Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent

Walmer Castle was built by Henry VIII in 1539–1540 as an artillery fortress to counter the threat of invasion from Catholic France and Spain.

At the centre of Walmer Castle is a circular keep, surrounded by an open courtyard and protected by a concentric wall, from which four, semi-circular bastions project.

The defences were tested until 1648, during the English Civil War, when the castle came under siege.

In 1708 Walmer Castle took on a new role as the residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Over the years successive Wardens converted the fort and its grounds into a comfortable country house and gardens. Resident Wardens included William Pitt the Younger (whose niece Lady Hester Stanhope initiated the castle's gardens), the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Memorabilia from these past Wardens, including two rooms dedicated to the Duke of Wellington, can be viewed at the castle. 'Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother's Garden' has been installed in the old Walled Garden. It has been designed by the designer Penelope Hobhouse, and contains topiary, a 95ft pool, an evergreen double 'E-shaped' parterre, and exuberant, large mixed borders.

There is a cafe and gift shop on the site.

Opening Times

Open March to October
Opening days and times vary so please check the website.

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £7.30
Children: £4.40
Concessions: £6.60
EH Member: Free
Family Ticket: £19.00

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Disabled Facilities

Access to castle: via cobbled and flagstone walkway and wooden drawbridge. Gatehouse and ground-floor rooms accessible via ramps. Easy flight of stairs to upper floor with handrail. Gardens: main route from house is not practical but there is an alternative route using a side gate. Smooth grass and gravel paths within grounds.
Shop: level access.

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More Information

Telephone: 01304 364288

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