It's no secret that we love Whitstable, and if you don't already we're pretty sure you will too when you visit. To encourage you to put it on your 'bucket and spade list', we list 8 reasons to visit this popular seaside town.
1) Oysters.
Whitstable has long been famous for its oysters, which still play a central role in Whitstable’s commerce and culture. Native Oysters have been harvested in Whitstable since Roman times, and while these can sometimes be harder to get hold of, there are also plenty of locally grown rock oysters to be enjoyed. Where to go: Whitstable Oyster Company, Wheeler’s Oyster Bar, The Forge.
2) Seafood.
Whitstable is not just about oysters. Like any seaside town, Whitstable has its fair share of excellent fish and chip shops, and restaurants making the most of locally caught fresh fish. But it is also home to Whitstable fish market, offering all the fresh fish, seafood and shellfish you can think of, including produce from local unloading their catches just outside the door in the harbour. Where to go: Take a table upstairs in the Crab and Winkle restaurant, or try the nearby Harbour Garden Café; both with views over the harbour and out to sea. You could also take a walk up to the Tankerton Slopes, and enjoy a fresh fish dish with an uninterrupted seaview from the Marine Hotel restaurant.
3) Boat trips.
Enjoy a day sailing aboard the Thames Barge ‘Greta’, one of the oldest remaining barges left in Britain. Built in 1892, Greta was used to transport cargo along the Thames estuary, and later took part Operation Dynamo, rescuing troops from Dunkirk in 1940. Today, skipper Steve and the team offer relaxing day trips from Whitstable harbour, where, depending on conditions, you may sail out to the WWII Maunsell forts, past the wind flats, out towards Reculver towers, or up the Swale to see the seals. Bring a picnic, sit back, and relax. More info on their website.
4) Café culture.
Whitstable offers a wide variety of cafes in which to grab a coffee and a bite. Enjoy the laid back atmosphere of Tea & Times, where you can watch the world go by from the ground floor or head upstairs and enjoy some contemporary art. Relatively new in town but great for veggies is Revival Ice cream Parlour and Veggie Bar, or settle in for brunch with the family at the independent farm partnership restaurant Farm & Harper, to name but a few.
5) Accommodation.
Those looking for a hotel should head for the Marine at the top of Tankerton slopes, with all the comforts of a modern hotel, plus sea views, and feature rooms for indulgent short breaks. For bigger groups Beacon House, directly in front of the beach at Tankerton, offers a peaceful escape and memorable location for any holiday. Or, stay in the centre of town and soak up some Whitstable vibes in one of the unique fisherman’s huts, just metres from the beach.
6) Pub scene.
Whitstable enjoys a thriving pub scene, with something for everyone. A must visit is the famous Old Neptune, the pub on the beach, ideal for a pint and lunch by the sea, plus live music at weekends. Ale lovers will enjoy a stop off at the Twelve Taps craft beer bar, which also offers a wide range of gins and has a pleasant courtyard garden to the rear. For music lovers, it’s well worth keeping an eye on upcoming events at The Duke of Cumberland, whose eclectic interior is often home to some quite exciting and sometimes very well-established artists. If it’s a well-stocked bar you’re after, the New Inn is one of the best ‘back-street boozers’ we know.
7) Galleries & Museums.
Situated just yards from the beach, the Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre offers workshops and film screenings, as well as regularly changing exhibitions. The Fishslab Gallery, which hosts weekly changing exhibitions from new and emerging artists, is always worth a browse. For those looking to learn more about the area, Whitstable Museum will tell you all you need to know about how helmet diving, steam railways, oyster cultivation and Peter Cushing have all helped to make Whitstable it the town we know and love today. Art lovers should also keep their eyes peeled for street art from Whitstable's own 'Catman'.
8) Accessibility.
Just an hour from London by train, 20 minutes from Canterbury or Herne Bay, easily accessed from nearby towns via the M2 and A291, with regular bus services and ample parking, there’s no excuse not to visit. It's as easy as a, b, sea.
See you soon!