Chevening
Palladian mansion and gardens now used as a country retreat by Foreign Secretaries. Gardens open only.
Chevening House, Chevening, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6HG
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
All visitors must remain on lawns and paths. There are gravel and grass paths, with gentle slopes and no steps. The pleasure grounds are mostly accessible to wheelchairs. There are occasional benches.
The loos have handles to increase accessibility, but will not accommodate a standard wheelchair.
Chevening is the earliest known example of a compact double-pile house, traditionally attributed to Inigo Jones.
Chevening has a history dating back around 800 years, but the house we see today is almost entirely the creation of seven generations of the Stanhope family, building on the original Lennard family’s house of around 1630.
For 250 years the Stanhopes served their country as soldiers and statesmen, and at Chevening as patrons of architecture and art. When, sadly, the line ran out, the 7th Earl’s munificent gift of Chevening to the nation ensured that the distinguished history of the family and the estate was preserved for future generations.
It is especially appropriate that the house has become the country residence of a Cabinet Minister and thus continues to play its part in the political life of the nation.
The Estate consists of some 3,000 acres stretching between Sevenoaks and Biggin Hill in Kent. The gardens include a lake, maze, parterre and a double hexagonal walled kitchen garden amounting in all to some 40 acres. Over 530 acres of mixed woodland surround the extensive park.
The pleasure grounds of the Earls Stanhope to the south of Chevening House are today characterised by lawns and wooded walks around an ornamental lake, with views of the surrounding countryside. First laid out between 1690 and 1720 in the French formal style, in the 1770s a more informal English design was introduced. In the early 19th century lawns, parterres and a maze were established, a lake was created from the ornamental canal and basin, and many specimen trees were planted to shade woodland walks.
An exclusive two-hour private tour for 25 people led by an historic gardens expert, followed by tea, can be arranged on a day when the gardens are not open to the public.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Chevening Gardens are open to visitors holding tickets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April to September. Entry begins at 10am, and the gardens close at 4pm. Please note that coach parties cannot be accommodated.
Accessibility: Visitors must stay on lawns and paths, which are gravel and grass with gentle slopes and no steps. Occasional benches are available for resting.
Children: Children are welcome under the supervision of a responsible adult. The gardens are intended for quiet enjoyment, and there are no play areas or activities allowed, such as ball games or flying objects. Each adult may supervise up to two children, who must be closely monitored, especially near water.
Buggies, scooters, and bikes: Bicycles, scooters, and other wheeled conveyances or toys are not allowed, except for prams or buggies for infants and children.
Dogs: Well-socialized dogs on leads are welcome. Owners must clean up after their pets and dispose of waste in the provided bin. Animals must not be left in parked cars.
Parking: Parking is available after entering through the front gate and following the signs. Arrangements may vary depending on ground conditions.
Tickets: Tickets do not need to be printed as long as they can be shown on a phone or tablet.
Refreshments: Refreshments are not available on-site except during the National Garden Scheme Open Day.
Picnics: Picnics are not allowed in the gardens except during the National Garden Scheme Open Day.
Tours: Private tours of the garden with an expert guide can be arranged. Tours can accommodate up to 25 people. For details, contact 01732 744 809 or email.
Gardens
Adult £10.00
Child 3-16 £5.00 (accompanied by an adult: no more than 2 children per adult)
Concessions
Local residents registered with Chevening Gardens
Adult £5.00
Child 3-16 £2.50 (accompanied by an adult: no more than 2 children per adult)
Gardens
Group visits for twenty-five people led by an expert in historic garden design may be booked by special arrangement on weekday afternoons when the garden is closed to other visitors. Tours last for two hours, are followed by afternoon tea, and cost £1,250 + VAT for 25 people. This equates to £50 + VAT a head but reductions are not made for parties of less than twenty-five.
Email: [email protected]
A programme of educational visits is in place, limited to local schools.
All visitors must remain on lawns and paths. There are gravel and grass paths, with gentle slopes and no steps. The pleasure grounds are mostly accessible to wheelchairs. There are occasional benches.
The loos have handles to increase accessibility, but will not accommodate a standard wheelchair.
Getting here
Chevening House, Chevening, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6HG
Chevening is close to Junction 5 of the M25, and may only be approached by driving north through Chevening Village along Chevening Road from where it crosses the B2211. The nearest station is Sevenoaks, which has a taxi rank.
Chevening Road is not suitable for coaches as there is no space to turn.
What3Words: wallet.brands.sober
Call Estate Office from gate for entry and further instructions, identifying yourself as an HH Member.
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