Walmer Castle and Gardens

School Visits

Discover famous figures such as the Duke of Wellington and William Pitt the Younger and learn more about local history in a fun and engaging way.  Plus, use our new learning centre and teaching resources to explore Walmer Castle's gardens and woodland.

Curriculum links

Step back in time and explore the history of Walmer Castle.

  • KS1-3 History: Local history study
  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in the locality
  • KS1-2 Science: Working scientifically; plants; animals; living things and their habitats
  • KS1-2 Geography: Geographical skills and fieldwork
  • KS2 History: A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils' chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: Development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509–1745; ideas, political power, industry and empire in Britain 1745–1901

Free Self-Led Visits

Enjoy a free self-led visit to Walmer Castle and Gardens and plan your day to suit your curriculum needs. Borrow our free Treasure Boxes to find out more about the significant figures who lived at the castle. Specifically designed for KS1 and KS2, they are filled with information, activities and handling items to help bring the past to life. Explore the extensive grounds of this historic castle to learn about living things and their habitats, and the many plants. Plus, take inspiration from the gardens for Art and Design projects.

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Outdoor learning at Walmer Castle

Our new learning centre, made possible thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is open. The centre has been specially designed to enable schools to explore and discover the magnificent gardens and woodland at Walmer Castle. Entry is free, and our online and on-site teaching resources will help support KS1 and KS2 science and geography with interactive and sensory learning experiences. 

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Plan your visit

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: There is free parking available on site for cars, minibuses and two coaches. There is also off-site coach parking close to the property.
    • TOILETS: There are male, female and disabled toilets in the garden adjacent to the Learning Centre.
    • SHOP: There is a well-stocked shop on site which sells a range of books and gifts.
    • LUNCH: Groups are welcome to bring a packed lunch with them; there are designated picnic areas around the gardens. There is also a café located in the Kitchen Garden.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Access for wheelchair users is confined to the ground floor of the house and the gatehouse. Wheelchair users can also visit most of the gardens along gravelled paths. The main access point from the House to the gardens may not be practical for those with disabilities, please speak to a member of staff, who will be able to show you an alternative route. The stairs leading to the upper floors are easy to climb. Wheelchairs are available on request.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments. 

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-June: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • July-August: Monday-Sunday 10-6pm
    • September-October: Monday-Sunday 10-5pm
    • 1 November-5 November: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • 6 November-11 February: Saturday-Friday 10-4pm. Discovery Visits available Monday-Friday
    • 12 February-18 February: Monday-Friday 10-4pm
    • 19 February-28 March: Wednesday-Friday 10-4pm. Discovery Visits available Wednesdays and Fridays

Learning Resources

  • Walmer Castle and Gardens Explorer Trail (KS1-KS2)

    Follow in the footsteps of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports to discover Walmer Castle's gardens and grounds. 

  • Walmer Castle Outdoor Learning Kit (KS1-KS3)

    Use our historical information, sources and suggested activities to explore the outdoor spaces at Walmer Castle. 

  • Local Learning: Deal Castle and Walmer Castle

    Discover the unique historic environment around Walmer Castle with our suggested reading, activities and video resources. 

  • Teaching Tudors and Stuarts

    This guide to teaching Tudors and Stuarts includes advice from our educational experts and historians as well as suggested activities to try with your students in the classroom or on a school trip. 

  • Teaching the Victorians

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of the Victorians.

  • Postcard from Walmer Castle

    Take to the skies above Walmer Castle to discover the site and its surroundings.