The estate at Chartwell

A view of the lake and garden with the house in the distance in spring at Chartwell, Kent — The grounds at Chartwell | © National Trust Images / Kate York

You can get out into nature throughout the year here at Chartwell with so much to explore whatever the weather. Whether you fancy a quick stroll around the wider woodland that make up the estate, a wander across the Kent countryside or a climb up Mariners Hill to see panoramic views of the Weald, there’s a walk to suit you.

Head out on an autumnal walk around the grounds at Chartwell and enjoy panoramic views across the Weald of Kent. Pick up a walking trail from the Visitor Centre to explore nearby Mariner’s Hill or join the Weardale walk to neighbouring National Trust property Emmetts Garden.

Chartwell estate

Originally named for the Chart well on the property, the 800 acres of rolling farmland and woodland have been part of Chartwell since 1848 when the Colquhoun family owned the property. It wasn't until 1921 that the land was split into smaller lots at auction, with the house and 82 acres being bought in 1922 by Churchill.

Walking around the Chartwell Estate

Limpsfield Chart walk

Enjoy the three-hour circular walk combining Chartwell, Kent and Surrey. Take in the vistas traversing open countryside, wooded glades and passing the grave of Octavia Hill, one of the founders of the National Trust. This walk involves rough ground and steep slopes, so come prepared.

Chartwell estate walk

This 45-minute walk, perfect for children, explores the Chartwell estate. Discover a Second World War bomb crater, dens made of coppiced chestnut trees and a camp created in honour of the Canadian troops that were stationed at Chartwell in the Second World War.

Please speak to the visitor centre team on your arrival for copies of both of these walks.

Dog walking on Chartwell estate

Dogs are welcome off lead throughout the wider estate when there are no grazing livestock present. The wider estate includes the fields and woodlands which sit outside of the formal gardens, ponds and lakes.

Conservation cows

Belonging to a neighbouring farm, a herd of Angus-Hereford cross cows graze at Chartwell for the summer months, playing a vital role in outdoor conservation. As nature’s own lawnmowers, the cows help us naturally keep the grass down without us potentially damaging the ground with modern machinery.

Autumn highlights

The woodland at Chartwell transforms into a fiery landscape as the leaves turn an array of ambers, reds and yellows before falling. Look out for autumnal fungi, such as the fly agaric with its distinctive red cap and white spots and enjoy the crunching of leaves underfoot.

Fungi spotting

Fungi spotted at Chartwell should not be picked or eaten; they are often poisonous and form a vital part of the woodland ecosystem.

A summer view across the Weald of Kent from Mariners Hill, a National Trust countryside site in Kent — From Mariners Hill you can see for miles across the Weald of Kent | © National Trust / Rachael Warren

Mariners Hill near Chartwell

With panoramic views of the Weald, Mariners Hill is a fantastic spot to enjoy a good walk or just admire the surrounding countryside.

The wildlife in the area includes many native birds and an array of dead-wood invertebrates. The hill has several paths which form small circular walks or, for those with more time, there is the long-distance Greensand Way, which runs along the northern boundary.

The character of the wood was dramatically changed by the Great Storm of 1987, however damaged areas were left to recover naturally. These are now developing into maturing semi-natural woodlands. Don't miss a visit in spring when the woodland comes alive with a carpet of bluebells.

Walk in Octavia Hill’s footsteps

Celebrate the life of one of the National Trust's founders, Octavia Hill, on the Octavia Hill Centenary Trail and look out for:

Mariners Hill obelisk

The obelisk at Mariners Hill commemorates the land given to the National Trust through Octavia Hill's work. The land was given to us in remembrance of Octavia's mother Caroline Southwood Hill.

Holy Trinity Church

Take a small detour from Mariners Hill to visit the church at Crockham Hill. Here you can see Octavia's grave underneath the yew tree, as well as a stone memorial and stained-glass window illustrating her work.

How to get to Mariners Hill

Address: Hosey Common Road, Crockham Hill, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 6TB. Take the A25 to Westerham, then B2026 for Crockham Hill. After about 2 miles Mariners Hill will be on your left. Parking: Lay-by parking for three cars. Or, you can park at Chartwell (car parking is £4.40 per car – National Trust members can obtain a free parking ticket by scanning their membership card at the machines) and follow the Mariners Hill loop walk from the car park entrance.