Chartwell

The basics

Entry to the house at Chartwell is via timed tickets, which can be purchased in advance or on the day on a first-come first-served basis. Tours are self-guided, though guides are stationed in each room and can answer visitors’ questions and offer additional information. Entry to the house includes access to the gardens and the studio, where a collection of Churchill canvases are on show. If you don’t plan on visiting the house itself, opt for tickets for the gardens and studio only, which come at a reduced price.

Things to know before you go

• Chartwell is a must for history buffs, offering an in-depth look at the public and private life of Britain’s wartime leader.
• Chartwell offers restrooms, baby-changing facilities, a café, and picnic area.
• Pick up audio guides, which focus on different aspects of the garden, from the reception.
• The sitting room, hall, and library are accessible by manual wheelchair, though the rest of the house is not. Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed from the visitor center.

How to get there

Chartwell is in Kent in southeast England, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from London. Trains run from London Victoria to Edenbridge, which is about 4 miles (6 kilometers) away. There are no buses running from Edenbridge to Chartwell, so visitors who come by train will need to take a taxi to the property.

When to get there

The studio and gardens can be visited year-round. The house, however, closes for most of winter (November through February) opening only for select weekends during the Christmas period.

The Estate

As well as landscaped gardens—including a rose garden and a kitchen garden complete with edible crops—the estate also encompasses a playhouse built by Churchill for his daughter Mary, and some 80 acres (32 hectares) of farmland and woods. Walking trails around the gardens lead to various points of interest including a treehouse, a World War II bomb crater, and a camp made by the Canadian troops who were stationed here during World War II.

Are there tours of Chartwell?

Yes, there are tours of Chartwell—the family home of former UK Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. A tour is a great way to learn about Churchill’s family life and hobbies, such as his love of art and painting. These tours showcase different parts of the house, including Churchill’s bedroom.

How do you get to Chartwell from London?

The easiest way to get to Chartwell from London is to take a train from London Victoria Station to Bromley South. You can then get bus 246 to Westerham, and there’s a signposted 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) walk to Chartwell. Or you can get a 30-minute taxi directly to Chartwell from Bromley South.

When was Chartwell House built?

While Chartwell House dates back to the early 16th century, the house was remodeled and renovated many times. Winston and his wife, Clementine Churchill, bought the house in 1922 and made many changes, including installing a pool and turning the stables into a painting studio.

Do you need to book to visit Chartwell House?

No, you don’t need to book in advance to visit Chartwell House; you can buy admission tickets on the same day from the on-site visitor center. During busy periods and special events, tickets sometimes sell out, so book in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.

Who owns Chartwell in England?

The National Trust owns Chartwell House. In 1946, Winston Churchill was considering selling Chartwell due to financial pressures. So, a group of his friends bought Chatwell and then passed it over to the National Trust, stipulating that the Churchills maintain a life tenancy.

How long did Churchill live in Chartwell?

Winston Churchill lived at Chartwell from 1924 until he died in 1965. His wife Clementine handed Chartwell to the National Trust in 1965, and it opened to the public in 1966. Since then, it has been preserved with memorabilia and original furnishings so you can experience how Churchill lived.