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Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell

Children playing in the garden and jumping off a tree stump at Chartwell, Kent
Children playing in the garden at Chartwell, Kent | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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

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’.

Find out about the many ways to join in the Chartwell 60 celebrations from 23 May to 19 July and beyond.

• 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.

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
Children playing at Chartwell's treehouse.
Children playing at Chartwell's treehouse. | © Sam Milling

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.

A long view of the red brick house at Chartwell in Kent with a sweeping lawn running up to the terrace of the house and trees surrounding the grounds

Discover more at Chartwell

Find out when Chartwell is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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.

Surrey Jive Dancers performing 1940s swing dancing tricks

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.

Historic image of a queue of men, women and children following a path to the ticket booth on the day The National Trust first opened Chartwell to the public 22 June 1966. A sign with opening times and prices is in the grass beside the queue of people.

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 Easter Adventures.

A woman and a child enjoy looking at daffodils in springtime.

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.

A family of four walking across the grass parkland at Knole in Kent looking for clues on a family trail activity

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.

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‘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’.

A boy playing in a tree at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

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