The House, Gardens and Old Kitchen Tea Room at Chawton House remain closed to visitors because of the Covid-19 crisis, and they will remain so until the Government allows us to re-open. You can enjoy our online programme here on our website and on social media @ChawtonHouse, and purchase items from the shop, as well as cakes and scones for collection and delivery.
Following the Prime Minister’s statement on Sunday 10th May, people in England are now permitted to travel an unlimited distance for exercise. There are public footpaths and rights of way that cross the Chawton House Parkland. However, at the present time we would like to advise anyone wishing to visit the Parkland to re-consider. These paths are still very wet following the intense winter storms. In many places, they are waterlogged and impassable. Walkers have to turn back down narrow footpaths and this means that it is almost impossible to practice social distancing.
We are taking measures to create safe, circular routes which will allow walkers to enjoy the Parkland safely and enable social distancing. We will update our website and social media channels when this work has been completed.
Users of the Parkland are reminded that there are currently no handwashing facilities on the Chawton House estate and none in Chawton village. If someone does decide to visit, they are reminded to bring hand sanitizer with them as gate latches need to be closed to protect livestock and these cannot be cleaned after each use. Dogs must be kept on leads on the Chawton House Parkland as it is lambing season. Our car-park is closed, and the Gosport Road car park is closed because of an unsafe tree.
We look forward to being able to safely welcome visitors back to the Parkland, and later to the House, Tea Room and Gardens. However, in the meanwhile, we kindly ask that you consider the safety of yourselves and others, and delay that visit to Chawton until we have completed these essential works.
Katie Childs
Chief Executive