WELLBEING AT WALMER
At Walmer Castle and Gardens, we offer a wide range of wellbeing activities to suit all ages, abilities and interests. Set against the backdrop of our beautiful gardens and seaside estate, take part in activities such as Yoga, Art and Crafts, Writing, and Meditation, among many other designed to enrich your life both physically and mentally!
Please contact the team at WalmerCastleWellbeing@english-heritage.org.uk for any enquiries regarding the Wellbeing programme.
Morning Flow Yoga
Flow slowly and breathe deeply in this Hatha style class. Combining breath and gentle flowing movement to invigorate and strengthen the body, while creating presence to calm the mind. Suitable for all experience levels.
Thursdays, 9-10am. Sessions provided by Anchor Yoga.
£10 for a drop in. £40 for a 5-week block (£8 per class) to be used consecutively. Unattended classes will still be counted. All sessions to be booked and paid for in advance.
Book nowArt Club
Led by experienced illustrator and art teacher, you are invited to explore and develop artistic techniques, composition and themes in whatever medium you prefer. Using the castle, gardens and landscape as inspiration, you will work alongside other budding artists to in your chosen materials, through demonstrations, instruction and feedback.
No prior experience or skills are required. The club is open to all whether you are a complete beginner or interested in refining your technique. Please bring your own materials, however basic tools such as paper and pencils will be available.
Every other Wednesday 3-5pm, starting 21st February
Tuesday Evening Yoga
Yoga helps us develop awareness, create space, bring freedom and strength to the body, calm the mind, and feed the soul.
Sessions at Walmer Castle consist of sequences of asana (yoga postures), building heat and creating flow in a moving meditation, with a focus on pranayama (breathing), precision, alignment, and safe practice.
Sessions take place in the Learning Centre or, if good weather permits, in Walmer Castle's beautiful gardens. Yoga equipment is available to borrow, but you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Sessions provided by Bright Skies. Please email for dates and times.
Email to enquireCandlelit Yin and Yoga Nidra Evening
Join Anchor Yoga for an evening of candle lit Yin yoga and yoga Nidra to help you relax and unwind. Yin is a slow-paced style of yoga that promotes passive stretching and relaxation. It works deeply into the body with longer held poses using blankets, blocks and bolsters for support. The evening will be ended with yoga Nidra, a form of guided meditation that encourages rest and calms the mind. Suitable for all experience levels.
First Thursday of the month, 6.30 – 8pm. Sessions provided by Anchor Yoga.
£15 per session. All sessions to be booked and paid for in advance.
Book nowSound Bath Meditation
Immerse in sound for an hour of sound bath meditation with gongs, monochord, singing bowls, harmonic voice and other instruments. A sound bath is often a very effective tool to reach deeply relaxing, meditative states that can have a positive impact on mental and physical health.
Sessions provided by Sound Emergence.
Sessions will take place on the second Thursday of the month, 6.30pm-8pm unless otherwise advertised.
Book NowTai Chi & Qigong
Tai Chi is an ancient, foundational practice of health and wellbeing. Thought to release and enhance energy levels and boost vitality, these sessions will explore the fundamental elements of Tai Chi and Qigong.
Suitable for all ages and abilities, you will learn how to release mental and physical tension, develop breathing techniques for health and meditation, open and connect to the body, develop balance and stability whilst standing and moving, and live consciously in the body.
Sessions provided by David Willis.
Sessions will take place on Sundays monthly, 10am-1pm.
Move - Breathe - Chill
Discover your body's natural rhythm in the gardens of Walter Castle. Engage in dynamic stretching, animal crawls, and bodyweight exercises in our Natural Movement Session. Dive into ancient breath techniques and meditation in the Breathwork Session. Then, experience the invigorating benefits of cold water therapy in the controlled environment of a Cold Water Immersion Session in an ice bath. All fitness levels welcome. Sessions include complimentary refreshments. Join us for an afternoon of holistic rejuvenation!
First Saturday of every month from 1pm until 6.30pm
Book nowBook Club
Focusing on poems and short stories, join us to discuss the ideas, themes and content of the texts. The discussion is open to all and everyone is invited to contribute – all thoughts are welcome! Please contact WalmerCastleWellbeing@english-heritage.org.uk for the planned reading list or to organise a copy of the texts.
Every other Wednesday 3-4pm, starting 28th February
Book NowOutdoor Ecstatic Dance
Ecstatic Dance is self-expression through free form dance and movement. It's an embodiment practice connecting heart, mind, body and soul. It's a space where you can be authentically you and allow what comes as the music takes you on a journey. No experience necessary.
Sessions provided by Ecstatic Dance Folkestone.
Sessions will take place on the third Thursday of the month, 6.30pm-8pm unless otherwise advertised.
Book NowUnder 5's Morning
An opportunity for parents and carers of children under 5 to bring their little ones, enjoy a hot drink, biscuit and a chat, and watch their children take part in activities such as story time, colouring and crafts.
Please be advised that children must be supervised at all times, and you are welcome to bring your own snacks and activities.
Every other Friday 9-10am, starting 15th March
Writing Group
Get inspired by ideas, themes, prompts and techniques, and join us as we respond in words and learn from others through your preferred format. Sonnets, short stories or haiku – the list is endless and all welcome!
Every other Friday 9-10am, starting 23rd February
Craft Club
All crafts welcome! Bring your current project, your work in progress, and your materials to meet and chat with other crafters over a cup of tea and biscuits whilst you work. Embroidery, miniature painting, crochet, latch hook, diamond painting - the list is endless and open to all.
Every other Thursday 3-4pm, starting 29th February
