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
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.)
We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ this Halloween at Chartwell. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run!
Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around the grounds at Chartwell with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way.
Pick your bunny name, play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick, and watch out for the warty toads as you cross the stepping stones, before joining the celebration party and collecting your sticker.
This trail is ideal for preschoolers and young children.
Trail free (with normal admission).
October Half Term Halloween Trail: We're Going on a Ghost Hunt
We're Going on a Ghost Hunt storytelling sessions
27, 28 October, 10.30–11.15am, 11.30am–12.15pm, 1pm–1.45pm
Hop into Halloween with a special storyteller event celebrating We're Going on a Ghost Hunt!
Follow The Bunnies of Hoppity Hill as they search for hidden ghosts, discover pumpkins, bats and owls, and enjoy a wonderfully spooky adventure together. Packed with storytelling fun, music and gentle spookiness, it's the perfect event for little trick-or-treaters.
This free, indoor event takes place in the Mulberry Room above the Landemere Café.
Plan your visit for We're Going on a Ghost Hunt storytelling sessions.
Rob Biddulph Festive Family Trail at Chartwell
Thursday 19 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), 10am–4pm (last entry 3.30 pm).
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 seasonal fun inspired by the picture book by award-winning author and illustrator, Rob Biddulph. Return to the Visitor Centre to collect your prize. Trails are £3.50 and include a prize (normal admission or National Trust membership applies).
Paint your own 'Jock the cat'—Festive Family Painting Workshop at Chartwell
6 December 2026, 11am–1pm
Get creative together in this festive family painting workshop inspired by Jock, Winston Churchill's beloved marmalade cat. Guided by a practising artist, participants of all abilities will learn painting techniques while creating a colourful portrait to take home.
This relaxed and welcoming workshop uses gouache paint and is designed for everyone to enjoy (suitable for ages 7+). All materials are provided, making this the perfect Christmas activity for budding artists, animal lovers and families looking to create special memories together.
Accompanying adults are welcome to attend with their child for free or can book an additional painting place to create their own artwork alongside them. Places are limited for this event; pre-booking is essential. Tickets are £30 person. Please note ticket sales are underway for this workshop and will end midnight Sunday 29 November.
Find out more and book tickets for Paint your own 'Jock the cat'—Festive Family Painting Workshop at Chartwell.
Draw with Rob Biddulph festive family workshops
12 December 2026, 10.30–11.30am and 1.30–2:30pm
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). Tickets for the summer workshops sold out approximately 3 weeks in advance, early pre-booking is strongly recommended. Book workshop tickets.
Find out more about Rob Biddulph family events at Chartwell.
Churchill's Colourful Christmas
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. During the Christmas season, the house is open for self-led timed ticketholders 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.
More information about what's on during the Christmas season is available in this Christmas at Chartwell web article. Discover more including the Christmas Market, Christmas Carols and other Christmas season visiting tips.
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, balance bikes, bikes, 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.
Rob Biddulph family events at Chartwell
This Christmas season, ‘I Follow the Fox’ 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 December 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 the Autumn Festival.
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