English Heritage - Walmer Castle and Gardens - Free entry

Open on Mother's Day

Free entry

English Heritage – Walmer Castle and Gardens

7–8 March 2026, 11–15 March 2026

Free entry Family friendly Heritage Outdoors & Nature No pre-booking required

People gather around a reflective pond in a lush garden, overlooked by an old stone castle. The scene is lively and relaxed, on a clear day. — English Heritage

Offer details

There is no time quite like spring to visit the Gardens of Walmer Castle – see daffodils, snowdrops, and the new season’s shoots pushing up in the Kitchen Garden. This is the perfect day out to enjoy the yew-lined, herbaceous borders of the historic Boardwalk or the peaceful Queen Mother’s Garden. The once-lost Pleasure Grounds have been recently restored with generous support from the National Lottery players. First began in 1802, you can enjoy the newly restored paths through the woodland, evergreen planting in the Glen, and get involved with our newly restored tactile interpretation panels, natural play trail of hollow trees and climbing nets, updated multimedia guide, and volunteer led tours (subject to availability).

If you can tear yourself away from the exterior, head inside to learn more about the Duke of Wellington and see items from his life – including an early pair of Wellington boots and his chilling Death Mask. Make sure to leave time for a browse in our second-hand bookshop and a sit down in our welcoming Glasshouse Café.

Parking:

Free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. Non-members must pay. There are 5 accessible parking spaces, and disabled passengers can be dropped off at the castle entrance.

How to take part

You don’t need to book your visit in advance, but if you’d like to you can book online using code NLOPENWEEK26. Please remember to bring proof of purchase of a National Lottery game with you to show on the day. One Lottery game allows access for one adult and two children, but please book a separate ticket for each visitor.

Terms and conditions

English Heritage will be taking part in National Lottery Open Week with a special offer of Free entry

This offer will run on 7–8 March 2026, 11–15 March 2026

Booking in advance is not required.

One National Lottery ticket (physical or digital), scratchcard, or Instant Win Game will give access to One adult and two children.

Booking is not essential, but you can book your visit online using code NLOPENWEEK26.

You can redeem your free entry at participating sites only.

Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game must be presented at the admissions desk on arrival and can be either a hard-copy or digital ticket. Pre-booked tickets will not be valid without proof of purchase of a National Lottery game.

No refunds can be given retrospectively.

All National Lottery games, including National Lottery draw-based games, Instant Win Games, and National Lottery scratchcards, purchased in-store and online / via app, qualify to redeem this offer.

Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game can be either hard copy ticket or digital.

The date of draw / purchase is not relevant.

All offers are subject to availability.

English Heritage has the right to refuse entry in the unlikely event of venue / offer reaching capacity, as well as unforeseen circumstances.

In the event of queries on the day, the organisation's decision is final.

This offer is not exchangeable.