Description
Walmer Castle in Deal has a rich history that dates back to Henry VIII who built it between 1539-40 in response to threats of invasion from Europe and was part of a nearly 3 mile coastal barrier that included Deal Castle and Sandown Castle. This English Heritage property, set in 8 acres, was under siege from the Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil Wars in the 17th Century and by the mid-18th Century has become a well-equipped seaside retreat as well as a fort. Over time the castle’s military use declined, and by 1750, the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports had taken over the castle as his official residence. The Castle continued to become the residence of famous names over the centuries, such as Prime Minister William Pitt, the Duke of Wellington, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The gardens include the Queen Mother's Garden, the Kitchen Garden, the Broadwalk, a revamped area of the part of the Castle's £2.3 million project to revive the gardens, and there are family trails and regular events.
Opening Hours
2024
Until 22nd March
Wednesday to Sunday
10am-4pm
23rd March to 30th June
Daily
Ist June to 1st September
Daily
10am-6pm
2nd September to 27th October
Daily
10am-5pm
28th October to 3rd November
Daily
10am-4pm
9th November to 22nd December
Weekends
10am-4pm
27th to 31st December
Daily
10am-4pm
Last entry 1 hour before closing.
Price
English Heritage Member: Free
Online prices
With Donation/Without Donation
Adult: £16/£14.50
Child - 5 to 17 years: £9.50/£8.60
Child - under 5 years: Free
Concession - Student/Over 65 years: £14/£12.70
Family - 1 adult + up to 3 children: £25.50/£23.10
Family - 2 adults + up to 3 children: £41.50/£37.60.
Memberships and overseas visitor passes are available
Tickets on the day will be higher than these online prices.
Accessibility
The castle, moat, and glen are accessible by stairs only. Broadwalk, Queen Mother's Garden, and Woodland Walk are accessible via smooth gravel pathways. The kitchen garden contains some pathways and some slightly uneven ground. Glen features a viewing area from which wheelchair users can view the garden.
Train
Walmer station - 1 mile.
Bus
82/82A.
Parking
Members: Free
Non members: Charges apply.
Advisory Notes
If you purchase a walk up ticket on the day of the event, the ticket price will be higher than those listed above.
Facilities
Cafe • Shop • Toilet • Disabled Toilet
Picture Credit: © English Heritage.
