Chevening Tourist Information

A peaceful spot at the end of a quiet country lane, Chevening is essentially a great mansion and its estate, with a church and a small group of cottages.

In the early 17th century Chevening House was the home of the Stanhope family, whose memorials are in the church and its burial ground. The house was bequeathed to the nation by the seventh and last Earl Stanhope, who hoped that the young Charles, Prince of Wales would live there. However, the Prince eventually declined the house in favour of Highgrove and Chevening House is now the official country residence of the Foreign Secretary.

Chevening House is not open to the public, and is almost invisible behind its trees and high walls. The formal gardens, lake and maze are open on occasional days though. The estate lies at the foot of the North Downs, and a pleasant short walk starting along a lane from the churchyard climbs up to the ridge, from which there is a distant view of the house.

Description by Jeffrey Darlington