If having a seasonal nosey around the former family gaff and garden of Winston Churchill sounds like something you’d enjoy, then allow me to point you in the direction of Chartwell; an outrageously gorgeous spot where you can do exactly that.
Picture-perfectly perched just outside of London, Chartwell is a Grade I listed buildingmanaged by the National Trust, that served as the home of the former Prime Minister and his family for 40 years. The Churchill’s lived at Chartwell (blimey, try saying that three times after a few glasses of mulled wine) from 1924-1964. And this Christmasyou can pay the house a festive visit – and even attend a Christmas market in its rather glorious grounds.
Christmas at Chartwell
As per usual, Chartwell’s festive fun kicks off with the annual Christmas fair. This year, the fair is taking place from November 20 – November 23and visitors will be able to take a wintery wander through a wide range of stalls, selling unique gifts, homemade crafts, and delicious food and drinks. From that point forward, Chartwell’s Christmassy calendar is as jam-packed as Santa’s sleigh, to be quite honest with you. From carol concerts and wreath-making workshops to house tours and garden trails; there really is something for everybody to enjoy.
Inside the house, visitors can explore various rooms, each of which have been elaborately decorated with dazzling displays, inspired by Churchill’s love of animals. There are decorations dedicated to the butterflies that he raised and released, the golden orfe fish that he fed in the pond, and – of course – Jock, his beloved cat. House tours can be taken at various times between November 20 and January 4and knowledgeable room guides will be on hand to regale tales of Churchill Christmases gone by. Outside in the gardens, visitors can embark on a family-friendly Christmas trail. But if you’d rather be left to your own devices, guests can take a nice seasonal stroll through the frost-covered gardens.
Getting to Chartwell from London
Chartwell is approximately an hour’s drive from central Londonand there is parking on site (free for National Trust members). Non-drivers can hop on a speedy and direct train to Oxtedand then take a short onwards bus-ride from there.
📍 Mapleton Road, Westerham, TN16 1PS.
Find out more and plan your festive visit to Chartwell here.
