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
April to June
Daily : 10am-5pm
July to August
Daily: 10am-6pm
Closed 11th to 13th July 2025
September to October
Daily: 10am-5pm
November to 28th December 2025
Saturday and Sunday: 10am-5pm
29th December 12025 to 1st January 2026
Daily: 10am-5pm
3rd January to 15th February 2025
Saturday and Sunday:10am-5pm
16th to 22nd Feburary 2026
Daily: 10am-5pm
25th February to 27th March 2026
Wednesday to Sunday: 10am-5pm.
Price
English Heritage Member: Free
Online prices from:
With Donation/Without Donation
Adult: £14.50/£13.10
Child - 5 to 17 years: £9/£8.10
Child - under 5 years: Free
Concession - Student/Over 65 years: £13/£11.80
Family - 1 adult + up to 3 children: £23.50/£21.20
Family - 2 adults + up to 3 children: £38/£34.30
Memberships and overseas visitor passes are available
Tickets on the day will be higher than these online prices. Prices vary during the year.
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 ticket on the day of the event at the gate, the ticket price will be higher than those listed above.
Facilities
Cafe • Shop • Toilet • Disabled Toilet • Bicycle Racks
Picture Credit: © English Heritage.
