First time visiting Chartwell? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there.
Why visit Chartwell?
Chartwell was the much-loved home of Sir Winston Churchill and his family from 1924 until the end of his life. The house remains much as it was when Churchill lived there, filled with personal mementoes, books, and artworks.
The estate also features beautiful gardens, including a rose garden designed by Lady Churchill, a walled kitchen garden, and extensive woodlands.
How to get to Chartwell
By car: Use postcode TN16 1PS. Free parking is available for National Trust members; a £5 charge applies for non-members. Members can park for free by scanning their membership card at the machines or adding it in the JustPark app and checking in. Chartwell’s JustPark code is 80538.
By train: The nearest station with regular trains from London is Sevenoaks, approximately six miles away. From there, a taxi can take you to Chartwell.
By bus: Local bus services run from Sevenoaks to the area near Chartwell. Check local timetables for the best route.
Chartwell opening hours
Opening hours (typical)
- Daily: 10:00 to 17:00
- House entry: Timed tickets available from 11:00 to 15:40
- Last entry to the house is at 15:40
Be aware that these hours are merely typical, rather than standard. In winter, in particular, the hours can be somewhat erratic. There are also some days where the gardens are open but the house is closed. If you want to go inside Winston Churchill’s house, check the National Trust web page before setting off.
Chartwell ticket prices
- Adult (non-member): £22.00
- Child (5–17 years, non-member): £11.00
- Child under 5: Free
- Family (2 adults + 2 children, non-member): £55.00
- Family (1 adult + 3 children, non-member): £33.00
- National Trust members: Free entry and parking
- Carer: Free with a disabled visitor
Pre-booking is not required. Tickets are available on the day from the Visitor Centre on a first-come, first-served basis. Some afternoon house tickets (14:00–15:40) are available to book in advance. National Trust members should bring their membership card to show on entry if pre-booking.
Parking at Chartwell
Free parking is available for National Trust members. Non-members are required to pay £5 per car. Members can park for free by scanning their membership card at the machines or adding it in the JustPark app and checking in. Chartwell’s JustPark code is 80538.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
- The hilly location makes Chartwell unsuitable for mobility scooters.
- Getting to the house from the car park involves a steep path and 24 steps – although dropping guests with limited mobility off at the front of the house is permitted.
- There is no lift inside the house, although the ground floor is wheelchair accessible.
- The gardens are not fully accessible, but there are wheelchair-friendly routes.
- Chartwell has a café, shop and plant shop, plus toilets for visitor use. The accessible toilet is by the visitor centre.
Nearby attractions to combine in a day
- Hever Castle: The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, located about five miles away.
- Knole House: A historic house and deer park in Sevenoaks.
- Emmetts Garden: A National Trust property with stunning views and gardens.
- The Pooh Sticks Bridge, Heffalump Trap and other Winnie the Pooh sites in Ashdown Forest.
Other attractions in Kent worth considering include Leeds Castle, Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Hever Castle and the Chatham Historic Dockyard.
Key attractions linked to Winston Churchill elsewhere include the Churchill War Rooms in London, and Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. For Blenheim Palace, I’ve written guides to the quieter times to visit and whether you can visit with your dog.
FAQ: Practical questions
- Are the paths wheelchair-friendly? Some areas are step-free, but others may have uneven surfaces or steps. A mobility bus is usually available for those unable to negotiate steps, though it cannot accommodate mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs.
- Is there accessible parking? Yes, there are designated accessible parking spaces near the Visitor Centre.
- Can I bring my own food? Yes, picnic areas are available. The Landemare Café also offers hot and cold lunches, light snacks, and cakes.
- When is it quietest? Weekday mornings are generally quieter.
- Do I need to book online? Not required, but some afternoon house tickets are available to book in advance.
- Are dogs allowed? Dogs are welcome in the garden and park on short leads. Assistance dogs are permitted inside the house, studio, and shop.
All details are correct as of September 2025.
