Charlton House Grounds and Peace Garden
Charlton House Grounds and Peace Garden combine a Grade I Jacobean mansion, surviving walled gardens, a quiet Peace Garden and access to the wider open lawns of Charlton Park. It is a useful local stop for heritage, gentle walks, family outings, gardens, cafés and community events.
About Charlton House Grounds and Peace Garden
Worth knowing
Why visit?
Come for a free heritage-and-green-space outing with more variety than the name suggests. The Peace Garden and walled gardens offer a quieter, planted setting beside the Grade I-listed house, while Charlton Park provides open lawns, family facilities and room for a longer walk. It works well for a local break, a gentle dog walk, a heritage stop before or after visiting Charlton village, or a family visit that combines gardens with a playground and skate park. Café and event provision at the house can make the visit feel more substantial, but indoor access and activities vary by day.
History & character
Charlton House was built between 1607 and 1612 for Sir Adam Newton, tutor to Henry, Prince of Wales, during the reign of James I. The mansion is Grade I listed and is an important surviving example of Jacobean architecture. The estate later passed through several owners before being acquired by the Maryon-Wilson family in 1767, who remained associated with it until 1925. The former estate was gradually divided into public open spaces. Greenwich Borough acquired the house and much of the grounds in 1925, and the wider park was subsequently opened for public use. Remnants of the historic landscape survive around the house, including walled gardens, a formal vista, the old entrance gateway, a summer house traditionally linked with Inigo Jones and a very old mulberry tree. The Peace Garden was established in one of the walled gardens in conjunction with Amnesty International, adding a modern civic and reflective use to the historic setting.
Gallery
Images are shown with source/photographer credit where supplied.
Useful visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlton House Grounds and Peace Garden free to visit?
Yes. The historic gardens and grounds are described as free to visit, and Charlton House and Gardens is also listed with free admission. Some special events, workshops or performances may require tickets, while café purchases are separate.
What are the opening hours?
The grounds are described as a daily destination, but exact garden hours are not consistently published. For the house and public indoor visits, the listed 2026 hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30am–3:30pm, and Saturday, 9:30am–3:00pm, with Sunday closed. Check before travelling because events and seasonal arrangements can change.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are accepted at Charlton House and Gardens, and the adjoining Charlton Park is used for dog walking. Dogs are not allowed in the children’s playground, which is marked as dog-free. No complete lead policy for every enclosed garden area was verified, so follow signs and keep dogs under control.
Are there toilets?
Public toilets are listed among the facilities at Charlton House and Gardens. Their availability may follow the opening hours of the house or venue, particularly outside regular daytime hours or during special events.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The gardens provide a relatively calm setting, while the adjoining Charlton Park has a children’s playground, skate park, outdoor gym and table-tennis tables. The house also hosts occasional family events and seasonal activities. The playground has integrated access for wheelchair users.
How do I get to Charlton House by public transport?
Charlton rail station is the nearest useful station listed for the site. Buses serving Charlton House or nearby stops include routes 53, 54, 380 and 422. TfL live information is worth checking before departure because bus routes, stop arrangements and timetables can change.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair access is confirmed for Charlton Park, and Charlton House is described by its operator as a wheelchair-accessible venue. The playground has integrated wheelchair access, and the site includes a sensory garden. Detailed information for every historic garden path, entrance and indoor room is not published, so contact the venue for a route-specific visit.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow around 45–90 minutes for Charlton House, the historic grounds and Peace Garden. Add more time if you want to explore Charlton Park’s open lawns, playground, sports facilities and cafés, or if you are attending an exhibition, tour or event.