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Walmer Castle and Gardens

Aerial view
Aerial view (c) SKYSCAN BALLOON PHOTOGRAPHY
Aerial view - Aerial view (c) Exterior - Exterior (c) Garden, Exterior View - Garden, Exterior View (c) Interior - Interior (c) Queen Elizabeth the Queen Morther's Garden, - Queen Elizabeth the Queen Morther's Garden, English Heritage first Contemporary Garden in a Historic Setting, Designed by Penelope Hobhouse, Opened by Her Majesty the Queen Mother 21 July 1997 (c) The Famous Duke of Wellington boots, on display at Walmer Castle - Pair of The Duke of Wellington's boots (c) View down the Yew Walk towards the castle - View down the Yew Walk towards the castle (c) View of the castle from the gardens - View of the castle from the gardens (c) View of the castle from the gardens - View of the castle from the gardens (c) Walmer Castle and Gardens - Exterior (c) Wellington's bedroom - Wellington's bedroom (c)

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.

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.

Home-made lunches and teas are available at the Lord Warden's Tearoom, and the well-stocked gift shop is worth a visit. An audio tour is available and plants are on sale.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
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  

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£6.70 until 31 Mar 2010 / £7.00 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£3.40 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.50 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£5.70 until 31 Mar 2010 / £6.00 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £16.80 until 31 Mar 2010 / £17.50 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Kent - CT14 7LJ
Road Access:
On coast S of Walmer, on A258; Junction 13 of M20 or from M2 toDeal
Train Access:
Walmer 1 mile
Bus Access:
Stagecoach East Kent, bus number 84
Map Location:
Telephone:
01304 364288, Local Tourist Information: Deal 01304 369576 andDover 01304 205108

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Guidebooks No dogs allowed Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Events Holiday Cottages Hazardous Family Learning Gardens Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Restaurant Tea Room Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Accessible WC.
Shop: Level access.
Refreshments: via main shop. Morning coffee, light lunches, afternoon tea and delicious homemade cakes all sourced from local Kent producers. Waiter service.
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.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Free coach parking opposite the castle.
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
2 1/2 hours.
Guided Tours:

Garden tour of Walmer Castle
Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent gardens which surround this Tudor castle. Enjoy the broadwalk with its unique yew hedge as well as the moat, kitchen gardens and the woodland walk. The Queen Mother's garden was designed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's 95th birthday.

Duration: 1 hour

Minimum-maximum pax: 11-25

Advance booking required: Yes - we advise 3 months.

Call for prices and to book: 01304 364288

At Home at Walmer Castle
Guided tour of this magnificent Tudor castle originally built by Henry VIII as protection against possible French invasion.  Since 1708, it has been the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and the home of many famous men and women including the Duke of Wellington and - most recently - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Can be combined with a garden tour (as described above) at the additional charge given.

Duration: 1 hour

Minimum- maximum pax: 11-25

Advance booking required: Yes - we advise 3 months.

Call for prices and to book: 01304 364288

Further Info

Parking is located on a nearby approach to the castle; Audio available for the visually impaired, those with learning difficulties, and in French, Dutch and German; Lord Wardens' Tea Rooms are open daily Apr-Oct.
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