Take to the Cannons at Walmer Castle, Kent, England

Where Wellington departed

Walmer Castle entrance in the evening , Walmer Castle, Kent, England, UK

Kent undoubtedly has its fair share of castles scattered around the county, and particularly along the far east coastline.

Armed with our English Heritage cards, Gary and I ventured off to the seaside to discover Walmer Castle.

Henry VIII’s defences

Walmer Castle was built by Henry VIII between 1539/40 and was part of a chain of coastal artillery forts to be constructed along this shoreline.

The shoreline in front of the castle, Walmer Castle, Kent, England, UK

The threat of invasion from Spain and France led to three castles (Walmer, Deal & Sandown) being built along with earthwork defences in between. The King certainly wanted to make sure the British were protected.

Bastions & Cannons

English Heritage now maintains the preservation of this low-lying stronghold.

Entrance across the moat to Walmer Castle, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

Welcoming it visitors to tour not only inside its Keep but also around the four circular bastions and deep into the moat that encircles it.

Cannon pointing out to sea from Walmer Castle, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

Walmer Castle from the moat , Walmer, Kent, England, UK

It’s great fun for the family, as children are free to enjoy the freedom of the lawned moat.

Our favourite travel reads

No Photography Inside

Unfortunately no photography is allowed within the Castle.

A comfortable retreat

Although Walmer was originally built as Tudor Fortress, in 1708 the bastion was to become the official residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports.

Walmer Castle in the evening light, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

A position not to be sniffed at, as many distinguished people including the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, held this post.

Walmer Castle from across the moat, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

Therefore, Walmer Castle was to evolve over the years and was refashioned into a comfortable home.

Something to make your travels easier?

6-Port Desktop USB Charging Station
Mini Dual USB Car Adapter
Portable Charger 2 USB Ports Power Bank
Bose SoundLink Revolve, Portable Bluetooth Speaker
USB rechargeable LED Flashlight
Collapsible Water Bottle

Royalty

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, was Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports from 1978, although her stay at the castle was fairly brief, she would visit for three days every July.

Walmer Castle from the gardens, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

More Info

Entrance to Walmer Castle for an adult is £12.00 (2019) with GiftAid

Arthur Wellesley

Walmer Castle’s most celebrated resident was the Duke of Wellington. Who famously defeated Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He was also the UK Prime Minister in 1830 and briefly again in 1834.

Duke of Wellington was made Lord Warden in 1829 and claimed Walmer Castle as his favourite residence; Wellington died at Walmer on 14th September 1852.

A state funeral was held for Wellington on 18th November 1852, an honour only given to a few British subjects.

He is buried at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Duke of Wellington, City of London, London, England, UK

An interesting read

If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".

You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.

Pit the Younger

William Pitt the Younger held the post from 1792, until 1806. His niece stayed with him for three years from 1803, and it was during this time that she transformed the simple kitchen garden into a beautiful formal landscape garden, that can be seen today.

Walmer Castle from the kitchen garden, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

How to get there

You can catch a direct train from London St Pancras to Walmer Station. Additionally, if you also wanted to visit Deal Castle, this is on the same train line and the stop before to Walmer.

Kitchen Gardens

During your visit, take your time to wander amongst the attractive vegetable and fruit gardens. A lot of care and attention is taken by the gardeners, to ensure it looks attractive all year around.

The vegetable garden at Walmer Castle, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

You must also take a stroll through the greenhouses, when we were there it was like a Harvest Festival.

Inside the glasshouse, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

The harvest from the kitchen garden, Walmer Castle, Kent, England, UK

Queen Mother

In 1997, a commemorative garden was laid within the 19th-century walled garden, for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, to celebrate her 95th birthday. It has an elegant 92ft long pond (complete with fish) and an ornate classical pavilion at one end.

Have You?

Been tempted to venture to the seaside to discover Walmer Castle for yourself?

Something for the Traveller

Children's World Globe 3D Jigsaw Puzzle
Travel-Size Laundry Bag
Metallic World Globe
RFID Blocking Cards
The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World

Inspired to visit Walmer Castle?

Walmer is close to Deal on the Kent Coastline. An ideal base to explore the area.

Why not checkout the latest deals on Booking.Com?

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Our Visit to Walmer Castle, Walmer, Kent, England, UK

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About the Author

Janis

Janis, the co-founder of Our World for You, was born in London and raised in Kent and the Isle of Wight. Along with Gary her partner, they have been travelling part time since 1995. In 2016, they decided that enough was enough with the 9 to 5, so armed with the knowledge and experience that they had gained on their adventures, that they wanted to inspire others to travel the world near and far.