Set in eight acres of heirloom gardens, the Tudor fortress of Walmer Castle was built on the orders of Henry VIII. Walmer Castle, originally designed as an artillery fort to defend Kent's coast, the castle later became home for the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports. One of whom was the Duke of Wellington. A reminder of his residence being a pair of original Wellington Boots.
Walmer Castle's gardens date mainly from the 1790s and 1860s and comprise of land split evenly between parkland and formal ornamental gardens. One of which is the Queen Mother's Garden, they add relaxing area as part of the wider kitchen gardens. Incorporating a 92-foot-long pool, a viewing mound, and a classical pavilion.
The two glasshouses have been restored, functioning as cold greenhouses, while the remainder of the kitchen garden is planted with a mixture of vegetables, fruit trees and flowers
Walmer Castle retains most of its original 16th-century structure, with a broad keep, 83 feet across, at the centre, flanked by four rounded bastions, one of which served as a gatehouse, and a moat, surrounded in turn by a curtain wall.
Its curved walls are 15 feet thick. The original castle formed a transitional design between older medieval English castles and newer Italian styles of defence.
The array of fruit in the heirloom orchards includes apples and pears can trace their origins to pre 1300. The majority of fruit types are authentic to the region, originating from the Kent area. Varieties on display include historic species such as the ‘Blenheim Orange’ apple, dating from the 1700s.
A pleasant walk along the coastal path to Kingsdown, and you'll discover the Zetland Arms. The restaurant is below par, offering a mediocre uninspired and over priced menu. Service is poor with long waiting times, unfriendly staff, and disorganized management. However, the Zetland is a pleasant and relaxed location at which to sit, enjoy a pint set against a scenic beachside backdrop, and the invigorating sea air. Although the restaurant should be avoided, the pub its self is well worth the stop for a drink.
Further up the coast is Deal. A pretty Kentish seas side town that feels like a step back in time. The town has a long maritime history, it's location, where the English Channel meets the North Sea is why Deal boatmen have had to master severe tidal conditions, making them internationally famous for their skilled seamanship and bravery.
The town boasts several museums, a pier, Navy yard and barracks, plus a vast amount of celebrated pubs and fish n chip shops. But simply walking around the town, taking in the architecture will easily fill your day.
A hidden gem is a converted old coach house on Sondes Road known as The Courtyard Bar and Restaurant.
A comfortably chic restaurant which showcases an array of local seafood, cocktails, wine and occasionally live music. If you're looking for a quality menu that's value for money, and hidden away from the crowds, TCY is the perfect choice.
On a hot sunny Kentish day, The Courtyard's exceptional desserts are a must.
