Walmer Castle was built as an artillery fort on the orders of King Henry VIII and subsequently developed into a country house for some of the most powerful people in our history, it has over eight acres of award-winning gardens.

The castle is the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports who have included the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother. Inside the castle are stories from the castle's past and some remarkable objects, including a pair of original Wellington Boots. This year the private apartments of the Lord Warden have been opened to the public for the first time.

The gardens should be coming into bloom at this time of year, with a formal garden, flower-filled borders, a kitchen garden, wildflower meadows, shady woodland walks, the restored glen garden and the striking yew cloud hedge.

Details of the castle are at www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/walmer-castle-and-gardens, admission fees apply if you are not an English Heritage member.

The event leader is a volunteer with English Heritage at the castle and will help you make the most of your day.

There will be some specific events during the day:

• 11am - Tudor Tour; a tour of the castle focussing on it's origins as a Tudor artillery fort. This tour takes you to a part of the castle not normally open to the public. Only 8 places available, register for the tour on arrival and message the event leader in advance.
• 1pm - Lunch in the gardens (weather permitting), food available on site or bring your own.
• 2pm - Tudor Tour; details as above.
• 3:30pm - Talk by the event leader about Lord Beauchamp and his gay scandal.

After the visit you may want to visit the quirky town of Deal which reached the peak of its importance as a maritime settlement during the Georgian era where the event leader can recommend places to eat and drink. There is plenty to see in the area if you want to make a weekend of it.