Near Canterbury Is A Quaint Coastal Town With Beach Beauty, Tasty Eats, And A Castle With Award-Winning Gardens

The English county of Kent is known for its storied history, beautiful countryside, and ocean views. Home to tourist destinations such as Canterbury Cathedral, the area is also a seaside getaway thanks to coasts dotted with white cliffs, pebble beaches, and centuries-old castles. The charming town of Walmer, about a 40-minute train ride from Canterbury, is a quiet locale offering lovely beachside walks, traditional English meals, and a stunning castle garden.

Walmer's coastline has calming views of blue skies and ocean that stretch for miles, and on a clear day you might even glimpse France across the English Channel. Picturesque fishing boats rest on the shore, with England's chalky cliffs as a background. Like most beaches in Kent, Walmer's waterfront has colorful pebbles rather than sand. Travelers up for a morning ramble along the water's edge can stroll all the way from Walmer Castle into the town of Deal, then on to a tiered flower garden — the site of the former Sandown Castle. 

Walmer's history spans thousands of years. It was a possible landing site when Julius Caesar invaded England in 55 B.C., and a key defensive location during King Henry VIII's quarrels with continental European powers in the 1500s. Today, its paddling pool, go-karts, and mini golf draw families on vacation, while Walmer Castle attracts history buffs and garden enthusiasts.

Walmer Castle was built in the mid-1500s for Henry VIII, as a defense against possible invasion from across the English Channel, making it much newer than Kent's Dover Castle or Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. Walmer Castle housed soldiers for centuries before transforming into a beautifully landscaped home for royally appointed officials. The fort is still used as the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. 

While the fortress's interior is closed (as of October 2026) for extensive conservation measures, the 8-acre grounds are open with a discounted ticket price. Visitors can trace the garden's development over hundreds of years, from the first kitchen garden for growing vegetables – established by captains of the garrison stationed there in the early 1700s – to the reflecting pool and sculptural arches created for the Queen Mother's birthday in the late 1990s. In 2025, Walmer Castle and Gardens won awards for its environmental efforts and free Wildlife Walks. 

Highlights of the carefully tended landscapes include the Broad Walk, a stately garden lined with yew hedges; the Paddock, a meadow of wildflowers; and the recently restored Glen, with wooden steps leading down into a serene natural area. Children will enjoy exploring the Woodland Walk's wiggly bridges and playing in giant, hollow tree trunks, while adults can learn more about the property on weekly garden tours or unwind by attending an outdoor yoga session.

After touring the castle grounds, visitors can head to Walmer's main thoroughfare, the Strand, to grab a traditional English breakfast or American pancakes at Goose on the Green, which gets rave reviews from diners. The café uses locally sourced ingredients and offers vegan and vegetarian options, too. Walmer Fish & Chips is just down the road, offering takeouts that many visitors describe as the best they've ever had. It also has gluten-free options made in a separate fryer to avoid cross contamination. Travelers seeking the comfort of a cozy pub can head a little further from the beach to Thompsons Bell, a pub that offers Sunday roasts, burgers, and curry along with darts. 

There are a handful of inns in Walmer, with additional options walking distance away in Deal, which has antique shops and a castle perched right on the water. Travelers who want a luxury experience can reserve Walmer Castle's Greenhouse Apartment, which includes free admission to all English Heritage locations during your stay as well as a welcome basket with treats such as tea, marmalade, cheese, and wine. 

If you prefer to take a day trip to Walmer, then spend the night in Canterbury, a historical city which is an easy day trip from London. Explore the cathedral before heading down to Walmer to relax by the sea.