UNLIMITED ACCESS TO OVER 400 HISTORIC PLACES
Live and breathe the story of England at royal castles, historic gardens, forts & defences, world-famous prehistoric sites and many others.
Discover Henry VIII's Seaside fortress
Explore the Duke of Wellington's Home
Visitors should note that Granville Road will be partly closed from Monday 16 April - 8 June 2018 between the Liverpool Road and Kingsdown Road junctions. The alternative route is via Liverpool Road, A258 Dover Road, Canada Road and Kingsdown Road.
Originally a Tudor Fortress, Walmer Castle has evolved into a homely residence for many well-known names from the Duke of Wellington to the Queen Mother. Inside you can explore Wellington’s career, the story of his life and death and even see the original Wellington Boots. Outside, discover majestic the sea view and eight acres of magnificent gardens and woodland, now home to the Lord Warden. See what’s happening in the kitchen garden too, where food and cut flowers are grown for the tearooms.
Winner of the Horticulture Week Custodian Awards 2017 - Best Garden or Arboretum.
Awarded Silver Gilt in the Heritage Garden of the Year category, South and South East in Bloom 2017.
Walmer Timeline
1539-43Spanish–French Alliance
Faced with an alliance between Spain and France, Henry VIII commissions a chain of defences from Hull to Milford Haven.
1539-40Three Defensive Castles
Henry commissions three Kent castles, Sandown, Deal and Walmer. 1,400 workmen complete building works in a year.
Find out more about the history of Walmer Castle
About us
English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and places - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of empire to a Cold War bunker. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 0744722, registered in England.
How We Are Funded
Our target is to become completely self-funding by 2023. Our confidence in achieving this is based on our track record. During the past 10 years, our commercial income has doubled and we have raised nearly £60m in donated income.
- 66% Self-generated income
- 20% One off capital grant
- 14% Government funding
