As we go into the second lockdown, I thought it would be helpful to set out which bits of the Chawton House estate are open and accessible for people locally. We really don’t want people to travel a great distance to the village, but as we have so much outside space and the limited exercise and recreation that can take place has to happen outdoors, we wanted to keep as much open for local residents as possible.
The Parkland paths are open and we have done some work to make it safe, and we have marked out routes (with a map and children’s trail) around the south part of the estate (the bit you get to from the end of Gosport Road or through the gate next to St Nicholas Church).
We now have a Tea Shed on the drive serving takeaway hot and cold drinks, soup, snacks and cakes. It is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 3.30pm. Every Sunday in November between 10am and noon we will be serving a Parkland Brunch – a bacon, sausage or veggie sausage butty + brew for £5. We will be re-starting our Afternoon Tea Boxes and a range of more festive produce shortly, and that will all be available to collect from the Shed. The map of the Parkland walks and the children’s trail are available for free from the Shed too.
The Gardens are open Wednesday – Sunday 10am-3.30pm and our usual ticketing applies (with online booking) and tickets are collected and checked at the Tea Shed. Anyone who lives in the parishes of Chawton and Farringdon is entitled to a Neighbourhood Pass giving you free General Admission to the House and Gardens. If you bring something with your name and address on to the Tea Shed, we will give you a pass.
Of course, it is only possible to come to the estate in your household group, social bubble, alone or with one other person, and we ask that you respect social distancing.
I know the last 7 months have been challenging for everyone – us included – but I hope that being able to at least have a stroll on the estate will make it all a bit more bearable.
Katie Childs
Chief Executive
01420 595937
Chawton House
Chawton, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1SJ
