Walmer Castle and Gardens

Schools

Discover famous figures such as the Duke of Wellington and William Pitt the Younger and learn more about local history in a fun and engaging way.  Plus, use our new learning centre and teaching resources to explore Walmer Castle's gardens and woodland.

Curriculum links

Step back in time and explore the history of Walmer Castle.

  • KS1-3 History: Local history study
  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in the locality
  • KS1-2 Science: Working scientifically; plants; animals; living things and their habitats
  • KS1-2 Geography: Geographical skills and fieldwork
  • KS2 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: Development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509–1745; ideas, political power, industry and empire in Britain 1745–1901

Free Self-Led Visits

Enjoy a free self-led visit to Walmer Castle and Gardens and plan your day to suit your curriculum needs. Explore the extensive grounds of this historic castle to learn about living things and their habitats, and the many plants. Plus, take inspiration from the gardens for Art and Design projects.

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Outdoor learning at Walmer Castle

Our brand new learning centre, made possible thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is now open. The centre has been specially designed to enable schools to explore and discover the magnificent gardens and woodland at Walmer Castle. Entry is free, and our new online and on-site teaching resources will help support KS1 and KS2 science and geography with interactive and sensory learning experiences. 

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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 for Covid-19 risk assessments and measures we’ve got in place please visit 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 for group leaders once you have made a booking. 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.
  • 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-Friday 10-5pm
    • July-August: Monday-Friday 10-6pm
    • September-October: Monday-Friday 10-5pm
    • 1 November-12 February: Saturday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 13 February-17 February: Monday-Friday 10-4pm
    • 20 February-31 March: Wednesday-Friday 10-4pm
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