Walmer Castle and Gardens — Attraction in Dover

English Heritage site originally built by Henry VIII as a defensive fort, but later became a stately home, including for the Lord Wardens of the Cinque Ports. There are two apartment sections, lovely gardens, cafe, and shop to see. We spent a little over an hour, but could’ve spent more if visiting the cafes or sitting in the gardens.

Apartments have two separate parts: Main house, which has six rooms over two floors, including the room where Duke of Wellington died. Significant focus on him plus a few other historic wardens info. Little signage about the rooms, though some objects are marked. Definitely speak to the volunteers for more details. Warden apartments, which are more modern as built in the 1870s and decorated in 20th century. Up one flight of winding stairs and some signs on top. A little less interesting from historical context but still worth seeing.

Note: No photos allowed inside, which is disappointing.

Gardens are accessed through the house and larger, more varied than expected. Both lovely manicured gardens and wild, forested areas. A few benches and picnic tables to enjoy the scenery.

Cafe, clean toilets, and a well-stocked shop (with used bookstore in the shop’s basement) provide a nice visit.

Car park is on the grass just a two minute walk from...

Plenty of car parking space, despite August Bank Holiday week. Nevertheless, there were lots of visitors. The gardens consist of a long reflecting pool, and an Italianate style shelter at one end with raised viewing platform at the other end. This garden was designed by the Queen Mother. There is a kitchen garden that is very well tended, with glasshouse style cafe alongside. There is a circular woodland walk along which there are placed small wooden figures of native birds on posts with a brief account of the bird. A pedestrian ramp allows visitors to access the dry moat gardens which display exotic plants around the circumference of the castle. Inside the castle, at entrance level are two rooms. Whilst currently furnished, they were originally cannon emplacement. There is a small cafe just inside the castle entrance, and a visitor's shop. Upstairs, the newly opened living accommodation for the current Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Guides are available in the castles who will respond to questions about life at the castle from it's origins up until the present day. From the roof it is possible to view the cannons which are aimed at the English Channel, and on a clear day, the coast of France...

English Heritage run Walmer Castle really is an absolutely beautiful place to visit, interior is lovely & full of history. Many interesting items to view, to see & to read about. The Duke of Wellington's bedroom is as authentic as possible & his campaign bed & the chair he passed away in are on display plus various items from his career make this even more interesting. Outside, the Broadwalk Garden is a real highlight with its spectacular Yew hedging as is the fabulous Kitchen Garden which has provided produce for the Castle for hundreds of years. The woodland walk with the sunny display of various Daffodils & Narsicci is not to be missed. I can highly recommend taking tea on the ramparts amongst the cannons whilst looking straight across to the beach, the English Channel & Straits of Dover beyond. Car park just a few minutes walk from the Castle & Gardens plus the walkway right along the beachfront is perfect for a bracing walk to the equally delightful towns of Deal or further onto Sandwich. Castle Shop, tearoom & plant sale good & staff very helpful. A...