A Guide to Whitstable

A foodie haven on the north Kent coast, Whitstable has long been loved as a seaside resort. In the mid-18th century, passengers and goods began to arrive by ferry from London, with the earliest evidence of ‘bathing machines’ (modern-day beach huts designed for changing) dating back to 1768. In 1830, the movement of goods and passengers was made even more seamless when the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway Company opened the world’s first entirely steam-hauled passenger and freight railway service, later known as the Crab and Winkle Railway, thanks to the area’s fishing fame and the railway’s initials. While the last locomotive journey on the line was carried out in 1953, the route was partially resurrected in 1999, when The Crab and Winkle Line Trust facilitated the reopening of the route as a footpath and cycleway spanning 7 miles between Canterbury and Whitstable. 

Throughout history – quite literally back to the Romans – this picturesque harbour town has been known for one thing – oysters. What Cancale is to France, Whistable is to the UK. Home to The Whitstable Oyster Company, which dates back to the 1400s, this Kentish town also hosts an annual festival devoted to the mollusc – the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival. Seafood and steam trains aside, Whitstable is both indulgent and reassuringly down-to-earth. With all the charm of a salty seadog, this lively town effortlessly blends the best of both worlds – spend a morning watching the action from the working harbour, before whiling away your afternoon hopping between cosmopolitan cafes and quaint streets of weatherboarded cottages.  

Getting to Whitstable: Set on Kent’s north coast between Herne Bay and Faversham, Whitstable is easily reached by road or rail. From London, the journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes on the high-speed service from St Pancras. By car, Whitstable is well-connected via the M2 and A299, with scenic routes leading straight to the harbour and seafront.

A must-visit for cosy coastal ambience and spectacular seafood, Whitstable is teeming with wonderful things to do. From the walking on water experience of ‘The Street’ to shopping for artisanal goods at independent stores, these are our favourite things to do in Whitstable.  

• Visit the stunning Whitstable Castle & Gardens, which is just 5 minutes on foot from the harbour and has plenty of pretty spaces to explore, including a tearoom housed within an orangery. 
• Pick out your favourite beach hut at Tankerton Beach & walk the famous shingle path ‘the street’ which appears at low tide – it’s around ½ a mile long!  
• Enjoy a completely car-free seven-mile walk along the old railway line to Canterbury via the Crab & Winkle Way.  
• Get properly immersed in the local culture and lifestyle with a boat trip departing from the harbour – you can even go and visit the Maunsell Forts, a cluster of imposing World War II sea forts just a few miles offshore.   
• Take a wander to the Harbour Market and browse the various wares and produce available from the wooden huts.  
• Discover the wealth of independent shops throughout the town – some of our favourites include Ruskin for slow, ethical fashion, And Danu for fashion and accessories and The Whiting Post.  
• Pay a visit to the Whitstable Community Museum and Gallery for a charming insight into the culture and heritage of the local community.  
• Admire the iconic pastel pink facade of Wheelers Oyster Bar, where you can dine on delicious seafood inside and even BYOB of wine to enjoy alongside it.   
• Experience the art deco interiors of the Peter Cushing, a 1930s cinema-turned-Wetherspoons! The name and some of the memorabilia inside commemorate the actor Peter Cushing, who lived in Whitstable for 35 years. 
• Visit the Sea Scrub Sauna for an invigorating hot-and-cold therapy experience with stunning sea views.   

Whitstable has plenty of inviting spots to enjoy a drink, from lively pubs to laid-back seaside bars. The Smack on Middle Wall is a local favourite, converted from two fishermen’s cottages built in the 1800s with a nautical theme throughout. Just a short stroll from the harbour, it’s a great choice for real ales or a relaxed pint after exploring the town.  For something a little different, The Sea Farmers Dive, known locally as ‘The Dive’, offers a cool and contemporary taproom experience without sacrificing cosiness – a logburner crackles away in the cooler months and fairylights are strung between fishing accoutrements.

Best beaches near Whitstable

A scenic harbour town that hugs the North Kent coast, Whitstable is essentially fringed by one big beach, meaning you can’t really go wrong, whatever direction you head. With mostly shingle terrain, both Whitstable and Tankerton beaches are great for coastal walks that blow away the cobwebs. To make a day of it on a sandier stretch, head for Minnis Bay, Joss Bay or Kingsgate Bay. For a tour of the best beaches in the entire county, take a look at our Best Beaches in Kent Guide.