Visit Chartwell House: Winston Churchill’s historic home and gardens

Feb 06, 2023

Sir Winston Churchill is one of England’s most iconic figures, and his former homes continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Beyond his London residences, including Downing Street during his time as Prime Minister, Churchill had a charming country house in Kent, now cared for by the National Trust and open to the public.

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to explore Chartwell House & Gardens, the family home Churchill cherished from 1922 until shortly before his death in January 1965.

Chartwell House: explore Winston Churchill’s historic family home

We visited the estate on a biting cold day, which somehow made the atmosphere feel just right for exploring Churchill’s peaceful retreat.

Chartwell was Churchill’s beloved home, and the carefully preserved objects throughout the house offer a personal glimpse into his life and family.

Chartwell operates on a timed-entry system, and you can book tickets either online in advance or on the day.

It was fascinating to step into Churchill’s shoes and imagine his daily life at Chartwell. The house feels much as it did during his lifetime, with interior decorations largely unchanged since the 1930s.

Visitors can wander through the library, study, sitting room, and dining room, taking in the space where he lived and worked.

Chartwell is also filled with gifts he received, offering glimpses into historical events as well as a more personal view of Churchill and his family.

Sir Winston Churchill Studio

The Studio at Chartwell houses the largest collection of Churchill’s paintings, and it quickly became my favourite part of the visit!

Stepping into Winston Churchill’s studio felt like the best way to meet the man behind the politician.

Churchill had been painting landscapes and scenes from daily life for years, but after he resigned from government in 1955, his hobby turned into a real passion. He is said to have created over 550 paintings!

He only started painting at the age of 41, encouraged by his sister-in-law, Goonie, and it became a lifelong creative outlet.

Interestingly, Churchill rarely signed his work, usually adding his initials only when giving a painting away.

From sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits, the studio is full of pieces that reveal his skill at capturing the world around him. I was genuinely impressed by the quality and variety of his work.

Chartwell beautiful gardens

The gardens at Chartwell were lovingly shaped by both Winston and Clementine Churchill, and they perfectly reflect the couple’s personalities.

Lady Churchill’s taste shines through in the pastel pink and white roses, while Sir Winston’s influence is clear in the fruit and vegetable beds framed by the garden walls he helped build.

Beyond these cultivated areas, the estate also includes acres of woodland, a pond, and wide open meadows.

While wandering, you might spot a charming small building, Churchill’s former summer house, which he converted into a “butterfly house” so he could raise and release butterflies into the garden. That tradition continues today, adding a touch of whimsy to the grounds.

If you want to explore further, there are walking trails, art trails, and temporary exhibitions, giving visitors plenty of ways to enjoy Chartwell whether your interests lie in art, nature, or history.