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Historical places #1 in Sevenoaks

National Trust - Chartwell

4.7 · 7,245 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
National Trust - Chartwell, Mapleton Rd, Westerham TN16 1PS, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

Churchill personally designed and built the brick walls and swimming pool on the estate during his time away from office.

2

The garden features a 'Golden Orfe' pond, which Churchill famously ensured was always stocked with fish he could feed by hand.

3

Churchill's studio houses the largest collection of his paintings in the world, totaling roughly 150 works.

4

The house includes a dedicated 'Map Room' where Churchill kept up-to-date with military movements during the Second World War.

5

In 1946, a group of his friends purchased Chartwell to ensure it would be preserved for the nation, gifting it to the National Trust.

6

The kitchen garden was productive enough to provide almost all the vegetables for the household during the 1930s.

7

Churchill maintained a lifelong interest in bricklaying, and several of the estate's walls were constructed by his own hand.

8

The house contains gifts from various world leaders, including intricate items from high-profile diplomatic exchanges.

Overview

Chartwell was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until 1964. The property contains his extensive collection of personal belongings, including his Nobel Prize in Literature and various political awards. Visitors can explore the studio where Churchill produced over 500 paintings, many of which remain on display. The house retains its 1930s decor and layout, preserved as it was during the family's residency. Beyond the residence, the estate spans 80 acres featuring terraced gardens designed by Churchill himself. The landscape includes a kitchen garden, a lake, and a swimming pool added by Churchill in the 1930s. The site is managed by the National Trust and is located on the edge of the Kent Weald. The interiors showcase his 'writing room' and the desk where he drafted many of his wartime speeches.

Photo spot

The bench overlooking the terrace lawn offers the classic view of the house exterior and the surrounding valley.

Insider tips

Pre-book a timed entry slot to guarantee access to the house interior, as it is often fully booked in advance.

Walk the perimeter trail of the estate for elevated views of the Kent countryside.

Check the National Trust website for house availability, as rooms occasionally close for conservation work.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to park in the narrow country lanes surrounding the estate, as the official car park is the only designated area for visitors.

Good to know

The main house may close for winter conservation periods; check seasonal availability before planning a trip.

Etiquette

No photography is permitted inside the historic rooms of the main house.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring for the blooming of the rose garden, or autumn for the changing colors of the woodland trails.
Address
National Trust - Chartwell, Mapleton Rd, Westerham TN16 1PS, United Kingdom
51.244, 0.083
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsChurchill's painting studio, the Map Room, and the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Estate featuresTerraced gardens, brick walls built by Churchill, and the kitchen garden.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring for the blooming of the rose garden, or autumn for the changing colors of the woodland trails..

The bench overlooking the terrace lawn offers the classic view of the house exterior and the surrounding valley.

Close by you'll find National Trust - Emmetts Garden, Hever Castle & Gardens, National Trust - Toys Hill.