Chartwell

Chartwell was Winston Churchill's family home from 1924 until his death in 1965, set in the Kent Weald near Westerham. The National Trust has maintained the house largely as it was during his lifetime, with the rooms retaining their original furnishings and the study left as it was when he was working. The collection on display includes Churchill's personal papers, gifts from world leaders, military memorabilia and a significant number of his own paintings -- he was a prolific amateur artist throughout his adult life.

The painting studio is housed in a separate building in the gardens and contains over 550 canvases displayed in the style of a working studio rather than a gallery. It is one of the most singular rooms in any National Trust property in England and tends to be less busy than the main house. The kitchen garden was one of Churchill's personal projects and the walls throughout were laid by him directly -- a detail the room guides can point out. The estate extends to 80 acres of grounds, gardens and woodland, with a walk that passes a two-storey treehouse he built for his children.

Timed entry is required for the house and must be booked through the National Trust website; last entry is 3:40pm. Oxted station is around 5 miles from the estate and a taxi is the most practical connection. The B2026 approach road is narrow and the car park fills at weekends in summer; National Trust members should park free but arrival before 11am is advised.