Audio tour: English, French, German, Dutch

Guided tours: please call site

Catering: open as house, call for winter opening times

Disabled access: court yard and garden only.

Parking: available

Coach Parking: limited

Access: on coast S of Walmer, on A258

Train: Walmer 1 mile

Bus: from surrounding areas

Approx time of visit: 2-3hrs

Facilities: toilets, parking, gift shop, guidebook

The Castle serves as the official residence of the Lord Wardens of the Cinque Ports, a title that originally involved the control of the five most important medieval ports on the south coast. Past wardens include William Pitt the Younger, Winston Churchill and the first Duke of Wellington, who died at Walmer 150 years ago.

He was appointed Lord Warden in 1829, nearly 15 years after the Battle of Waterloo, and while he still held the office of Prime Minister. He remained Lord Warden for 23 years. The Duke lived simply, sleeping on his army camp bed in his little room overlooking the ramparts and the sea beyond. His room today looks much as it did on 14 September 1852 when he died in his armchair at 3.25pm.

By the 18th century the position was largely ceremonial, although it retained immense prestige and a substantial salary.

The Duke of Dorset was the first Lord Warden to use Walmer, turning the fort into a home; increasing the number of first-floor rooms by extending the living quarters over the bastions. The castle is full of memories of former Lords Warden, including two rooms that are dedicated to the Duke of Wellington.

The gardens at Walmer Castle have much horticultural and historical interest. Previous Lord Wardens have influenced the development of the gardens and today the double herbaceous border is flanked by mature yew hedges. There is a croquet lawn, 19th-century terraces, commemorative lawn, working kitchen garden, woodland walk and a wildflower meadow.

360° Panorama

One of the most popular gardens today is the one dedicated to the Queen Mother.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, regularly visited Walmer during her life and some of the rooms used by her are open to visitors. Another treat is the magnificent Queen Mother's Garden, designed by Penelope Hobhouse.

Facilities
Toilets: Accessible WC. Shop: Level access. Refreshments: via main shop. Morning coffee, light lunches, afternoon tea. Waiter service.

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