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
VE Day 80 for families at Chartwell
Join us as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Chartwell, the family home of Britain’s wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill with dedicated programming, new tours, exhibitions and special events throughout May. We've highlighted some of the family-friendly events below. For the full details of what's on, please read our VE Day 80 article.
VE Day 80 Children's Trail
Thursday 1–Saturday 31 May, 10am–4pm.
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day at Chartwell, the family home of Britain’s wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill with special events and programming throughout May.
The children’s trail in the garden lasts all month long, not just the May half term. Bring the family to take part in activities and find out about wartime life at Chartwell and VE Day celebrations. Normal admission applies plus £3 per trail including a prize.
Living History Characters
Early May Bank Holiday Weekend 3–5 May
Throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, living history characters from ‘UP AN’ AT ‘EM HISTORY’ present family-friendly demonstrations and hands-on activities. Booking not needed. Free with normal admission or National Trust membership.
Music and dance performances
Saturday 10 May
Surrey Jive bring 1940s style dancing to Chartwell, performing outside, in front of the house 12–2.30pm.
The Medway Concert Brass band will be performing in the grounds 2–4pm. Enjoy sounds from the 1940s with a classic mix of joyful and celebratory tunes.
These events are free with normal admission or National Trust membership and booking is not needed.
Sunday 11 May
Swing Thing performs 1940s style dancing outdoors, in front of the house 11am–12noon and 12.30–1.30pm.
Biggin Hill Concert Band will be performing in the grounds 2–4pm. Enjoy popular classic tunes.
These events are free with normal admission or National Trust membership and booking is not needed.
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
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 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.
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