When we decided to spend the summer in England, we set our sights on the seaside. We imagined cool coastal breezes, waterfront promenades, gardens bursting with color and sensational seafood.
With minimal research, we made Whitstable one of our destinations – and it absolutely hit the mark. After traveling to Eastbourne to hike the famous Seven Sisters Cliffs, Whitstable was the perfect place to relax.
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A quintessential beach town on the North Sea, Whitstable boasts a long coastline with rows of pastel-painted beach huts and an obsession for oysters.
With the curving High Street lined with boutiques, a gorgeous castle and a classic beachfront hosting an artisan market, the town is slightly posh, but without any sense of arrogance.
We quickly settled in for a nearly 3-week stay and took our time discovering all the best things to do in Whitstable.
Whether you are on a day trip from London or spending a week on the seaside, you can use our suggestions to plan your trip!
Best Things To Do in Whitstable, England
Our list highlights what to do in Whitstable, UK – from dipping your toes into the water to sipping local beers while listening to live bands.
Additionally, we offer tips for trip logistics – like how to get there and where to stay. We also share a map of attractions to help you get acquainted with the town.
#1 Soak Up the Sun at Whitstable Beach
When the sun is shining, there is no better place in Whitstable than the beach. The shoreline is segmented by wooden groins, creating a series of nooks where you can spread out a blanket or set up some chairs.
The beach in Whitstable doesn’t have sand; instead, it is comprised of smooth pebbles. They are a bit uncomfortable to walk on, so bring swim shoes.
By mid-July, the air was warm and the sea was just the right temperature for a refreshing swim – so go ahead and wade in!
#2 Indulge in Cream Tea at Whitstable Castle
Well hidden on a hill in a shroud of trees, Whitstable Castle is easy to miss, but trust us, it’s a must-see sight!
Small but elegant, the castle is a testament to the town’s thriving past. The history of the castle dates to the year 1790 when it was built as the private residence of a wealthy merchant.
Throughout the years, the estate passed to new owners, was expanded and, eventually, left in ruins. The town then took ownership in the 1950s and renovated it back to its former glory.
Today, the castle hosts a lovely tearoom, where they serve Cream Tea, Afternoon Tea and a selection of lunch sandwiches.
Even if you don’t go to dine, it’s worth walking around the grounds. The Italian garden on the east side of the castle is especially charming. With shaded benches and blossoming flowers, it’s simply idyllic.
#3 Walk the Scenic Shore by Whitstable Beach Huts
The shore that extends to the east of the harbor is Tankerton Beach – and it’s one of our favorite places in Whitstable for a long walk along the water.
The wide promenade is part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. The paved walking trail is sandwiched between the shingle beach and the colorful huts that are stacked along Tankerton Slope.
On a clear day, you can see the distant wind turbines standing in the water and the Maunsell Sea Forts, which were built during World War II.
At low tide, it’s possible to walk out on ‘The Street’ – a naturally-occurring, exposed strip of pebbles that extends into the water like a red carpet.
#4 Find Unique Wares on Whitstable High Street
The humming center of the community, this snaking road is lined with ancient buildings – some of which date to medieval times.
Among the many restaurants, pubs and cafes on the street, you will also find locally owned boutiques, artist galleries and vintage shops.
Even though we aren’t big shoppers, we were lured into stores selling funky lobster lamp shades, galleries displaying painted oyster shells and shops selling second-hand beach decor.
#5 Experience the Sea Scrub Sauna
Situated right on the beachfront, Sea Scrub Sauna is a fascinating activity. Inspired by Scandinavian culture, the wood-burning sauna is meant to be a social space as well as therapeutic.
Then, when you’re ready to cool down, plunge into a barrel of cold water! As our trip to Whitstable was during an unusual warm spell, we skipped the sauna – but we believe it would be feel glorious in cooler weather.
#6 Feast on Whitstable Oysters
It’s not possible to write about the best Whitstable things to do without talking about oysters. Seriously, oh-so-many shellfish!
For more than 2,000 years, mollusks have been dredged from the Whitstable seabed. During the mid-19th century, it’s said the town supplied Billingsgate Market in London with 80 million oysters in a single year.
Today, both Pacific rock and native oysters are cultivated and harvested just off shore and evidence of the industry is scattered around the harbor.
While I don’t particularly enjoy oysters, I would have regretted not taking part in the local cuisine during our Whitstable trip.
Rather than slurping them down raw, I went for the grilled option at the sea-facing Whitstable Oyster Company. Quite pricey, the slimy shellfish were palatable when cooked, drenched in truffle butter and chased with crisp white wine!
Of course, there are plenty of places to get a taste of oysters in Whitstable. If I could have gathered the courage, I would have tried them freshly shucked at The Forge.
There, you can get a single raw rock oyster (rather than by the half dozen) – and they even offer them at a bargain price during the early evening happy hour.
I had Wheelers Oysters Bar in mind if I wanted to try them fried. A High Street institution, Wheelers opened in the pastel-pink building in 1856 – and their Guinness-battered, deep-fried oysters are a specialty.
#7 Stop by the Whitstable Harbour Market
Even though it’s quite small, this marketplace packs a punch with a variety of vendors sharing their creations.
On a sunny summer Saturday, we found everything from tasty, prepared foods to bespoke jewelry to hand-painted postcards.
We believe it’s one of the best places to pick up a souvenir…and maybe a snack, too. Try the sausage roll or Scotch egg from Polly’s Pies. We’re still dreaming of these tasty little bites!
For additional options, head into South Quay Shed. The modern space is just steps away and features several individual food kiosks under one roof.
For more fun, look for the weekend pop-ups on High Street. We stumbled onto two weekend markets: one in front of St. Alphege Church and another at Umbrella Community Center.
