National Trust Visiting Chartwell

Exploring Winston Churchill’s Historic Kent Home

A Perfect Stop Before Our Dutch Adventure

On 10th April, we were making our way towards a hotel for an overnight stay before catching the Channel Tunnel and beginning an eight-week trip around the Netherlands. Rather than heading straight there, we decided to break up the journey with a visit to Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill.

Set amongst the rolling countryside of Kent, Chartwell is one of the National Trust’s most popular properties. As soon as we arrived, it was easy to understand why Churchill fell in love with the place.

Discovering Winston Churchill’s Family Home

Chartwell was much more than the home of Britain’s wartime Prime Minister. It was a place where Churchill could relax, write, paint and spend time with his family.

Walking through the house felt surprisingly personal. Family photographs, books, furniture and mementoes help tell the story of the people who lived here. Instead of feeling like a grand stately home, Chartwell feels lived in and welcoming.

Churchill’s Study

This was where he spent countless hours writing books, articles and speeches. Standing in the room, it was fascinating to imagine some of the most important words of the twentieth century being written here.

The study offers a real glimpse into Churchill’s working life and is a must-see room within the house. The room still feels very personal, almost as if he has just stepped out for a short walk in the gardens. His desk, books and personal items are all carefully preserved, giving a strong sense of atmosphere. From this very spot, ideas were shaped that influenced major decisions during turbulent times. We found ourselves pausing for longer than expected, just taking it all in. It is one of those spaces that quietly stays with you long after the visit ends.

Exploring the Beautiful Chartwell Gardens

After touring the house, we headed outside to explore the gardens.

The grounds are every bit as impressive as the interior. Well-maintained flower beds, sweeping lawns and peaceful pathways make Chartwell a wonderful place for a stroll.

Spring was beginning to show itself during our visit, bringing colour to the gardens and adding to the charm of the estate.

The Lake and Countryside Views

One of our favourite spots was the large lake below the house.

The water reflects the surrounding trees and provides some lovely views back towards the property. We spent a while simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and taking in the scenery.

From various points around the estate, there are wonderful views across the Kent countryside. On a clear day, they stretch for miles.

Churchill the Bricklayer

Many visitors know Churchill as a politician and wartime leader. Fewer know that he enjoyed bricklaying as a hobby.

Around the estate, several walls and structures were built by Churchill himself. It is a fascinating detail and reveals another side of his character.

Seeing his handiwork around the grounds adds a personal touch to the visit.

Chartwell During the Second World War

When the Second World War began, Chartwell took on a very different role. Winston Churchill spent much of the war in London, where he could remain close to the Government and military command centres. As a result, Chartwell was largely closed up and was not used as the Churchill family’s main residence during the conflict.

The house itself escaped the bombing that affected many parts of Britain, but maintaining such a large property during wartime was difficult. Churchill’s close friends helped support the estate financially, ensuring that Chartwell could be preserved while he concentrated on leading the country through its darkest days.

A Home Worth Saving

Although Churchill spent relatively little time at Chartwell during the war years, the house remained deeply important to him. It represented normal family life away from the pressures of politics and conflict. After the war ended, Churchill returned to Chartwell and once again enjoyed painting, writing and spending time in the gardens he loved so much.

Today, visitors can walk through the same rooms and grounds that provided Churchill with a peaceful escape from the enormous responsibilities of wartime leadership. It adds another layer of significance to a visit and helps explain why Chartwell was such a special place in his life.

Churchill the Artist: Paintings and Creativity at Chartwell

A Different Side to Winston Churchill

When we think of Winston Churchill, we often picture wartime speeches, politics and leadership under pressure. However, at Chartwell, we discover a very different side to him. He was also a passionate and surprisingly skilled artist.

In fact, painting became one of his greatest escapes from the demands of public life. After the intensity of meetings, decisions and speeches, he would turn to art for calm. It offered him a rare chance to slow down and simply observe the world around him.

How Painting Became His Escape

Churchill began painting in his 40s, and it became a lifelong passion from that moment on. At Chartwell, he would often set up his easel in the gardens. Sometimes he painted the lake. Other times, he captured the rolling Kent countryside or the house itself.

Importantly, painting gave him balance. It was not about perfection. Instead, it was about relaxation and expression. He once described it as a “joyful relief”, and that feeling is easy to understand when standing in the peaceful surroundings of Chartwell.

Moreover, painting allowed him to switch off from political pressure. While the world expected leadership, Chartwell gave him colour, light and silence.

The Paintings Inside Chartwell

Today, many of Churchill’s original paintings are displayed inside the house. As we walked through the rooms, we were surprised by both the number and quality of his works.

The collection includes landscapes, still life pieces and scenes inspired by his travels. Some are bold and expressive, while others are soft and atmospheric. Although he was never formally trained, his work shows real confidence with colour and composition.

One of the most striking aspects is how personal the paintings feel. They are not created for galleries or critics. Instead, they reflect places he knew and loved. As a result, they give visitors a unique insight into how he saw the world.

Painting at Chartwell’s Outdoor Studio

Chartwell itself became his outdoor studio. He painted directly from nature, often standing in the same gardens visitors walk through today. The lake was one of his favourite subjects. It offered reflections, movement and changing light throughout the day.

