Fodor's Expert Review Walmer Castle and Gardens
Another of Henry VIII's coastal fortifications, this castle was converted in 1708 into a residence for the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a ceremonial honor dating back to the early Middle Ages. Made up of four round towers around a circular keep, the castle has counted many famous figures among its lord wardens, including William Pitt the Younger (1759–1806), the Duke of Wellington (1769–1852), and Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965). The small museum here homes in on Wellington (who lived here from 1829 until his death), telling the story of his victory at Waterloo through a rather random selection of memorabilia, including an original pair of Wellington boots, which the duke is credited with inventing.
Visitors can enter the drawing and dining rooms of the castle (except when the lord warden is in residence) and explore the eight acres of award-winning gardens that surround the fortification. These include the Glen, a planted former chalk quarry that's... READ MORE
Another of Henry VIII's coastal fortifications, this castle was converted in 1708 into a residence for the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a ceremonial honor dating back to the early Middle Ages. Made up of four round towers around a circular keep, the castle has counted many famous figures among its lord wardens, including William Pitt the Younger (1759–1806), the Duke of Wellington (1769–1852), and Sir Winston Churchill (1874–1965). The small museum here homes in on Wellington (who lived here from 1829 until his death), telling the story of his victory at Waterloo through a rather random selection of memorabilia, including an original pair of Wellington boots, which the duke is credited with inventing.
Visitors can enter the drawing and dining rooms of the castle (except when the lord warden is in residence) and explore the eight acres of award-winning gardens that surround the fortification. These include the Glen, a planted former chalk quarry that's now open for the first time in a century, and the sprawling lavender gardens, which come with gorgeous ocean views. The castle is about two miles south of Deal town center.
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