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.

Upcoming family events

Chartwell Outdoor Cinema: Wonka

Friday 27 September, 17:30-21:00

Join us on the Parkland at Chartwell for a special screening of blockbuster musical Wonka, presented by Cinestock. As the sun sets, enjoy live music acts before the film begins at approximately 7pm. Bring blankets, cushions and chairs but please leave food, drink, gazebos, and pets at home. Snack and refreshment stands will be available to purchase food and drinks on the night.

Book tickets

October Half Term Trail: Jock's Pumpkin Party

Celebrate Jock-tober at Chartwell this half-term.

Saturday 26 October–Sunday 3 November 2024, 10:00–16:30

In the run-up to his pumpkin party, Jock has lost his pumpkins!

Pick up a trail sheet at the Visitor Centre and use the map to help Jock find his pumpkins in the gardens. Take part in spooky activities along the way.

Trails cost £3 and include a prize.

Come back again for Christmas at Chartwell

Festive Family Garden Trail

Saturday 23 November 2024–Sunday 5 January 2025, 10am–4pm (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 24–25 December)

Wrap up warm and explore gardens at Chartwell this Christmas with a family trail. Pick up a Christmas tree trail sheet from the Visitor Centre then search for our stamping stations to decorate it.

Trails cost £3 and include a prize.

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

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 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.

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

Jock VII, one of the long line of resident ginger cats, walks along a path at Chartwell, Kent

October Half Term Trail: Jock's Pumpkin Party

The original Jock was a gift to Winston Churchill on his 88th birthday. Celebrate Jock-tober at Chartwell this half-term. In the run-up to his pumpkin party, Jock has lost his pumpkins! Pick up a trail sheet at the Visitor Centre and use the map to help Jock find his pumpkins in the gardens. Take part in spooky activities along the way. Trails cost £3 and include a prize. Saturday 26 October–Sunday 3 November 2024, 10:00–16:30.