed with fun games, activities and playful challenges. Keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky ghosts hiding along the route – can you spot them all? Once you've completed your ghost hunt, head to the shop to collect your special sticker reward.
A perfect Halloween outing for young families, full of seasonal fun, exploration and a little bit of spooky magic!
October Half Term Halloween Trail: We're Going on a Ghost Hunt
Rob Biddulph Festive Family Trail at Chartwell
The stories and illustrations created by Rob Biddulph inspires our Christmas season trail. More details coming soon.
Churchill's Colourful Christmas
Experience the magic and wonder of Christmas at Chartwell. Explore beautifully decorated rooms in the house inspired by Winston Churchill's love of painting. Enjoy festive trees, seasonal music and enchanting displays. More details coming soon.
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.
You may also be interested in
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.
Rob Biddulph family events at Chartwell
This summer, 'When I Grow Up I’d Like to Be…’ is the new family activity trail at Chartwell inspired by the stories and artwork of Rob Biddulph. Plus, Rob Biddulph himself will be coming to Chartwell on 12 and 26 August to lead ‘Draw With Rob’ interactive family workshops.
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 the top places to visit in Kent with your family during the summer holidays, with Pokémon themed activity trails, natural play areas and café stops whatever the weather. It's a Summer of Play to remember.
‘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’.
