Walmer Castle: Repair and Resilience
Walmer Castle is undergoing vital repairs to its roof so that we can protect the castle and its collections.
The project is taking place thanks to funding from Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England's Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) and other generous supporters. Explore the project and discover how you can play your part below.
The main interiors are now closed, but there’s still lots for you to explore on site.
A castle besieged
Walmer Castle has undergone many extensions and alterations in the centuries since it was built. Its mixture of materials and styles are part of what make it such a fascinating place, but it also makes it tricky to care for.
Keeping the rain out of Walmer Castle has been a major challenge for decades. Recently, the castle has suffered from several leaks due to the poor condition of its roofs and the deteriorating condition of its windows and doors. We’re embarking on a major project to repair the roof and protect the castle and its collections for years to come.
The castle’s interiors are now closed as we’re packing up the collection of furniture, artworks and artefacts to keep them safe during the work.
Lots to explore
While the main interiors of the castle are closed, there’s still so much to explore on site. The Lord Warden’s Apartment is open until 6 September, so you can see where several Lord Wardens, including The Queen Mother, stayed during their visits to Walmer Castle.
Outside, see what’s in bloom in over eight acres of award-winning gardens. Stroll down the formal Broadwalk and see the famous Cloud Hedges, explore the tranquil Queen Mother’s Garden and visit the fully working Kitchen Garden with an impressive array of flowers, fruit and vegetables. Take the woodland walk down to The Glen, the stunning restored chalk quarry, and find secret surprises and fun play spaces for children.
Discover something new with a wide range of wellbeing activities in Walmer’s wonderful gardens. You can take part in yoga, meditation, Shinrin Yoku, and mindful walking, among many other activities to suit different age ranges and abilities.
Vital funding
This project will cost over £5.5 million, and is being supported by a £3.08 million grant from the government’s Museum Estate and Development Fund as well as other generous donations.
It comes as part of DCMS’s most recent announcement of a £127.8 million funding boost for cultural venues, local museums and libraries across the country, helping ensure access to arts and culture for all.
Thanks to this funding, alongside the support of our members, visitors and other generous donors, we're able to carry out this essential work that protects our shared history. To complete this extensive project however, we need your help. Please consider donating to the project today.
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