Walmer Castle East Kent

Walmer Castle, Kent, England

Walmer Castle in East Kent in the south east of England makes for a pleasant half-day tour along with nearby Deal Castle.

The walls of the castle

History

Walmer Castle, like Deal Castle and Sandown Castle, was built by Henry VIII between 1539 and 1540 as an artillery fortress to protect England from overseas invasion from France.

The castle consists of a central keep, four circular bastions, and a moat. During the 18th century, the castle morphed into a private residence for the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (namely Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich).

Extensive gardens were added during this time and are one of the main reasons to visit this lovely English Heritage maintained site.

Castle grounds with tulips

The castle interior is a museum with various exhibits relating to the castle’s history and its various residents. The Duke of Wellington died here on 14 September 1852. His bedroom was recreated in 2015 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The carpet and wallpaper were made from a painting of the room and a pair of the great general’s “Wellington boots” along with his death mask were on display.

The superb Queen Mother’s Garden was designed by the noted garden designer Penelope Hobhouse.

A view of the castle from its expansive grounds

Access – Getting There

www.english-heritage.org.uk
Kingsdown Rd, Walmer, Deal
Kent CT14 7LJ
Tel: 01304 364 288

Walmer Castle has various opening times depending on the season. Summer is generally 10 am-6 pm daily. Please consult the website above for full details.
Admission £10.10 (adults)

Walmer Beach is close by.