Located just 5 miles from Canterbury, Whitstable is the perfect place to sample a traditional British seaside holiday, complete with fish and chips on the beach, and lazy days spent exploring rock pools, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Hop on the bus or train to Canterbury, however, and you'll find yourself in the heart of a bustling, historic city, in complete contrast to Whitstable itself.
Most visitors to Whitstable come to get away from it all, and enjoy a slower pace of life by the coast. For those looking for a more active adventure, though, there's no shortage of activities, both in Whitstable itself, and the surrounding area, so read on for some of the very best things to do in Whitstable.
Shop local in the town centre
Whitstable's traditional main street is both picturesque and packed with things to see and do. The pretty little wooden houses near the harbour will make you feel a bit like you've stepped back in time, and that's true of the shopping on the main street, too. There's an excellent array of independent boutiques, vintage and antique stores, plus enough restaurants and coffee shops to make sure you'll never have to hear your stomach rumble. An antidote to more modern town centres and impersonal malls, Whitstable is the kind of place that will make you fall in love with shopping again.
Have a day at the beach
The beaches around Whitstable are some of the best in England, and there are also plenty of them to choose from. Whitstable Beach Front, with its colourful beach huts, will probably be your first port of call, but Tankerton Beach, just along the coast, is a little quieter, but still popular with visitors. Sit on Tankerton Slopes, with your back to the beach huts, or stroll along the promenade with an ice cream, enjoying beach life as it used to be.
Take a stroll down The Street
At low tide, a slice of Tankerton Beach's shingle shore becomes exposed, creating a natural walkway between the tides. Known simply as 'The Street', it's uniquely atmospheric, and whether you choose to walk The Street yourself, or simply sit and observe it from the beach, it's definitely an experience you won't forget.
Explore the harbour
It sometimes feels like all roads in Whitstable lead eventually to the busy little harbour: not that you'll be complaining, of course! This working harbour is filled with all of the sights and sounds of a bustling seaside town, and is a real treat for the senses: particularly the tastebuds, when it comes to sampling some of the seafood that arrives here by fishing boat. The Harbour Market is a showcase of local food and artistic talent, and operates five days per week, so there's always something new to see.
Spend some time at the museum
If you've found yourself starting to fall in love with this pretty little coastal town, Whitstable Community Museum and Gallery is the place to go to find out more about Whitstable's history and culture. For instance, did you know the world's first diving helmet was invented here? Find out all about it, plus exciting stories of shipwrecks, railroads, and everything else that has made Whitstable what it is today.
Explore Whitstable Castle and Gardens
Built in the late 18th century, Whitstable Castle enjoys a seafront view just five minutes from the Harbour. It has a popular tearoom, offering afternoon tea and other refreshments, a play area, and extensive ornamental gardens, which are the perfect place to while away an afternoon in the sun.
Get your fill of arts and culture at the Horsebridge Centre
The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre is housed in a unique building in Whitstable's Horsebridge Road, and hosts exhibitions by local artists, plus classes for children, film screenings and more. There's also a cafe where you can refuel once you've had your fill of the arts!
Unusual things to do in Whitstable
Take part in an Outdoor Treasure Hunt
It may seem like a sleepy little town, but if you're feeling adventurous, an outdoor treasure hunt is a unique way to see Whitstable on foot. Solve clues, discover landmarks, and, above all, have fun, as you explore the town, getting to see some of the sights that most tourists would generally pass right by.
Hop aboard a historic sailing barge
One of the finest sights at Whitstable Harbour is The Greta: a Thames sailing barge which took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk, and is one of the oldest vessels of its kind still in operation. Greta offers charters and day trips from Whitstable Harbour, and you can even help sail her as you go!
Try some water sports
Paddle-boarding, jet ski, sailing and power boating are all available from Oyster Coast Watersports, and offer the chance to see the Kent coast from a completely different perspective - and at high speed, if you dare!
Set sail to see the Maunsell Forts
One of the most popular boat trips from Whitstable is to the Maunsell Sea Forts: armed guard towers built to defend the Thames Estuary during the Second World War. There are various tours available which will take you past the eerie abandoned structures, however you won't be able to go inside, so get your cameras at the ready!
The best restaurants in Whitstable
It would be impossible to write a guide to Whitstable without including food. The town is most famous for its oysters, which are some of the best in the world, but you'll find all kinds of seafood on offer - most of it locally sourced, as you'd expect - plus other dining experiences.
Enjoy fresh oysters at Wheelers Oyster Bar
A Whitstable staple, Wheelers Oyster Bar sits on the main street, in a distinctive pink-painted building which is as popular with local Instagrammers as it is with diners. Founded in 1856, it's one of the restaurants most synonymous with the town, and is a must-see: if you don't want to sit inside, however, you can also pick up a picnic box and take it to the beach.
Take tapas at Harbour Street
Harbour Street Tapas brings a touch of the Med to sunny Kent with a mouthwatering menu that looks every bit as good as it tastes. A relative newcomer to the Whitstable scene, it's already proved popular with locals and tourists alike, and is close to the harbour, so you can walk off your dinner with a sunset stroll.
Eat ice cream by the beach
Arriving outside Sundae Sundae, you probably won't know what to do first: take a photo of the cute retro exterior, or go right inside to browse the amazing array of ice-cream on offer. (Top tip: do both. Well, you are on holiday, after all...)
Enjoy the best of pub grub
A trip to the British seaside wouldn't be complete without a plate of fish and chips in a traditional pub, and The Twelve Taps is happy to deliver. In the same family since the 1950s, the pub is a step back in time in the best way possible, and the perfect place to end your trip to Whitstable with a friendly pint or two.
Take tea in the Tudor Tea Rooms
With its appropriately Tudor exterior, the Tudor Tea Rooms certainly lives up to its name, offering sweet treats and speciality teas in an atmospheric location. In summertime only you can choose to take your tea in the Tea Garden, and make the most of the sunshine - if there is some!
FAQs
How long do you need in Whitstable?
As long as you like! The town is popular day trip from London by train, and it's definitely possible to experience the best of what it has to offer in 24 hours or less, starting with a stroll around the harbour, and ending with dinner in one of Whitstable's famous oyster bars. If you really want to make the most of your visit, and either venture off the beaten track, or explore some of the surrounding area, however, you might find a day is not enough, so a long weekend might be a better option for your stay.
Is Whitstable expensive?
Whitstable is one of the most expensive places to live in Kent: possibly because it's recent been ranked the most popular seaside town in the UK. While it might cost a lot to move there, however, prices for food and drink, plus the other expenses you're likely to incur on a day trip shouldn't be too different from the rest of England, so it's definitely possible to visit on a budget.
What's Whitstable famous for?
Whitstable has long been famous for its oysters, and is one of the best places in the UK to sample a range of amazing seafood. These days, it's also well-known as the quintessential seaside town, with visitors choosing to stroll around the market or spend the day at the beach, before eating at one of the town's many restaurants. One of the best things about Whitstable is that, despite its vibrant, lively feel, and popularity with tourists, it's not too commercialised, retaining the look and feel of a coastal town from days gone by.
