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Chartwell

Chartwell, near Westerham in Kent, was Winston Churchill's home from 1922, although he was unable to live there during the years of the Second World War due to the risk of bombing. Churchill frequently found himself barely able to afford Chartwell, and in 1947 a group of his friends bought the house, allowing him to continue living there, and ensuring its preservation after his death. Chartwell was opened to the public in 1966. The house can be toured, where there is an exhibition of items relating to Churchill. The gardens can also be enjoyed.

Visting Chartwell gives a good sense of Churchill's personality. It is expansive, with wide open views. But there are also hidden corners. It was built to impress, and yet somehow lacks the grandeur of a stately home: it is nothing like Blenheim Palace, Churchill's birthplace, for example. There is a rather touching feeling of trying to keep up appearances, of looking better than you can really afford to be. Churchill came from an aristocratic background, while his manner was more neutral and difficult to classify socially. His house is overbearing and impressive, but there is also a wendy house for the children, and a garden wall Churchill built himself, and was clearly proud of, since he inscribed his name on it. I couldn't help thinking of my own, slightly smaller scale, DIY. If I built a wall I would also put my name on it. I've been tempted to go for an inscription after laying a new floor in the bedroom.

 

Opening Times: The house opens from 15th March 2008 to 29th June, Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm. From 1st July to 31st August Tuesday to Sunday and from 3rd September to 2nd November Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm. The shop and garden stay open 11am to 4pm from 5th November to 21st December 2008 and from 11am to 3pm 27th December 2008 to 31st January 2009 Wednesday to Sunday. Last admission 4.15pm.

 

Directions: leave the M25 at exit 5 or 6 and follow the A25 to the B2026. Fork left off the B2026 after about a mile and a half. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Chartwell. Note the large lake on the satellite image. This was a potential reference point for enemy bombers, and was one of the reasons Churchill had to abandon Chartwell during the war years.

Access: there is designated disabled parking in the car park, but the car park is on a slope and is not easy for people with mobility problems. Special arrangements can be made to park near the house. Contact Chartwell. There is a drop off point nearby. The house has steps and stairs, and only the ground floor is accessible via a ramp. A photograph album tour is available. There is an adapted toilet adjacent to the visitors centre, not in the main block. The gardens are partly accessible. There are slopes and grass paths in many areas. The shops and restaurant are accessible. In the restaurant there is a large print menu, accessible tables and a low level counter. For people with sight problems there is a large print guide and a Braille guide.

 

Contact:

phone: 01732 868381

e-mail: chartwell@nationaltrust.org.uk

web site: www.nationaltrust.org