family days out in kent

Walmer Castle

Originally built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe,Walmer Castle has evolved over time into an elegant residence. Walmer Castle became the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1708. It is easy to imagine why the Duke of Wellington, who held the post of Lord Warden for 23 years, enjoyed his time here so much. Wellington's spirit still lives on at Walmer Castle, where the armchair in which he died on 14 September 1852 can still be seen. His campaign bed also remains on display as a testament to his spartan tastes, along with a pair of original 'Wellington boots' and a great many personal effects in the fascinating on-site Wellington museum. Successive Lords Warden have left their mark on Walmer Castle's buildings and gardens. Thus Lady Hester Stanhope used local militia to create new landscaping as a surprise for her uncle, Lord Warden William Pitt: while Lord Warden W. H. Smith - member of the famous stationer's family - saved many of the valuable furnishings now on display. In recent years, Lords Warden have been provided with private apartments above the gatehouse, and both Sir Robert Menzies (former Australian Prime Minister) and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother made regular visits to the castle. Some of the rooms used by the Queen Mother are open to visitors, as is her magnificent garden, given to Her Majesty on her 95th birthday. The beautiful gardens surrounding the house also include a commemorative lawn, woodland walk, croquet lawn and a working kitchen garden. The remainder of the grounds are mostly wildlife gardens, a great place to spot birds.  Admiral the Lord Boyce GCB OBE DL Is the current Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports and the Constable of Dover Castle, he joined the Royal Navy in 1961 and rose to the position of First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, in 1998. Lord Boyce served as Chief of the Defence Staff and Aide-de-Camp to H.M. the Queen from 2001, and was created a Life Peer ( with the title Baron Boyce). The Lord Warden was appointed in July 2004 by The Queen and on advice of the Prime Minister and installed in office, at a session of the Grand Court of Shepway held in Dover, on Tuesday 12th April 2005.

Home-made lunches and teas are available at the Lord Warden's Tearoom, and the well-stocked gift shop is worth a visit. An audio tour is available and plants are on sale. There is a pleasant cycle path along the beachfront between Deal and Walmer Castles. What are the opening times?

Dates Opening Times Opening Days 21 Mar-30 Sep. 10am-6pm. Closes at 4pm on Sat Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun. 1-31 Oct 10am-4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun. Closed 1 Nov-28 Feb 1-31 Mar 10am-4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun. Closed 11-13 Jul when Lord Warden in residence

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