Walmer Castle and Gardens
Originally built by Henry VIII in 1539-40 as a formidable fortress against the spanish and french thread to England , the castle has since been changed into an elegant stately home.
The special attraction are the gardens which are spectacular, especially in summer. Walmer castle was part of a triangle of forts, the other 'Castles of the Downs' are Deal and Sandown castle.
Walmer castle never came under siege until 1648 during the unsettled time of civil war but then was the first that had to surrender. In 1708 Walmer castle was used by the 'Cinque Ports Confederation', a trade and defensive union of the towns of Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich.
It served as the residence for their Lords Warden. With the foundation of a Navy, Walmer castle declined in strategic value. The successors of the Wardens turned the caslte into a country house and garden. Past Wardens included the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Opening Hours:
| Dates |
Opening Times |
Opening Days |
| 21 Mar - 30 Sep |
10am - 6pm. Closes at 4pm Sat |
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun |
| 1 - 31 Oct |
10am - 4pm | Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun |
| Closed 1 Nov-28 Feb |
||
| 1-31 Mar |
10am - 4pm |
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun |
| Closed 11-13 Jul when |
Lord Warden is in residence |
Entrance Fees:
Adult: £6.50; Children: £3.30; Concession: £5.20; English Heritage Members: Free; Other: Family Ticket: £16.30
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