Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell

A family on a winter walk along a path with lights at Chartwell, Kent — A family on a winter walk at Chartwell, Kent | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

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

Christmas activities 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 small prize.

See the house decorated for Christmas

Christmas decorations in the house take on a champagne theme to celebrate the 150 years since the birth of Sir Winston Churchill, but the kids will enjoy a free, family-friendly spotter trail.

House open 23 November to 23 December 2023, 11:30am to 2:20pm. House tickets will be available from the Visitor Centre on the day, normal admission applies. Find out more.

Christmas Carols at Chartwell

We are delighted to welcome singers and bands to bring the magic of Christmas music to Chartwell on selected dates in November and December. Wrap up warm and head over to the grounds to sing along to Christmas carols with family and friends. For dates, times and more information, see our upcoming events listings.

Jock’s Winter Wander February half term trail

Saturday 15 February–Friday 28 February 2025

This February half-term, go on a winter wander with Jock, Chartwell’s famous cat.

When the 1927 blizzard transformed Chartwell into a winter wonderland, the Churchill family and their guests made the most of the freezing temperatures. Step back in time with Jock to join in the winter fun and games. Purchase a trail sheet at the Visitor Centre and follow the map to find the activity stations. Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your 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.