Chartwell

Chartwell is a country house with gardens just outside Westerham in Kent, South East England. For over forty years it was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill, and today the National Trust runs it as a visitor attraction that shows how the Churchills actually lived.

Why visit Chartwell?

Churchill bought the estate in September 1922 and had the house remodelled in 1923–24 to designs by architect Philip Tilden. He lived here until shortly before his death in January 1965. Rooms still hold his books, personal belongings and family keepsakes, so the house feels lived in rather than staged. Friends of Churchill bought the property and gave it to the National Trust in 1946, and it opened to the public in 1966. The estate covers roughly 82 acres.

What is its heritage status?

The house is a Grade I listed building (National Heritage List for England, entry 1272626, listed 1975). The grounds have their own entry (1000263) on the Register of Parks and Gardens at Grade II*. The Churchills laid out the garden in the early to mid twentieth century, and garden designer Lanning Roper later left his mark on it.

What will you see?

• The house: living rooms and mementos from Churchill's life.
• The gardens: Lady Churchill's formal rose garden and the walled kitchen garden, which Winston helped build.
• The painting studio: Churchill took up painting in the 1920s, and his canvases hang where he worked.
• The wider grounds: open views across the Kent countryside.

When should you go and how does it work?

The address is Mapleton Road, Westerham, TN16 1PS. According to the National Trust, the garden normally opens 10:00 to 17:00 and the house from 11:00, with last entry around 15:40. Hours and prices change with the season, so check the National Trust website before you travel. The gardens look best from late spring through summer, when the roses bloom. Plan a few hours to cover everything. In 2026 the site marks 60 years since it opened to visitors on 22 June 1966, with extra displays and guided talks during the season.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chartwell open to the public?

Yes. The National Trust manages it and charges admission, while members enter free. Opening days depend on the season.

How long does a visit take?

Allow three to four hours for the house, gardens and studio, longer on a sunny day.

Can I see Churchill's paintings?

Yes, his works are displayed in the studio on the estate.

Are the house and garden listed?

Yes. The house is Grade I listed and the garden is registered at Grade II*.