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.

Welcome back

We’re looking forward to welcoming you back this September.  We'd like to reassure you that we're following Government guidance to make your trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. 

After months of disruption and home-schooling, there’s never been a better time to explore the places where history happened. A trip to one of our sites will inspire and motivate your students, and get the new academic year off to a great start.

To keep everyone safe we’ve introduced limits on visitor numbers and school groups, so please bear this in mind when booking your trip. Please also note that some sites will be very limited in their capacity, and they may not be able to offer visits for large groups.

Click here for more information about the safety measures you can expect when visiting, as well as our Covid 19 Risk Assessment.

We want to make the planning process for your school trip as easy as possible.  Make sure you check our Plan Your School Trip section, for updated information on the facilities at the site as well as our free resources.

As usual, you’ll need to book your visit at least 14 days in advance, and 14 days for some of our Discovery Visits. Please check our Terms and Conditions for full details.

 

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.

Find out more

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
    • WALMER CASTLE AND GARDENS: The grounds and gardens are now open for you to enjoy, but unfortunately there is no access inside the castle or education space at this time. 
    • SITE ENTRANCE: The normal visitor entrance is closed. An alternative entrance is in use, accessed via the grass car park.
    • 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: The toilets next to the education centre are available for you to use. Additional hand sanitising stations will be available in various locations.
    • SHOP: The castle shop will be open, with a one way system in place to help guide you.
    • LUNCH: Groups are welcome to bring a packed lunch with them; there are designated picnic areas around the gardens. The Glasshouse Cafe will be open, offering snacks, treats and refreshments via a takeaway service. The cafe will close 15 minutes before our closing time. 
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair users can visit most of the gardens along gravelled paths. Wheelchairs are available on request.
    • PLAYGROUNDS: The play trail is now open for visitors to enjoy. The majority of equipment is available, with a small number of items remaining closed for outstanding works, which will be reviewed regularly.
    • FACE MASKS: Face coverings must be worn in Walmer Castle's indoor shop, café, tea room and all other indoor spaces. We won’t be able to give you a face covering, so please come prepared so you don’t miss out.

  • Enquire now

  • School visits from September 2020

    Education bookings for learners of all ages and abilities are now open and you’ll be able to make provisional bookings for visits from September 2020 to March 2021. Please be aware that it may take us a little longer than usual to come back to you as we continue to review and update our offer. 

    In the meantime if you have a query related to an existing booking or would like more information please email bookeducation@english-heritage.org.uk

    We look forward to seeing you again soon.

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