Walmer Castle & Gardens, Deal (Kent)

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, Walmer Castle has a rich history and a charm all of its own.

Summary 16th century buildings Gift shop Information provided Learning facilities Gardens Woodland walks Audio guide Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Tea Room

Introduction

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, Walmer Castle has a rich history and a charm all of its own - perfect for a relaxing family day out. Be inspired in the Queen Mother’s Garden, take the woodland walk, or try your hand at croquet on the lower terrace.

History to the present day

Originally built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe,Walmer Castle has evolved over time into an elegant residence.

Walmer Castle became the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1708. It is easy to imagine why the Duke of Wellington, who held the post of Lord Warden for 23 years, enjoyed his time here so much.

Wellington's spirit still lives on at Walmer Castle, where the armchair in which he died on 14 September 1852 can still be seen. His campaign bed also remains on display as a testament to his spartan tastes, along with a pair of original 'Wellington boots' and a great many personal effects in the fascinating on-site Wellington museum.

Successive Lords Warden have left their mark on Walmer Castle's buildings and gardens. Thus Lady Hester Stanhope used local militia to create new landscaping as a surprise for her uncle, Lord Warden William Pitt: while Lord Warden W. H. Smith - member of the famous stationer's family - saved many of the valuable furnishings now on display. In recent years, Lords Warden have been provided with private apartments above the gatehouse, and both Sir Robert Menzies (former Australian Prime Minister) and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother made regular visits to the castle. Some of the rooms used by the Queen Mother are open to visitors, as is her magnificent garden, given to Her Majesty on her 95th birthday. The current Lord Warden is Admiral Michael Boyce, Baron Boyce, who was appointed in 2004.

Food and Drinks

Home-made lunches and teas are available at the Lord Warden's Tearoom.

Grounds and gardens

The beautiful gardens surrounding the house also include a commemorative lawn, woodland walk, croquet lawn and a working kitchen garden. The remainder of the grounds are mostly wildlife gardens, a great place to spot birds.

Other facilities

Toilets: Accessible WC. Shop: Level access.

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. (The most interesting rooms are upstairs.)

Gardens: Main route from house is not practical but there is an alternative route via a side gate. Smooth grass and gravel paths within grounds.Parking:Disabled passengers can be dropped off at castle entrance. Parking is available on site depending on the weather; otherwise there is a free public parking opposite the castle entrance.

Visually Impaired Visitors:Audio tour included in admission price. Scented plants. Cannon to touch. NB Changes in floor levels and dim lighting in the house.

Hearing Impaired Visitors:Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price. Script also available.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Walmer Castle & Gardens, Deal, Kent, , United Kingdom

Address: Kent - CT14 7LJ

Directions: On the coast, South of Walmer, on A258; Junction 13 of M20 or from M2 to Deal

Train Access: Walmer 1 mile

Bus Access: Stagecoach East Kent, bus number 84

Opening Times: April to March  

1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm (closes 4pm Sat) Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun. 1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-28 Feb CLOSED
1-31 Mar 10am-4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed when Lord Warden in residence 10-11 July and to 1pm on 12 July.

Price:

Adult: £6.70

Children: £3.40

Concession: £5.70

Family Ticket: £16.80

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.

More photos of Walmer Castle & Gardens, Deal

			Wellington's Boots