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Built to withstand the wrath of the French and Spanish following Henry VIII’s break with the Roman Catholic Church, the defences of Walmer Castle have in fact never been put to the test. Early 1539 saw England under the threat of invasion and Henry built a series of castles from Cornwall to Kent, which ended with the linked fortresses of Deal, Walmer and Sandown. The expected attack never materialized and, although the castles of the Downs were brought to readiness again in 1588 to repel the Spanish Armada, no fighting took place.

Walmer was transformed when it became the official residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, an ancient title that originally involved control of the five most important medieval ports on the south coast. Past Wardens include William Pitt the Younger, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill. By the 18th century, however, 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 stately home, increasing the number of first-floor rooms by extending the living quarters out over the bastions. Further additions were made by Earl Granville, Lord Warden from 1865, who commissioned the extension of the gatehouse bastion.

The magnificent gardens surrounding the castle owe much to the enthusiasm of Pitt the Younger, and much of his early landscaping remains.

The castle is full of memories of former Lords Warden, including two rooms that are now dedicated to the Duke of Wellington.

• Superb Gift Shop.

• Free audio tour available.

• Visit the Lord Wardens’ Tea Rooms for homemade lunches and afternoon tea.

• Plants on sale.

Opening Times - 2010:

1st April 2010 - 30th September: Monday - Sunday & Bank Holidays, 10 am - 6 pm
October 2010: Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
March 2011: Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
Closed: 1st November - 28th February
Closed when Lord Warden in residence 9th-11th July 2010.

Admission Prices - 2010:

Adult - £7
Child - £3.50
Seniors - £6
Family - £17.50

15% discount for groups (11+)

English Heritage members free

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.