Plan your visit

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

• Facilities
  • PARKING: There is free parking available on site for cars, minibuses and two coaches. There is also off-site coach parking close to the property.
  • TOILETS: There are male, female and disabled toilets in the garden adjacent to the Learning Centre.
  • SHOP: There is a well-stocked shop on site which sells a range of books and gifts.
  • LUNCH: Groups are welcome to bring a packed lunch with them; there are designated picnic areas around the gardens. There is also a café located in the Kitchen Garden.
  • ACCESSIBILITY: Access for wheelchair users is confined to the ground floor of the house and the gatehouse. Wheelchair users can also visit most of the gardens along gravelled paths. The main access point from the House to the gardens may not be practical for those with disabilities, please speak to a member of staff, who will be able to show you an alternative route. The stairs leading to the upper floors are easy to climb. Wheelchairs are available on request.

• Hazard Information

  A useful tool to help with your risk assessments. 

  • Walmer Castle and Gardens Hazard Information.pdf (77.1 KB)

   

  You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

  • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
  • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
  • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
  • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
  • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
  • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
  • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
  • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group

• Risk Assessments

  Our ready-made Discovery Visit Risk Assessments take the hassle out of planning. 

  • Plot to Plate Risk Assessment.pdf (71.2 KB)

• Education Site Opening Times

  We offer free self-led education visits during school term time^*. 

  ^*Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

  • April-June: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
  • July-August: Monday-Sunday 10-6pm
  • September-October: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
  • 1 November-5 November: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
  • 6 November-11 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm. Discovery Visits available Monday-Friday
  • 12 February-18 February: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
  • 19 February-28 March: Wednesday-Sunday 10-4pm. Discovery Visits available Wednesdays and Fridays