Tonbridge Bean

Looking for a perfect day out that combines a rewarding walk with a dash of English heritage? Just a short drive from Tonbridge, you can lace up your boots, stretch your legs on the beautiful Weardale Walk, and visit two of the National Trust’s finest properties in one go: Emmetts Garden and Chartwell.

Here’s how to plan your day.

Getting to Emmetts Garden from Tonbridge

Starting in Tonbridge, it’s a simple 25-minute drive to Emmetts Garden. Follow the A21 southbound, taking the exit for Sevenoaks/Weald and then heading west towards Ide Hill. You’ll find clear brown signs directing you to Emmetts. There’s a National Trust car park on site (free for members; a small charge for non-members).

If you’d prefer public transport (although it’s not the easiest place to get to), take a train from Tonbridge to Sevenoaks (just 10 minutes), then catch a taxi to Emmetts Garden — about a 15-minute ride.

Walking the Weardale Walk: From Emmetts to Chartwell

In total the Weardale Walk is 8km or 3 miles. We are hardy walkers and found it a little challenging, but not impossible. Set aside 3 hours for walking on the Weardale Trail, plus 2-3 hours for exploring both National Trust properties. Find full details for the walk here.

From the gardens at Emmetts, the Weardale Walk leads you on a gorgeous countryside trail, weaving through ancient woodlands, rolling hills, and picturesque meadows. The walk to Chartwell is around 2 miles — a gentle stretch that takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how often you stop to admire the views or puff up the hills.

It’s mostly well-signposted and relatively easy-going, though walking boots are a good idea, especially if it’s been raining. Expect a few short inclines, muddy patches, and plenty of bluebells and wildflowers in springtime.

At Chartwell, you can relax, explore, and refuel before completing the full circular walk back to Emmets Garden (3 more miles) or arranging transport back to Tonbridge.

Emmetts Garden: An Edwardian Garden in Full Bloom

Before setting off on the walk, take your time to explore Emmetts Garden. Once the private estate of banker Frederic Lubbock, Emmetts is now a charming National Trust property known for its sweeping views across the Weald of Kent.

The gardens are a riot of colour, especially in late spring and early summer. Rhododendrons, bluebells, and exotic trees from around the world paint the landscape. There’s a delightful rock garden, rose garden, and some lovely woodland trails if you fancy a gentle pre-walk stroll.

Don’t miss the Edwardian house (not open inside, but attractive from the outside) and the tearoom, perfect for a pre-walk coffee and slice of cake.

Chartwell: Churchill’s Country Retreat

Your reward for the walk is Chartwell, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1922 until his death. The house remains much as Churchill left it, full of personal mementos, books, and paintings. Walking through the rooms, you get a real sense of Churchill the man — not just the politician. The studio is open on some days too, so you can see some of Churchill’s 500 paintings.

Outside, the gardens are just as inspiring. There’s the kitchen garden that still grows heritage vegetables, the lakes and more.

Chartwell has two cafés with hot meals and snacks, and a gift shop packed with Churchill memorabilia if you’re feeling tempted. The cafe in the carpark is not as pretty as the one in the grounds.

---

Top Tips for the Day:

• Footwear: Good walking shoes or boots are recommended.
• Picnic or café?: Both properties have great cafés, but you could also bring a picnic for the walk.
• Timing: Allow at least two to three hours to explore both properties, plus three hours for walking.
• National Trust membership: Worth it if you’re visiting both, as entry fees add up.
• Book Chartwell tickets in advance: It’s best to book your Chartwell House visit in advance. You’ll be given a ten minute entry slot so that you can enjoy the house without crowds.
• Pop by a vineyard or brewery too: if you want to relax a little after the walk, head to either Squerrys Vineyard or Westerham Brewery, both are close.

Have you subscribed?

Get our weekly newsletter, including a curated list of events for the weekend, straight to your inbox.