Chartwell Christmas Magical Menagerie

Enjoy a 'Magical Menagerie' at Chartwell this Christmas! Churchill was drawn to animal-keeping and growing plants throughout his life,  During his travels in India and East Africa in his early twenties he developed an interest in butterfly collecting and hunting exotic mammals.Churchill bought his home, Chartwell House, in 1922. It became the epicentre of his private zoo. When more extraordinary or ferocious pets were acquired, London Zoo offered its services. He tended carefully to his Koi carp, cranes and aviaries, but few people are aware of the exotic beasts he acquired, including black swans, white kangaroos, and even a lion.Join the staff to remember the animals beloved by the Churchill family depicted in the Christmas house decorations. As you wander through the ground floor of the house you can learn more about Christmas traditions at the Churchill’s family home from our knowledgeable rooms guides.