Not to be missed, however, is We Sell By the Sea, an indoor marketplace showcasing independent traders in a bright and fun space.
#8 Learn about the Past at the Whitstable Museum
We saved the Whitstable Community Museum and Gallery for a rainy afternoon…but that opportunity never materialized. All the same, we wanted to include it, especially for families traveling with kids.
Located in an 18th century building, the displays focus on the towns maritime past, as well as its locomotive accomplishments. Plus, exhibits celebrating actor Peter Cushing, who once made Whitstable his home.
With hands-on activities (like the Museum Trail) and intriguing artifacts (such as the Invicta steam train), we think it would be a great place to spend a couple of hours.
#9 Seek Out Street Art
Whitstable’s artistic flair is undeniable. From galleries to market vendors, it’s quite apparent that the art community thrives in this beach town.
What intrigued us most, however, was the abundant (and completely unexpected) street art. The most notable murals are by Kent artist, Catman.
Thought-provoking and often humorous, it’s well worth taking some time to seek out the stenciled works.
Our favorite is of the late Queen Elizabeth II on a hovercraft with her corgis – called They See Me Rollin. You can find it to the left of Boots on High Street.
#10 Listen to Live Music
The first evening we walked through town, our ears perked up as we heard live music floating through the open windows of multiple pubs.
Apparently, Whitstable has a flourishing live music scene – and we were happy to partake! From acoustic sets to local bands, there are plenty of fun places to catch a show.
Some of the spots that regularly host liver performances are The Pearson’s Arms, Smack Inn, Royal Navy Reserve and Old Neptune.
#11 Sip Local Beer at a Whitstable Beach Bar
We find it hard to resist a cold beer on a warm day – especially when it is locally produce and served right on the beach!
Whitstable Oyster Brewing is a small batch nano brewery housed in Victorian-era stables just a stone’s throw from the sea. They produce a range of styles, from traditional English bitters to modern IPAs.
We wandered into their taproom – The Sea Farmer’s Dive – on more than one occasion to sample their suds…and never left disappointed.
The Old Neptune (or The Neppy, as locals call it) is a Whitstable landmark. Standing since the late 19th century, the pub literally spills out onto the shore.
A Shepherd Neame pub since 2013, they pour the brewery’s collection of Whitstable Bay beers, as well as cask ales and contemporary creations.
#12 Walk (or Bike) the Crab and Winkle Way
There are ample walking paths in Whitstable, but none are as historically interesting (or fun to say) as the Crab and Winkle Way!
The 7.5-mile paved path follows the route of the historic Canterbury and Whitstable Railway line. Opened in 1830 to connect the two towns, the train line served as the first passenger railway in Southern England.
The Crab and Winkle Way, as it is so affectionally called, closed in 1952. As a nod to its significance, a path was established along the same route.
Today, the trail is popular with both cyclists and walkers, as it navigates through open fields and dense forests.
On my jaunt along the route, I walked about halfway to Canterbury on the path from Whitstable to Clowes Woods. (To get all the way to Canterbury, we took the bus!)
#13 Adventure Out to Sea on a Boat Trip
Want to really see the sea? Join one of the many boat tours that depart from Whitstable Harbour and gain a new perspective.
Tours range from quick 20-minute excursions to seal spotting outings to longer boat trips that head for the Maunsell Sea Forts that stand in the water like alien invaders.
You can even embark on a journey in a vintage lifeboat or navigate the Kentish coast aboard the Thames Sailing Barge Greta on a full day trip.
#14 Hop a Train to more Seaside Spots
Those staying in Whitstable longer than a day can see more of the Kent coast. Services depart regularly heading east to the Isle of Thanet, where you can disembark in classic resort towns like Broadstairs and Margate.
In fact, the two are connected by the Viking Coastal Trail. Highlights of our coastal walk were the sandy beaches in Broadstairs, the North Foreland Lighthouse, Kingsgate Bay Beach and Neptune’s Tower, the Chalk Stacks at Botany Bay and the harbor in Margate.
Whitstable Travel Tips
Now that you’re ready to hit the coast, we have a few important pieces of advice for your Whitstable getaway.
Where To Eat
Don’t worry, there is more to eat in Whitstable than oysters. Locals pointed us in the direction of some of the best bites, and now we’re sharing them with you!
Nomad Pizza
A little takeaway spot on the High Street, Nomad Pizza makes such a good pie that we ate there twice. Our favorite is the Rambo and the dough balls with garlic butter are impossible to resist!
Please Sir
We were lured into Please Sir by their fun menu of award-winning smash burgers – and they exceeded our expectations. If you are looking for sides, stick with the standard and order the fries.
Grain and Hearth
This family-run artisan bakery specializes in delicious sourdough breads and tasty sandwiches. The secret is out though, so expect a queue on weekends!
Wheelers
We already mentioned Wheelers for beer battered oysters, but the iconic seafood restaurant has so much more to offer.
The grab-and-go crab-and-prawn tart is exceptional and we heard that the dine-in tasting menu is divine. Just be sure to make reservations!
Where To Stay in Whitstable
As we were house- and pet-sitting, we didn’t need to find accommodations. That said, if we did return, we would stay at Hotel Continental or in one of their Fisherman’s Huts.
Hotel Continental is situated between the harbor and Tankerton Beach. Newly renovated (but with historic touches), it offers sea-facing rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar.
The incredibly unique Fisherman’s Huts – which were originally built to store fishing gear – have a 150-year history and are ideally located right on Whitstable Beach.
How To Get to Whitstable
From London, Southeastern Railway trains depart for Whitstable from Victoria. The ride takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
To reach Whitstable from Canterbury, it’s just a 40-minute ride on the Stagecoach South East #400 or #401.
Whitstable Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our map of Whitstable below.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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