Additionally, the surrounding countryside provided endless inspiration. Hills, trees and open skies appear repeatedly in his work. We could easily imagine him setting up his easel in the same spots, taking in the view before adding it to canvas.

A Lifelong Creative Passion

Even during the most difficult periods of his political career, Churchill continued to paint whenever possible. After the Second World War, he spent more time at Chartwell and returned to painting with even greater enthusiasm.

Interestingly, he often painted alongside family and friends. These moments were relaxed and informal, far removed from the seriousness of Westminster.

Furthermore, painting remained important to him right into later life. It was not just a hobby. It was a way of thinking, reflecting and finding calm.

Why Churchill’s Art Still Matters

Today, Churchill’s paintings at Chartwell help us understand him more humanly. They show patience, curiosity and a desire to appreciate beauty even in difficult times.

Most importantly, they remind us that creativity can exist alongside responsibility. Even a wartime leader needed space to breathe, observe and create.

As we left Chartwell, the artwork stayed with us. It added warmth to the history of the house and revealed a quieter, more reflective side of one of Britain’s most famous figures. It is this contrast that makes Chartwell so memorable, and why Churchill’s paintings remain such an essential part of the experience.

Chartwell Café: A Relaxing Stop in the Gardens

The café at Chartwell offers a welcome break after exploring the house and gardens. Set within the National Trust grounds, it blends perfectly into the peaceful countryside setting. Inside, there is a selection of light lunches, sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks, all served in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

We found it ideal for a quick rest before heading back out to the gardens. The seating area feels bright and airy, with views towards the greenery outside. Although it can get busy at peak times, service is efficient. It is a simple but enjoyable spot that fits the charm of Chartwell perfectly.

Winston Churchill and the Nobel Prize in Literature

Churchill received the award for his mastery of historical and biographical writing, as well as his powerful oratory. The Nobel Committee specifically recognised his ability to turn history into compelling narrative, particularly in works such as The Second World War and Marlborough: His Life and Times.

The award highlighted something often overlooked. Churchill was not only a statesman and wartime leader, but also a highly productive writer. He published books, essays and speeches throughout his life, often funding his lifestyle through writing in his early years.

Why he won it

The Nobel Committee praised his “brilliant description of historical and biographical events” and his skill in defending human values through words. His wartime speeches, including “We shall fight on the beaches”, also contributed to his reputation as one of the most influential voices of the 20th century.

A notable detail

Churchill is one of the few people to receive a Nobel Prize for literature while also being a major political leader during the events he wrote about. It makes his award quite unique in Nobel history.

If you’d like, I can also turn this into a blog section about Chartwell and his writing life, tying it back to the study and the house.

Is Chartwell Worth Visiting?

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Chartwell.

The combination of history, beautiful gardens and stunning countryside views makes it a rewarding day out. Whether you are interested in Winston Churchill, historic houses or simply enjoy exploring National Trust properties, there is plenty to see.

For us, it was the perfect way to begin our European adventure. Before setting off for eight weeks in the Netherlands, we spent a few relaxing hours exploring one of Kent’s most famous homes, and we were glad we did.

Location of Chartwell- National Trust Property

Chartwell Address

Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS

Website Chartwell House

Accommodation near Chartwell Westerham Kent

Kent Accommodation

10 Amazing Places to Visit Near Chartwell, Kent: National Trust Gems and Top Attractions

If you’re visiting Chartwell, don’t rush home afterwards. The surrounding area is packed with historic houses, beautiful gardens, castles and family attractions. Here are ten excellent places to add to your itinerary.

1. Emmetts Garden

Just a few minutes from Chartwell, this National Trust garden is famous for its colourful displays, woodland walks and panoramic views across the Kent countryside. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful.

2. Quebec House

Another National Trust property nearby, Quebec House was the childhood home of General James Wolfe. It is a small but fascinating historic house located in the centre of Westerham.

3. Ightham Mote

One of the finest medieval manor houses in England. Surrounded by a moat and beautiful gardens, this National Trust property feels like stepping back in time.

4. Knole

Managed by the National Trust, Knole is a spectacular country house set within a vast deer park. The estate has over 1,000 acres to explore.

5. Scotney Castle

A picture-perfect National Trust property featuring a romantic moated castle, Victorian country house and stunning landscaped gardens.

6. Hever Castle

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn is one of Kent’s most popular attractions. Visitors can explore the castle, gardens, maze and beautiful lakeside walks.

7. Penshurst Place

This magnificent historic house has connections to King Henry VIII and boasts some of the oldest formal gardens in England.

8. Westerham

The charming market town closest to Chartwell. Wander through its historic streets, browse independent shops and enjoy a meal in one of the traditional pubs.

9. Chiddingstone Village

Often described as one of England’s most picturesque villages, Chiddingstone is filled with Tudor buildings and old-world charm.

10. Edenbridge and Oxted Railway

For those who enjoy scenic countryside drives and walks, the surrounding area offers beautiful villages, rolling hills and excellent walking routes through the Kent Downs and High Weald.

Make a Full Day of Your Chartwell Visit

Chartwell may be the star attraction, but it is surrounded by some of the best historic houses, gardens and countryside in the South East. Combining Chartwell with one or two of these nearby attractions can easily turn a few hours out into a memorable day exploring the heart of Kent.

A Nearby National Trust Property: National Trust Knole Kent

For the Love of Travel – National Trust Properties England

National Trust Knole Kent