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.

Information about your visit

Our number one priority remains the health, safety and security of all of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe and make sure you and your group have an enjoyable visit.

Important information to consider before you book:

  • To keep everyone safe we’re continuing to limit visitor numbers at some sites and in some indoor spaces. Please book as soon as possible to secure your preferred trip date and times.
  • Find out more about what to expect on your school visit and make sure you download our COVID risk assessments; download a free copy of managing education visits during the pandemic and if you're participating in a Discovery Visit download our managing Discovery Visits during the pandemic risk assessment
  • To make the planning process as easy as possible, make sure you check our Plan Your School Trip section at the bottom of this page, for updated information on the facilities at the site as well as our free resources.
  • You’ll need to book your visit at least 14 days in advance. Please check our terms and conditions for full details.
  • Although is it not a requirement, any teachers, parents, or students aged 16 years can check in via the NHS Test and Trace app, using the NHS QR code posters displayed at the site entrance. Please factor this into your travel/arrival time. For more information about how we are handling your personal data for NHS Test and Trace please visit this page.
  • Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you and your group to do the same where possible.

At some sites you might not be able to use our handling collections or costumes as part of a free self-led visit, but where we can provide hands-on items in a safe way we will. We’ve adapted our Discovery Visit workshops to keep you and your group safe at all times, but for certain sessions we’re still working on this – please check the Discovery Visit section and Facilities section on this page below for further information.

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.

Enquire now

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. 

Enquire now

Blooming Gardens Art Exhibition for KS4-5 students

Take part in this year’s Blooming Gardens Art Exhibition for KS4 and KS5 students.

The exhibition is designed to complement your classroom work and provide a creative outlet for students beyond their portfolio, enabling them to showcase their work in the unique setting that inspired it.

Walmer Castle provides an opportunity for students to explore a wide range of organic forms and colours in the gardens and study the contrast between the built environment and natural forms.

Your students can visit for free as many times as they need to gather inspiration to create their own piece of art in any media.

Register for more information and to book a free self-led visit with your students. Our Education Visits Officer will also be in touch to discuss the event with you.

Register to take part

Plan your visit

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. 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. Our Education Booking Team are on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

  • 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.
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