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. Borrow our free Treasure Boxes, specifically designed for KS1 and KS2, to find out more about the significant figures who lived at the castle, and see the Duke of Wellington's original Wellington boots! Take inspiration from our gardens for Art and Design projects, as well as exploring the wildlife in the ornamental pond and woodland.

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

KS4-5 Art Competition

We're looking for KS4 and KS5 students to create a piece of art inspired by Walmer Castle and Gardens. Students can use any choice of media, and you and your students can visit the site for free as many times as you need to. 

Local artists and English Heritage staff will be judging the entries. Prizes are £100 of art supplies for the winner, £100 of art supplies for the winner's school, and £50 of art supplies for two runners up. 

The closing date for entries is midnight on Friday 29 May 2020. We’ll display a selection of artwork at Walmer Castle and Gardens’ ‘Blooming Gardens’ event in June 2020. Click here for full terms and conditions.

Image (left) is from a previous entry by Amelia Mortonson.

Register my interest

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 a free off-site coach park directly opposite the property.
    • TOILETS: There are female toilets located near to the entrance of the property and the male toilets are near the exit, towards the garden. There are additional male, female and disabled toilets in the garden adjacent to the glasshouses.
    • 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 on site.
    • 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.

  • How to book

    0370 333 0606

  • Education Opening Times

    • March: Wednesday to Sunday 10.00 – 16.00
    • April to September: Monday to Sunday 10.00 – 18.00
    • October: Monday to Sunday 10.00 – 17.00
    • November to February: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 – 16.00

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